The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic franchises in global sports, are being sold in a record-shattering $10 billion deal. According to ESPN, this transaction makes the Lakers the highest-valued sports team in U.S. history—marking the end of the Buss family’s majority control after more than four decades.
Highlights
- The Lakers are being sold for a U.S. record $10 billion.
- Majority buyer is Mark Walter, who also co-owns the Dodgers and Sparks.
- The Buss family will retain a 15% minority stake.
- Jeanie Buss will continue as team governor for the foreseeable future.
- This becomes the most expensive team sale in American sports history.
Main Story
In a deal that has stunned the sports business world, Mark Walter—the billionaire businessman behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and WNBA’s LA Sparks—is set to acquire a majority stake in the Lakers. The $10 billion valuation smashes previous records, including the $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders.
This makes the Lakers the most valuable sports franchise in U.S. history, underlining their immense global brand power, media rights clout, and loyal fanbase.
The Buss family has owned the Lakers since 1979, when Jerry Buss purchased the team for $67.5 million. Under his leadership, and later his daughter Jeanie’s, the Lakers captured 11 NBA titles and built a legacy synonymous with excellence.
Jeanie Buss, who has served as team governor since 2013, will retain a 15% stake and stay on in her current leadership role “for a number of years,” according to ESPN sources.
Walter is no stranger to high-stakes sports deals. As CEO of Guggenheim Partners and co-owner of both the Dodgers and Sparks, he’s played a major role in elevating LA’s sports profile. His acquisition of the Lakers solidifies his grip on Los Angeles’ elite franchises and positions him as a leading figure in global sports business.
The deal is expected to preserve the Lakers’ core identity, with Jeanie Buss remaining involved and no immediate operational shake-ups expected. However, the sale signals a shift in ownership dynamics across U.S. sports, where multi-billion dollar valuations are becoming the norm.
As the Buss family steps back and new leadership steps in, the Lakers face a future where legacy meets business—and the game, as always, must go on.
