Lakers Sale: Buss Family, $10B Valuation
Mark Walter is set to acquire a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers in a landmark deal valuing the NBA franchise at a staggering $10 billion. This pivotal Lakers sale, confirmed by sources, marks a new era for the team. Jeanie Buss will retain a minority stake and continue her role as governor,ensuring continuity within the organization. Notably, Magic Johnson has already weighed in, praising the deal and calling Walter the best choice. The Lakers, with stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, are poised for continued success. this shift underscores surging valuations in the NBA, driven by lucrative media rights. For insights beyond the transaction, including ownership details, dive into this breaking story on News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for the iconic franchise.
Mark Walter to Acquire Majority Stake in Los Angeles Lakers
Updated June 19, 2025
Businessman mark Walter is poised to acquire a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, in a deal valuing the NBA franchise at $10 billion. Sources familiar with the agreement confirmed the sale, which sets a new benchmark for NBA valuations. The Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers’ home court, is owned by AEG and not part of the transaction.
Walter, CEO and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners, is already a stakeholder in the Lakers since 2021. He also holds majority ownership of MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, the WNBA’s Sparks, Cadillac’s upcoming Formula 1 team, and the Professional Women’s Hockey League. A representative for Walter confirmed he is entering an agreement to acquire additional interests in the Lakers.
Jeanie Buss will maintain a minority stake in the team, which her family originally purchased in 1979 for $67.5 million. She will also remain in her position as governor.
The Lakers, featuring stars LeBron James and luka Doncic, finished the 2025 season as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record. The team has secured 11 NBA titles since the Buss family assumed ownership, the most of any NBA franchise during that time.
The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers highlights the soaring NBA valuations, fueled by the league’s recent $77 billion media rights agreement spanning 11 years. In February, the Lakers acquired Dallas mavericks superstar Luka Doncic to team up with LeBron James, further boosting the team’s profile and market value.
In march, the boston Celtics were sold for $6.1 billion to private equity executive Bill Chisholm,then a record. The Lakers and Celtics are considered two of the NBA’s most prominent franchises.
”Job well done to my sister Jeanie Buss for striking an amazing deal and picking the right person to carry on the Lakers legacy and tradition of winning,” said former Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson in a post on X. “Mark walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand.”
What’s next
with Mark Walter’s acquisition, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to continue their pursuit of NBA championships, leveraging Walter’s extensive experience in sports ownership and investment.