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LOS ANGELES, Aug. 27, 2008 – The Los Angeles Sparks signed veteran center Margo Dydek on Tuesday, it was announced.

Dydek, 34, a 10-year WNBA veteran, Poland Sports Woman of the Year and MVP of the Polish League Finals, has averaged 10 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in her WNBA career. Dydek was the first overall pick in the 1998 WNBA draft going to the Utah Starzz. She was then traded by the San Antonio Silver Stars to the Connecticut Sun in 2005. Dydek currently holds the record for most blocks in a WNBA career, with 811 in 289 games.

"Margo is a veteran who brings experience and solid defensive presence to our frontcourt,” said Sparks’ head coach Michael Cooper. “She's a good, seasoned vet that can block shots, rebound and finish."

"I'm really excited to be part of the Sparks’ organization,” Dydek said. “I know what the team stands for and understand that the goal is to win a third championship this year. Coach Cooper explained why I'm here and my role on the team, and I'm looking forward to fulfilling that role."

For Sparks’ ticket information, call 1-877-44-SPARKS. Tickets also are available by calling 1-877-WNBA-TIX or by visiting either Ticketmaster.com or wnba.com/tickets.

About the Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks are in their 12th season in the Women’s National Basketball Association. The Sparks are one of the eight original teams in the WNBA. In December 2006, the Sparks were purchased by Gemini Basketball, LLC and they are one of seven WNBA teams owned and operated independent of NBA teams. For the first time in franchise history, the Sparks won the top pick for the 2008 WNBA Draft and selected college basketball player of the year Candace Parker of two-time NCAA champion Tennessee. The Sparks were led to back-to-back WNBA Championships in 2001 & 2002 by head coach Michael Cooper. The team’s roster of star athletes is led by three-time league MVP Lisa Leslie and includes All-Star forward DeLisha Milton-Jones, 2005 WNBA Rookie of the Year Temeka Johnson, stand-out 2007 rookie Sidney Spencer and Parker. The Sparks play their home games at STAPLES Center in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. For Sparks’ ticket information, call 1-877-44-SPARKS.