In a historic transaction on June 18, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers’ majority ownership was transferred to Mark Walter, co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, in a groundbreaking deal valued at approximately $10 billion. Jeanie Buss, whose family has presided over the franchise since Jerry Buss purchased it in 1979, will remain as the team’s governor following the landmark agreement
This historic transaction sets a new record for the highest-priced sale of a U.S. professional sports team, surpassing the recent $6.1 billion valuation placed on the Boston Celtics. Themes of legacy, sports dynasties, and the evolution of team ownership converge as the Lakers, a storied franchise with 17 NBA championships, change hands yet again.
Mark Walter, a seasoned sports investor and CEO of Guggenheim Partners, expands his already impressive sports portfolio with this move. His existing holdings include the Dodgers—who captured World Series titles in 2020 and 2024—as well as substantial stakes in Chelsea FC, the LA Sparks, Andretti Global (Cadillac Formula 1), and the Professional Women’s Hockey League. His leadership at the Dodgers has transformed them into consistent contenders, making him a proven steward of championship franchises .
Jeanie Buss, who became the Lakers' controlling owner and board governor in 2013 after her father’s passing, has led the organization through championship success—most notably the 2020 title—while advocating mental health support and veteran leadership. Under her stewardship, the Lakers have remained a global powerhouse and topped merchandise sales charts during the 2024–25 season.
Magic Johnson, Lakers legend and minority Dodgers owner alongside Walter, publicly praised the deal. He celebrated Buss’s decision to entrust the team to someone he described as competitive, generous, and focused on winning, drawing parallels between Walter’s achievements with the Dodgers and the Lakers’ future potential.
Despite the change in majority ownership, the Buss family will retain a minority stake of just over 15% for the immediate future, ensuring the continuation of the franchise’s family-rooted identity. Industry analysts underscore both the cultural continuity and the refreshed investment vigor this deal brings.
The jump in valuation from an estimated $5 billion in 2021 to $10 billion today highlights both the surging financial landscape of professional sports and the enduring worldwide popularity of the Lakers brand.
As a record-setting benchmark, this sale redefines franchise valuations and sets a new standard across U.S. sports. It initiates a new chapter for the Lakers, with Mark Walter poised to leverage his sports management acumen to guide the team through its next era. At the same time, Jeanie Buss remains in her role as governor, maintaining leadership stability while upholding the team's legacy.
#MarkWalter #Laker #NBA #MagicJohnson #TrendungNews #TrendungNow
0 Comments