A New Era for the Lakers: The Buss Family Sells Majority Stake for $10 Billion
June 19, 2025, 5:05 pm
Location: United States, Louisiana, Metairie
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1946
The Los Angeles Lakers are a basketball dynasty. They have a legacy that echoes through the halls of sports history. Now, a new chapter begins. The Buss family, who have owned the team for 46 years, is selling a majority stake to businessman Mark Walter. The deal is valued at a staggering $10 billion, shattering previous records in the NBA.
This sale marks a significant shift in the landscape of professional basketball. The Lakers, long considered one of the most valuable franchises in sports, have reached a valuation that reflects their storied history and immense popularity. The previous record was held by the Boston Celtics, who sold for $6.1 billion just months earlier. This leap to $10 billion is not just a number; it’s a statement. It signals the soaring value of NBA franchises in an era where media rights deals are reshaping the financial landscape of sports.
Jeanie Buss, the face of the Lakers since her family acquired the team in 1979, will retain a minority stake. She will also keep her position as the team’s governor. This ensures continuity and a connection to the franchise’s rich history. The Buss family has been synonymous with the Lakers, guiding them through ups and downs, championships and heartbreaks. Their legacy is woven into the fabric of the team.
Mark Walter is no stranger to sports ownership. He is the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and already owns the Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA’s Sparks. His experience in managing high-profile sports teams positions him well to take the reins of the Lakers. Walter’s partnership with former Lakers star Magic Johnson adds another layer of credibility to this transition. Johnson’s endorsement of Walter as the right person to carry on the Lakers’ legacy speaks volumes.
The Lakers have a rich history filled with legendary players. Icons like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant have donned the purple and gold. The franchise has won 17 championships, second only to the Celtics. This legacy is not just about trophies; it’s about the culture of winning that permeates the organization. The Lakers are a brand, a symbol of excellence in basketball.
The sale comes at a time when NBA valuations are skyrocketing. The league recently signed a media rights deal worth $77 billion over 11 years. This influx of cash is reshaping the financial dynamics of the sport. Teams are now seen as lucrative investments, attracting wealthy owners willing to pay top dollar. The Lakers, with their massive fan base and global appeal, are at the forefront of this trend.
The Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers play, is not part of this deal. The arena is owned by AEG, a separate entity. This separation highlights the complexities of sports ownership today. Teams are more than just players and coaches; they are part of a larger ecosystem that includes venues, sponsorships, and media rights.
The Lakers finished the 2025 season strong, securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record. The addition of superstar Luka Doncic to team up with LeBron James has fans buzzing with excitement. The potential for success on the court is palpable. With Walter at the helm, the Lakers aim to continue their tradition of winning.
This sale is not just about money; it’s about vision. Walter’s approach to ownership will be crucial. He must balance the legacy of the Lakers with the demands of modern sports. The expectations are high. Fans want championships, and they want to see their team thrive.
The Buss family’s decision to sell a majority stake is a bittersweet moment. It marks the end of an era but also opens the door to new possibilities. Change can be daunting, but it can also be invigorating. The Lakers are poised for a bright future under Walter’s leadership.
As the dust settles on this monumental deal, one thing is clear: the Lakers are more than just a basketball team. They are a cultural phenomenon. The purple and gold represent dreams, aspirations, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. With a new owner at the helm, the Lakers are ready to write the next chapter in their storied history.
In the world of sports, change is the only constant. The Lakers have weathered storms before. They have risen from the ashes and reclaimed their place among the elite. With Mark Walter now steering the ship, fans can only hope for a future filled with triumphs and unforgettable moments.
The NBA landscape is evolving. The Lakers are at the forefront of this transformation. As they embark on this new journey, the eyes of the basketball world will be watching. Will they continue to dominate? Will they add to their championship legacy? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the Lakers are ready for whatever comes next.
This sale marks a significant shift in the landscape of professional basketball. The Lakers, long considered one of the most valuable franchises in sports, have reached a valuation that reflects their storied history and immense popularity. The previous record was held by the Boston Celtics, who sold for $6.1 billion just months earlier. This leap to $10 billion is not just a number; it’s a statement. It signals the soaring value of NBA franchises in an era where media rights deals are reshaping the financial landscape of sports.
Jeanie Buss, the face of the Lakers since her family acquired the team in 1979, will retain a minority stake. She will also keep her position as the team’s governor. This ensures continuity and a connection to the franchise’s rich history. The Buss family has been synonymous with the Lakers, guiding them through ups and downs, championships and heartbreaks. Their legacy is woven into the fabric of the team.
Mark Walter is no stranger to sports ownership. He is the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and already owns the Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA’s Sparks. His experience in managing high-profile sports teams positions him well to take the reins of the Lakers. Walter’s partnership with former Lakers star Magic Johnson adds another layer of credibility to this transition. Johnson’s endorsement of Walter as the right person to carry on the Lakers’ legacy speaks volumes.
The Lakers have a rich history filled with legendary players. Icons like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant have donned the purple and gold. The franchise has won 17 championships, second only to the Celtics. This legacy is not just about trophies; it’s about the culture of winning that permeates the organization. The Lakers are a brand, a symbol of excellence in basketball.
The sale comes at a time when NBA valuations are skyrocketing. The league recently signed a media rights deal worth $77 billion over 11 years. This influx of cash is reshaping the financial dynamics of the sport. Teams are now seen as lucrative investments, attracting wealthy owners willing to pay top dollar. The Lakers, with their massive fan base and global appeal, are at the forefront of this trend.
The Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers play, is not part of this deal. The arena is owned by AEG, a separate entity. This separation highlights the complexities of sports ownership today. Teams are more than just players and coaches; they are part of a larger ecosystem that includes venues, sponsorships, and media rights.
The Lakers finished the 2025 season strong, securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record. The addition of superstar Luka Doncic to team up with LeBron James has fans buzzing with excitement. The potential for success on the court is palpable. With Walter at the helm, the Lakers aim to continue their tradition of winning.
This sale is not just about money; it’s about vision. Walter’s approach to ownership will be crucial. He must balance the legacy of the Lakers with the demands of modern sports. The expectations are high. Fans want championships, and they want to see their team thrive.
The Buss family’s decision to sell a majority stake is a bittersweet moment. It marks the end of an era but also opens the door to new possibilities. Change can be daunting, but it can also be invigorating. The Lakers are poised for a bright future under Walter’s leadership.
As the dust settles on this monumental deal, one thing is clear: the Lakers are more than just a basketball team. They are a cultural phenomenon. The purple and gold represent dreams, aspirations, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. With a new owner at the helm, the Lakers are ready to write the next chapter in their storied history.
In the world of sports, change is the only constant. The Lakers have weathered storms before. They have risen from the ashes and reclaimed their place among the elite. With Mark Walter now steering the ship, fans can only hope for a future filled with triumphs and unforgettable moments.
The NBA landscape is evolving. The Lakers are at the forefront of this transformation. As they embark on this new journey, the eyes of the basketball world will be watching. Will they continue to dominate? Will they add to their championship legacy? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the Lakers are ready for whatever comes next.