Mark Walter buys the Los Angeles Lakers for $10B, setting a sports record! Jeanie Buss stays on as governor. Please read about the deal and its impact on the NBA.
Table Of Contents
Introduction
In a groundbreaking move that has captivated the sports world, the Buss family has agreed to sell the majority ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter, the billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, for a franchise valuation of $10 billion.
Announced on June 19, 2025, this deal sets a new record for the largest sale of a professional sports franchise, surpassing the recent $6.1 billion sale of the Boston Celtics.
As the Lakers transition into a new era, this article explores the sale details, the key figures involved, and what this means for one of the most storied teams in NBA history.
Who Is Mark Walter?
Mark Walter, a 65-year-old businessman from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is no stranger to sports ownership.
As the CEO and chairman of Guggenheim Partners, a global investment firm, Walter has built a reputation for strategic financial management.
Forbes estimated his net worth at $6.1 billion as of February 2025, though some sources, like Bloomberg, have previously estimated it as high as $12 billion.
Walter’s most notable achievement in sports is his ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers, which he acquired in 2012 as part of the Guggenheim Baseball Management group.
Under his leadership, the Dodgers have become a powerhouse, securing two World Series titles and 11 National League West divisional titles in the past 12 years.
Walter also holds stakes in other sports ventures, including Chelsea FC in the English Premier League, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and an F1 team, showcasing his extensive influence in the sports industry.
His prior involvement with the Lakers, having purchased a 26% minority stake from Phil Anschutz in 2021, positions him as a familiar figure in the franchise’s ownership structure.
This latest acquisition elevates him to the majority owner, giving him significant control over the team’s future.
The Buss Family’s Legacy With The Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have been synonymous with the Buss family since 1979, when Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the team, the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, and The Forum arena from Jack Kent Cooke for $67.5 million.
Dr. Buss’s visionary leadership transformed the Lakers into a global brand, introducing the “Showtime” era of fast-paced, entertaining basketball that captivated fans worldwide.
Under his ownership, the Lakers won 11 NBA championships, including five in the 1980s with stars like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and six more in the 2000s and 2020 with players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Following Dr. Buss’s passing in 2013, ownership of the Lakers was transferred to a trust controlled by his six children, with Jeanie Buss emerging as the controlling owner and governor.
Jeanie has navigated the team through triumphs, such as the 2020 championship, and challenges, including rebuilding periods and front-office transitions.
Her leadership has solidified the Lakers’ status as one of the NBA’s premier franchises.
The Buss siblings approved the decision to sell the majority stake to Mark Walter by a majority vote, reflecting a strategic move to ensure the team’s long-term success while maintaining a connection to the franchise.
The Buss family will retain a minority share of just over 15%, and Jeanie Buss will continue to serve as the team’s governor, overseeing operations for at least several years.
Details Of The Record-Setting Sale
The sale agreement, valued at approximately $10 billion, marks a historic milestone in professional sports.
The Buss family’s decision to sell the majority ownership while retaining a minority stake ensures continuity in the team’s management.
Jeanie Buss’s ongoing role as governor provides stability, allowing her to maintain the Lakers’ commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
Mark Walter’s acquisition builds on his 26% stake in the Lakers, purchased in 2021.
Walter now acquires additional shares to hold a majority ownership position, which gives him significant influence over the franchise’s strategic direction.
The deal’s $10 billion valuation reflects the Lakers’ immense market value, driven by their global fan base, lucrative media contracts, and storied history.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Seller | Buss family |
| Buyer | Mark Walter |
| Sale Valuation | $10 billion |
| Previous Owner | Jerry Buss (1979-2013), then the Buss family trust |
| Championships | 11 under Buss family ownership |
| Retained Share | The Buss family keeps >15% minority share |
| Governor | Jeanie Buss continues in her role |
| Walter’s Prior Stake | 26% minority stake since 2021 |
Financial Implications And Industry Context
The Lakers’ $10 billion valuation positions them among the most valuable sports franchises globally, closely rivalling the Dallas Cowboys, which Forbes valued at $10.1 billion in December 2024.
