Mark Walter: Lakers Owner & Bio – NBC Los Angeles
- Billionaire Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners, is poised to add the Los Angeles Lakers to his portfolio of sports franchises.
- Guggenheim Partners, a global investment firm managing over $345 billion, already counts the Los Angeles Dodgers among its assets. Walter became the controlling owner of the Dodgers in...
- Walter's sports ownership extends to the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, Chelsea FC of the English Premier League, and various auto racing teams.
Mark Walter, already a successful sports magnate, is on the verge of taking on a important ownership role with the Los Angeles Lakers. His potential acquisition of the team from the Buss family coudl set a new record as the most expensive U.S. sports franchise sale. This move, praised by Magic Johnson, signals a commitment to winning, promising ample resources for the Lakers. Walter’s history with the Dodgers and Sparks indicates his dedication to investing in top talent. Financial expert Alex Sherman anticipates a positive impact, especially with LeBron James’ future in mind. news Directory 3 provides insightful analysis on this developing story. Discover what’s next as Walter’s leadership potentially reshapes the Lakers’ future!
Mark Walter Eyes Lakers Ownership Role in Los Angeles Sports
Updated June 19, 2025
Billionaire Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners, is poised to add the Los Angeles Lakers to his portfolio of sports franchises. An agreement wiht the Buss family would grant Walter majority ownership of the Lakers.
Guggenheim Partners, a global investment firm managing over $345 billion, already counts the Los Angeles Dodgers among its assets. Walter became the controlling owner of the Dodgers in 2012, acquiring the team from Frank McCourt for over $2 billion.
Walter’s sports ownership extends to the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, Chelsea FC of the English Premier League, and various auto racing teams. The Lakers would mark his third Los Angeles franchise.
Lakers legend Ervin “Magic” Johnson, also a part-owner of the Sparks and Dodgers, lauded Walter’s dedication to victory.
“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!,” Johnson said.
Alex Sherman, a CNBC media and sports reporter, noted that Walter’s financial resources would greatly benefit the Lakers franchise. The Lakers’ future role in the NBA could be impacted by this deal.
Sherman said Walter has shown a willingness to invest in the Dodgers. With LeBron James’ eventual retirement looming, Sherman believes Walter’s ownership would reassure Lakers fans that money will not be an obstacle in pursuing top free agents.
This potential blockbuster deal could surpass the Boston Celtics’ $6.1 billion sale to William Chisholm in March as the most expensive franchise sale in U.S. sports history.
Walter is an alumnus of Creighton University and Northwestern University Law School.
What’s next
The acquisition now faces league approval. If successful, Walter’s leadership could usher in a new era for the Lakers, potentially reshaping their approach to player acquisitions and overall team strategy.