Date: June 19, 2025
In a blockbuster transaction that reverberates throughout sports business, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to transition from 46 years of primary ownership by the Buss family to billionaire sports magnate Mark Walter. The deal places the Lakers at a staggering $10 billion valuation, marking it the highest ever for a U.S. professional sports franchise.
💼 Mark Walter: The Man Behind the New Reign
- Who is Mark Walter?
Walter is the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and TWG Global, managing over $325 billion in assets. He holds a remarkable portfolio of sports franchises: outright owner of the LA Dodgers, part‑owner of Chelsea FC, Cadillac F1, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and the LA Sparks, among others - Sports track record:
Under his guidance, the Dodgers have clinched two World Series victories and 11 division titles. His ambitious approach—building high-payroll and success-driven teams—signals transformative intentions for the Lakers .
🏛️ Closing the Buss Era
- From 1979 to 2025:
Jerry Buss bought the Lakers (with the Kings and Forum) for $67.5 million in 1979. Over his 34-year tenure, the Lakers secured 10 NBA championships, anchoring the famed “Showtime” era y - Jeanie Buss’s leadership:
After Jerry’s passing in 2013, Jeanie Buss inherited governing responsibilities. She spearheaded the team to its 17th NBA title in 2020 and has solidified her legacy as one of the league’s few successful female owners
📝 Deal Structure & Financial Implications
- Transaction details:
Walter will acquire controlling interest, increasing his stake (previously 20% since 2021) to a majority share. The overall Lakers valuation stands at $10 billion, trumping the Celtics’ $6.1 billion sale earlier this year . - Buss family’s position:
Jeanie and the Buss family will retain a minority stake (just over 15%), meeting NBA governor requirements. Importantly, Jeanie will continue as team governor for “at least a number of years,” ensuring leadership continuity
⛹️ Star Power Underscored
- LeBron James & Luka Dončić:
With LeBron still active at 40 and the mid-season acquisition of Luka Dončić, the Lakers boast one of the most formidable rosters in the NBA .
📣 Leadership Voices
- Magic Johnson (on X): “Mark Walter is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way… Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand.”
- Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts: “He’s very competitive… produce a championship-caliber team every single year and make sure the city feels proud about the Lakers.”
🤝 Why This Sale Matters
- Modernizing operations:
The Buss family’s strengths in motivational leadership and entertainment success are now met with Walter’s financial muscle—bringing investment in scouting, infrastructure, and global branding - League trend alignment:
Major NBA franchises are shifting to ultra-wealthy ownership: Mavericks ($3.5 billion), Celtics ($6.1 billion), and now Lakers ($10 billion). This signals an era where financial capital underpins success - Cultural reassurances:
With Jeanie Buss staying on and vocal support from legends like Magic Johnson, fans can expect the franchise’s cultural essence to persist, even amid new strategic direction under Walter.
📅 What’s Next?
- Approval process:
The deal must be ratified by the NBA Board of Governors in the coming weeks—standard protocol for such high-stake transitions - Operational rollout:
Details around budget planning, staffing expansion, and talent acquisition are expected to unfold this off-season.
🏁 Bottom Line
This is more than a historic sale—it’s a fusion of legacies. The Buss family cedes majority control, yet retains influence through continued governance. Mark Walter brings the financial firepower required to contend in today’s competitive sports landscape. With the Lakers poised on the brink of another championship contender, this marks the beginning of a bold new era—anchored in tradition, propelled by vision, and fueled by opportunity.