Johnson buys Mystics, makes WNBA history

Former television executive Sheila Johnson became the WNBA’s first black female owner 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 owns the NHL’s Washington Capitals and is a 45 percent partner in the NBA’s Washington Wizards.

The Mystics said Johnson is believed to be the first black woman to be a part-owner of three professional sports franchises.

On the court

Fever 83, Mercury 76: At Indianapolis, Tamika Catchings scored 22 of her 28 points in the second half and Natalie Williams added 12 as Indiana beat Phoenix.

Shock 74, Silver Stars 65: At Auburn Hills, Mich., Cheryl Ford scored 15 points and Detroit used a game-ending 20-2 run to stun San Antonio. San Antonio led by as many as nine in the last 5 minutes, but Andrea Stinson hit two 3-pointers in the final 3 minutes to rally Detroit.