In a groundbreaking move that reshapes the global sports business landscape, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to be sold at a record-shattering $10 billion valuation. The deal will make the Lakers the most valuable sports franchise in the world, overtaking rivals across the NBA, NFL, MLB, and global football.
CBS News Los Angeles has confirmed that the Buss family, long-time stewards of the franchise, has agreed to sell a controlling interest in the Lakers to Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and current owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the final paperwork is still pending, the transition is expected to become official in the coming weeks.
A Legacy in Transition
Jeanie Buss, who has served as governor of the Lakers since her father Jerry Buss passed away in 2013, will remain involved in the franchise in that same governance capacity. This means she will still represent the Lakers at the league level, preserving a symbolic continuity of the Buss family’s nearly half-century leadership.
“We can confirm: Mark Walter is agreeing to acquire additional interests in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, of which he has been a stakeholder since 2021,” the Lakers said in a statement.
Walter, whose sports empire includes the Dodgers, the Los Angeles Sparks, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), and part-ownership of Premier League club Chelsea and the Cadillac Formula 1 racing team, will now assume majority control of one of basketball’s most storied franchises.
The Largest Sports Sale in History
The transaction, first reported by ESPN, eclipses the previous record for a sports franchise sale — the $6.1 billion purchase of the Boston Celtics in 2024. The Lakers’ $10 billion valuation not only underscores the team’s enormous brand power but also sets a new financial benchmark in professional sports ownership.
This unprecedented price point reflects the Lakers’ iconic global status, massive fan base, and extensive history of championships and cultural influence. It also positions the franchise as a cornerstone in the evolving landscape of multi-sport ownership conglomerates.
From $67.5 Million to $10 Billion: The Jerry Buss Era
The Lakers’ meteoric rise in valuation is also a testament to the vision of Dr. Jerry Buss, who acquired the team for just $67.5 million in 1979 — a deal that included the Los Angeles Kings and The Forum. Under his ownership, the Lakers won 10 NBA championships and became synonymous with Hollywood glamour, elite basketball, and marquee talent.
From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson to Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and LeBron James, the Lakers have consistently built rosters that not only won titles but captivated audiences around the world. Following Jerry’s death in 2013, Jeanie and her siblings inherited the team. Jim Buss departed in 2017 after a contentious period as executive vice president of basketball operations.
A New Chapter with Mark Walter
Walter brings with him a reputation for deep-pocketed investments and an appetite for championship pursuits. His ownership of the Dodgers has included blockbuster signings — most notably Shohei Ohtani’s historic $700 million deal in 2023 — and consistent postseason contention.
NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, who has a unique connection to both franchises as a former Lakers co-owner and current Dodgers executive, praised the decision on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
“I just talked to my sister Jeanie Buss to tell her congratulations, and that I’m so happy for her and her family. I told her that her dad, Dr. Buss, would be very proud of her.”
“Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand. The proof is in the pudding on what he’s been able to accomplish with the LA Dodgers.”
Johnson is also an investor in the Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles FC, and the NFL’s Washington Commanders, further emphasizing the growing overlap among elite ownership groups.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
The sale caps off a dramatic six months for the Lakers organization. Earlier this year, they stunned the basketball world by acquiring superstar Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks — a move that signaled their renewed push for championship relevance.
With Walter’s resources and ambition now behind them, the Lakers are poised to enter a new era marked by financial might and aggressive competitive moves. It remains to be seen how this will influence front-office strategies, coaching decisions, and player acquisitions.
Still, the stability offered by Jeanie Buss’s continued presence may help ease the transition, maintaining the organization’s historical DNA while pushing forward under Walter’s expansive sports vision.
Final Takeaway
The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers at a $10 billion valuation isn’t just a sports story — it’s a defining moment in business, culture, and entertainment. As professional sports increasingly become a high-stakes domain for global billionaires and investment firms, this landmark deal sets a new precedent for what a premier franchise is worth and who is equipped to run it.
Why It Matters:
- Historical Milestone: The Lakers become the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
- Cultural Shift: Ownership changes hands from a family dynasty to a modern conglomerate-led model.
- League-wide Impact: Could influence franchise valuations, player salaries, and ownership structures across all major sports.
As the NBA looks to the future, the Lakers, once again, are leading the way.
