Los Angeles Lakers Ownership Shifts in Historic $10 Billion Transaction
The Los Angeles Lakers are poised for a important ownership change as the Buss family agrees to transfer majority control to entrepreneur Mark Walter. this landmark deal values the franchise at an extraordinary $10 billion, setting a new high-water mark for NBA team valuations.
NBA Franchise Values Soar amid Expanding Market Influence
This transaction eclipses previous records, reflecting the accelerating financial momentum within professional basketball. While the Crypto.com Arena-owned by AEG and serving as the Lakers’ home court-remains outside this sale, league-wide evaluations had placed the Lakers’ worth near $7 billion prior to this agreement.
Mark Walter’s Growing sports Empire
Mark Walter is a prominent figure in sports ownership circles. As CEO and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners, he holds controlling interests not only in MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers but also WNBA’s Sparks. Additionally,his investments extend into emerging leagues such as the Professional Women’s Hockey League and Cadillac’s forthcoming Formula 1 team,illustrating his broad commitment to diverse sports ventures.
Buss Family Retains Role Despite Majority Stake Sale
Jeanie Buss will maintain an active role with the Lakers by keeping a minority stake and continuing as franchise governor. The Buss family originally purchased the team for $67.5 million in 1979-a sum that pales compared to today’s valuation but underscores their enduring leadership that has delivered 11 NBA championships over four decades.
A Legacy Endorsed by Basketball Legends
Former Lakers icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson praised this transition, highlighting it as an ideal move to preserve both legacy and competitive excellence within one of basketball’s most celebrated franchises. He noted that Mark Walter is well-equipped to sustain the association’s tradition of success on and off the court.
The Rising Tide: Media Deals Fuel NBA Valuation Boom
The dramatic increase in franchise values aligns with record-breaking media rights contracts recently secured by the NBA-totaling approximately $77 billion over 11 years-wich have substantially enhanced revenue streams across all teams.
- This year saw another milestone when private equity leader Bill chisholm spearheaded Boston Celtics’ acquisition at a then-record price of $6.1 billion.
- The Lakers have bolstered their championship aspirations through strategic roster enhancements including acquiring superstar Luka Doncic from Dallas Mavericks alongside LeBron James during this season.
Lakers’ Recent Success Reflects Competitive Ambition
In 2025, los Angeles secured third place in Western Conference standings with a strong 50-32 record-demonstrating resilience amid shifting league dynamics driven by increased investment both on-court talent-wise and through transformative ownership changes.
