Shocking the sporting world, a cornerstone of American sports and an NBA-famous basketball team is changing hands in a monumental $10 billion deal.
See the tweet below this post.
This record-shattering sale from the Buss family, owners of the Los Angeles Lakers, to billionaire Mark Walter represents the largest transaction ever for a U.S. sports franchise.
According to reports, the Buss family has agreed to sell its majority stake in the legendary franchise to businessman Mark Walter, the CEO of TWG Global and principal owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The deal values the team at approximately $10 billion, far exceeding the previous record set by the Boston Celtics sale for $6.1 billion just months ago.
The sale represents a staggering return on investment for the Buss family, who acquired the team in 1979 when patriarch Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers for just $67.5 million.
Under their 46-year ownership, the Lakers have become one of the most valuable and successful sports franchises, winning 11 NBA championships and establishing themselves as a global brand.
Walter, already a sports ownership powerhouse, is expanding his empire.
In addition to the Dodgers, he holds stakes in Chelsea FC, an F1 team, and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
Walter acquired a 26% stake in the Lakers in 2021, giving him the first right of refusal on any future sale of the Buss family’s majority share.
The transaction does not represent a complete exit for the Buss family. Reports indicate they will maintain approximately 15% ownership, with Jeanie Buss continuing as the team’s governor.
This arrangement ensures some continuity of leadership while transferring financial control to Walter’s deep pockets.
Lakers Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson said:
“Laker fans should be estatic, A few things I can tell you about Mark – he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way. AND he will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike.”
Moreover, the sale’s timing coincides with skyrocketing valuations across the NBA, fueled by the league’s recent media rights deal worth a massive $77 billion over 11 years.
Forbes valued the Lakers at approximately $7 billion earlier this year, making them the third-most valuable NBA franchise.
This actual sale price reflects both the team’s prestigious status and the premium buyers’ willingness to pay for trophy assets.
Walter’s ownership of the Dodgers provides a glimpse into what Lakers fans might expect.
Under his stewardship, the Dodgers have maintained one of baseball’s highest payrolls, won two World Series championships, and claimed 11 NL West division titles in the past 12 years.
His willingness to invest heavily in talent could bring a similar approach to the Lakers’ roster construction.
The Lakers are currently built around the superstar pairing of LeBron James and recently acquired Luka Doncic. They finished the 2025 season as the Western Conference’s third seed with a 50-32 record.
Walter’s financial resources could potentially allow the team to pursue additional high-caliber talent while absorbing luxury tax penalties that might have constrained the Buss family’s spending.
However, the Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers play their home games, is not included in the deal.
Fans await with bated breath to see how Walter’s leadership style will further enhance the team’s aspirations and legacy.
The transaction is strictly for ownership of the franchise itself, which continues to command premium ticket prices and boasts one of the most passionate fan bases in professional sports.
NEWS: After five decades of control by the Buss family, the Los Angeles Lakers will be sold to Mark Walter, lead owner of the Dodgers, for at least $10 billion, sources tell @MikeVorkunov & @joevardon.
The sale price is the largest for a North American sports franchise.… pic.twitter.com/Wdf9F9EP5J
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 18, 2025