This sale surpasses the previous record set by the Boston Celtics, which was sold earlier in 2025 for $6.1 billion to a group led by William Chisholm.
The dramatic increase in the Lakers’ value from $67.5 million in 1979 to $10 billion in 2025 highlights the NBA’s exponential growth.
Lucrative television deals, international expansion, and digital media have propelled NBA franchises to new financial heights.
With their large market in Los Angeles and global brand recognition, the Lakers are at the forefront of this trend.
To put this growth in perspective, Jerry Buss’s $67.5 million payment in 1979 included the Lakers, the Kings, and The Forum.
The Lakers alone now command a valuation nearly 150 times that amount, underscoring their status as a financial juggernaut.
Reactions From Key Figures
The sale has generated significant buzz within the basketball community, with prominent figures weighing its implications.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson, a five-time NBA champion and a key figure in the “Showtime” era, expressed his enthusiasm for the deal in an X post on June 18, 2025.
Johnson congratulated Jeanie Buss for “striking an incredible deal.”
He praised Mark Walter as the “best choice” to carry on the Lakers’ legacy, citing Walter’s success with the Dodgers as evidence of his capability.
Johnson’s endorsement carries significant weight, given his deep connection to the Lakers and his business ventures with Walter, including their co-ownership of the Dodgers.
His comments reflect optimism about the team’s future under Walter’s leadership.
Implications For The Lakers And The NBA
Mark Walter’s acquisition of the Lakers signals a new chapter for the franchise that promises continued investment and a focus on winning.
Walter’s track record with the Dodgers suggests a strategic approach to sports ownership, with significant spending on talent, advanced analytics, and fan engagement.
Lakers fans can expect similar initiatives, potentially including pursuits of top free agents, enhancements to scouting and player development, and improvements to the fan experience at Crypto.com Arena.
Jeanie Buss’s continued involvement ensures that the Lakers’ core values and traditions will be preserved.
Her leadership and Walter’s financial resources position the team for sustained success in a competitive NBA landscape.
The sale also has broader implications for the NBA, highlighting the league’s robust financial health.
With the Lakers and Celtics commanding valuations of $10 billion and $6.1 billion, respectively, the NBA’s franchises are among the most valuable in global sports.
This trend will likely continue as the league secures new media rights deals and expands its international presence.
A Winning Formula: Lessons From The Dodgers
Walter’s success with the Los Angeles Dodgers offers a blueprint for his approach to the Lakers.
Walter has transformed the Dodgers into a perennial contender by investing in high-profile players like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, leveraging data analytics, and prioritising fan engagement.
The team’s financial aggressiveness under his leadership has set a standard in Major League Baseball, and similar strategies could elevate the Lakers’ competitiveness in the NBA.
For example, Walter may pursue marquee-free agents to complement stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, assuming they remain with the team.
Additionally, investments in coaching staff, training facilities, and technology could give the Lakers a competitive edge.
Walter’s experience managing a successful sports franchise in Los Angeles equips him to navigate the city’s unique market dynamics.
The Booming Business Of The NBA
The NBA’s financial growth has been a key driver of the Lakers’ skyrocketing valuation.
According to Forbes, the average NBA franchise was worth $4.4 billion in 2024, a 15% increase from the previous year and a 596% jump over the past decade.
This growth is fueled by massive media contracts, global sponsorships, and the league’s expanding international fan base.
With their rich history and large market, the Lakers are a prime beneficiary of this trend.
Their 17 NBA championships, tied for the most in league history, and their association with legends like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James enhance their marketability.
The $10 billion sale underscores their status as a global brand and a cornerstone of the NBA’s financial success.
Conclusion
The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter for $10 billion is a historic milestone that reflects the franchise’s unparalleled value and influence.
While the Buss family’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the Lakers’ success, Walter’s proven track record and financial resources promise to propel the team to new heights.
With Jeanie Buss continuing to guide the franchise and Walter’s strategic vision at the helm, Lakers fans can look forward to an exciting future filled with championship aspirations.
As the NBA continues to grow, the Lakers remain at the forefront, both as a competitive force and a financial powerhouse.
This record-setting sale cements its status as one of the most valuable sports franchises and sets a new standard for the industry.
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