L.A. Veterans Coalition Sponsoring WNBA Sparks In Deal Near $1M

The L.A. County Department of Military & Veteran Affairs has "joined county and state mental health agencies in committing" close to $1M to sponsor the WNBA Sparks this season in an "effort to publicize" its resources for female veterans, according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. The sponsorship is the "second largest" in the five years under the Sparks' current ownership group that includes Dodgers Chair Mark Walter and Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson. The funding for the sponsorship "comes from taxes assessed" under the '04 Mental Health Services Act. In addition to "traditional sponsorship elements, including announcements on broadcasts and within Staples Center and gatherings of veterans at games, Sparks executives will meet with female veterans to discuss career transitions and professional development, and players will join with veterans to talk about topics including motherhood, wellness, homelessness, art, meditation and music" (L.A. TIMES, 3/19).