Lakers $10B Franchise Sale｜Buss Family Sells Majority Ownership to Dodgers Co-Owner Mark Walter

#NBA Franchise Sale #Lakers Ownership Change #Buss Family Lakers #Mark Walter #$10B Lakers Deal #Los Angeles Lakers News #NBA Team Valuation #Jeanie Buss #Sports Business

Historic Deal: Lakers Sold at Record-Breaking $10 Billion Valuation

The Buss family has agreed to sell majority ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter, co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, in a landmark deal that values the NBA franchise at approximately $10 billion—the highest valuation ever for a professional sports team in the United States.

Buss Family to Retain Minority Stake and Jeanie Buss Stays in Charge

Despite selling majority control, the Buss family will retain a minority stake of just over 15% for the time being. As part of the agreement, Jeanie Buss will remain the Lakers’ governor, continuing to oversee team operations for the foreseeable future. Sources confirm that this arrangement was guaranteed in the deal, with Mark Walter fully supporting her continued leadership.

Mark Walter Expands Sports Empire with Lakers Acquisition

Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global, already owns interests in several major sports properties including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, the Billie Jean Cup, Cadillac Formula 1, and the Professional Women’s Hockey League. With the addition of the Lakers, Walter further solidifies his footprint in global sports ownership.

Lakers Legacy: From Jerry Buss to the Present

The Lakers have been owned by the Buss family since 1979, when the late Jerry Buss acquired the team, along with the Kings and the Forum, for $67.5 million. Under the Buss family’s ownership, the Lakers have claimed 11 NBA championships—the most of any team since 1980.

Following Jerry Buss’s death in 2013, his children inherited ownership. Jeanie Buss has served as the team’s governor since, playing a central role in maintaining the Lakers’ legacy.

Walter’s Lakers Journey Started in 2021

Walter became a stakeholder in the Lakers in 2021, acquiring a 26% share from Phil Anschutz. That deal also included a right of first refusal for future sales of the majority stake—rights which he has now exercised with this record-setting purchase.

Magic Johnson’s Endorsement

Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who is also a partner in Walter’s ownership of the Dodgers, publicly supported the move, stating that Lakers fans should be “ecstatic” about the new ownership direction.

This sale not only closes a historic chapter for the Buss family but also opens a new era for the Lakers under Walter’s leadership, blending strong business acumen with deep roots in Los Angeles sports culture.