Owner Johnson Makes History

Former television executive Sheila Johnson became the WNBA’s first black female owner Tuesday when she joined a group that purchased the Washington Mystics.

Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, became a part-owner of Lincoln Holdings LLC, which purchased the Mystics from Abe Pollin’s Washington Sports & Entertainment. Lincoln Holdings, founded by AOL executive Ted Leonsis, owns the NHL’s Washington Capitals and is a 45% partner in the NBA’s Washington Wizards and MCI Center, which Pollin also owns.

The Mystics said Johnson is believed to be the first black woman to be a part-owner of three professional sports franchises. Johnson’s stake in Lincoln Holdings is between 5% and 10%.

Leonsis said Johnson will hold the titles of president and managing partner of the Mystics and will represent the team at the board of governors meetings.

Her former husband, Robert L. Johnson, who co-founded BET with Johnson, is the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats of the NBA. The two divorced in 2002.

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