Video: Spirit's Trinity Rodman Celebrates with Lakers Icon Magic Johnson After Goal

Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson joined Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman in celebrating her tying goal during a 2-1 win over the Portland Thorns on Saturday.

Rodman scored in the 60th minute before running to the sideline and high-fiving Johnson and Spirit majority owner Michele Kang.

The Spirit announced on Thursday that Johnson had invested in the club.

His company Magic Johnson Enterprises also holds stakes in the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks as well as the NFL's Washington Commanders and MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers.

Kang purchased the Spirit in March 2022 for a then-NWSL record of $35 million following the franchise's win of the 2021 NWSL Championship.

NWSL franchise values have since skyrocketed, with Angel City FC selling majority rights to Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife Willow Bay in July for a record valuation of $250 million.

Over that span the Spirit's popularity has also increased. The NWSL club has upped its average attendance from 5,000 people at the time of Kang's purchase to 14,000 attendees per game, according to the franchise.

Johnson said in a statement that he was "excited to join the Washington Spirit's investor group at such a pivotal time in the club's history.

"Partnering with a visionary like Michele Kang and her team to advance the growth of the Washington Spirit and the NWSL is an incredible opportunity," Johnson said. "I'm excited to join the team and play my part to help elevate this organization."

Part of that excitement has stemmed around the Spirit's success so far in 2024 as the club climbed to 12 wins for the second time in franchise history, and the first time since 2016, with an Aug. 25 against the Kansas City Current.

The Spirit then earned a record 13th win on Saturday thanks to Rodman's tying goal and her assist Leicy Santos' game-winner.

Rodman recently won gold with the U.S. Women's National Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics after scoring a key goal in the USA's quarterfinal win over Japan.

The 22-year-old forward has scored seven goals and added five assists in 18 starts for the Spirit this season, including her two contributions against the Thorns.