Jeanie Buss retains minority stake as Dodgers owner Mark Walter takes majority control of the NBA’s most iconic franchise
Los Angeles Lakers soldLos Angeles, California (Times Media Service) – The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold by the Buss family in a landmark $10 billion deal to billionaire Mark Walter, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and CEO of Guggenheim Partners. This historic sale not only marks the most expensive franchise transaction in U.S. sports history but also ushers in a new era for the storied NBA team.
A Historic Sale Ends a 46-Year Family Legacy
The Lakers were purchased by Dr. Jerry Buss in 1979 for just $67.5 million. Over the past four decades, the team won 10 NBA championships under the Buss family’s stewardship and became one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world.
This $10 billion deal more than doubles the Lakers’ most recent Forbes valuation of $7.1 billion. It surpasses all previous sports franchise sales, including the Boston Celtics’ $6.1 billion deal earlier in 2025.
Jeanie Buss, who has served as the team’s governor since 2013, will continue to oversee operations while retaining at least a 15% ownership stake. This meets NBA rules requiring each team to have a clearly defined control person and helps ensure continuity as the franchise enters a new chapter.
Who Is Mark Walter?
Mark Walter, 65, is a billionaire investor and sports mogul. He is the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and founder of TWG Global. He already owns the Los Angeles Dodgers and has stakes in other sports teams, including the Los Angeles Sparks and Chelsea FC.
Walter is also an investor in the Professional Women’s Hockey League and Formula 1 ventures. Known for his strong business acumen and commitment to competitive excellence, Walter’s leadership has helped deliver multiple World Series titles to the Dodgers.
His acquisition of the Lakers is seen by industry analysts as part of a growing trend of sports conglomerates gaining control of legacy franchises to inject capital and strategic direction.
Continuity at the Top: Jeanie Buss to Remain as Governor
Though the Buss family has sold its majority share, Jeanie Buss will remain deeply involved in the Lakers’ day-to-day leadership. She will act as team governor and continue representing the franchise in NBA matters.
NBA rules require a principal owner to hold at least 15% of a team. Jeanie’s retained stake ensures she will continue to play a central role, at least in the short term, during this transition to majority ownership by Walter.
For Lakers fans, this offers reassurance that the team’s culture and values won’t change overnight. Jeanie Buss has been praised for maintaining stability during difficult seasons and navigating complex roster decisions.
Sports World Reacts to the $10 Billion Blockbuster
The sports world reacted with surprise and admiration to the record-breaking sale. Magic Johnson, a former Lakers legend and business partner of Mark Walter, applauded the move and expressed confidence in Walter’s leadership.
Dave Roberts, manager of the Dodgers, described Walter as “extremely competitive” and someone “committed to winning at all costs.” Current NBA players also reacted on social media, with stars like Luka Dončić welcoming the change and predicting more championships ahead for the Lakers.
Across the NBA, executives acknowledged that the move would likely reshape how high-value teams operate—ushering in an era where legacy franchises are treated more like global corporations than family-run sports businesses.
The New Gold Standard in Franchise Valuation
The Lakers’ $10 billion price tag now sets a new bar for professional sports franchises. Previous high-profile sales, including the NFL’s Washington Commanders at around $6 billion, now pale in comparison.
Experts say the sale reflects the rapidly growing global media rights, merchandising, and brand equity value of major sports teams—especially those with international appeal like the Lakers. The transaction signals that only multi-billionaires or investment consortiums can now realistically acquire elite franchises.
It also underscores the increasing importance of global brand expansion, diversified revenue models, and stadium-based revenue streams in franchise valuation.
What This Means for Lakers Fans Nationwide
For Lakers fans across the United States, the sale could lead to significant upgrades on and off the court. With deeper financial backing, the team may pursue top-tier free agents more aggressively, upgrade training and fan facilities, and enhance digital fan engagement.
While some may lament the end of the Buss family’s full ownership era, the continued involvement of Jeanie Buss provides reassurance that the team won’t lose its identity. The move is seen not as a departure from the past, but as a partnership between legacy and innovation.
The Lakers are expected to benefit from Walter’s strong business infrastructure, global perspective, and proven success with the Dodgers—making the team not only richer but possibly even more competitive in the years ahead.
Jessie Mendez / Sports Contributor (Times Media Service)
Multi-sport participant and global sports enthusiast with broad athletic experience across numerous disciplines.
jmendez@timesmediaservice.com
