Mark Walter’s $10 Billion Lakers Purchase Redefines Sports Ownership

Mark Walter’s $10 Billion Lakers Purchase Redefines Sports Ownership

On June 18, 2025, the sports world was rocked by the announcement that billionaire investor Mark Walter has agreed to purchase majority ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers from the Buss family for an unprecedented $10 billion. This deal, reported by sources like ESPN and Yahoo Sports, not only sets a new record for the largest sale of a professional sports franchise but also cements Walter’s status as a titan in the world of sports ownership. As the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s most iconic teams, prepare for a new era, fans and analysts alike are buzzing about what this means for the franchise and the broader sports landscape.

The Historic Deal

The Buss family, who have owned the Lakers since 1979 when Jerry Buss purchased the team for $67.5 million (a deal that also included the Los Angeles Kings and The Forum), will retain a minority stake of just over 15% for a transitional period. Jeanie Buss, who has served as the team’s governor since 2013 following her father’s death, will continue in that role, ensuring continuity in leadership. The $10 billion valuation, as noted by CBS Sports, surpasses the previous record set by the Boston Celtics’ $6.1 billion sale in March 2025, making the Lakers the most expensive sports team ever sold.

Mark Walter, the CEO and chairman of TWG Global and Guggenheim Partners, a financial services firm managing over $325 billion in assets, has been a minority stakeholder in the Lakers since 2021, holding a 26% stake with the right of first refusal on the majority share. This strategic position allowed him to seize the opportunity when the Buss family decided to sell their 66% controlling stake. The deal, while not yet finalized, is expected to close soon, marking a significant shift in the ownership of a franchise that has won 11 NBA championships since 1980—more than any other team during that span.

Who is Mark Walter?

Born on January 1, 1960, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mark Walter grew up as a Chicago Cubs fan, a far cry from the Los Angeles sports empire he now commands. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Creighton University in 1982 and a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University Law School in 1985, Walter transitioned from law to finance. He founded Liberty Hampshire in 1996, which he later folded into Guggenheim Partners in 2000, a firm he co-founded and has grown into a global powerhouse with over $325 billion in assets under management, as detailed by Forbes.

Walter’s foray into sports began in 2012 when he led a group, including Lakers legend Magic Johnson, to purchase the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2.1 billion—a record at the time. Under his leadership, the Dodgers have won two World Series titles and 11 NL West divisional titles in the last 12 years, showcasing Walter’s ability to build winning teams. His sports portfolio is expansive, including ownership of the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), stakes in Chelsea Football Club (Premier League), RC Strasbourg (Ligue 1), Andretti Global’s Cadillac Formula 1 team, and the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). He also holds a 12.7% stake in BlueCo, the holding company controlling Chelsea and Strasbourg, as noted by Wikipedia.

Beyond sports, Walter is a philanthropist with a focus on social equity and conservation. He and his wife, Kimbra, have donated significantly to organizations like the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, Chicago Beyond, and OneGoal, which support underserved communities. Their $100 million gift in January 2025 to support wildfire recovery efforts in Southern California, part of the LA Rises initiative, highlights their commitment to community resilience, as reported by Lifestyles Magazine. They also own a wildlife preserve in Florida, the White Oak Conservation Center, dedicated to protecting endangered species.

Reactions to the Sale

The announcement of the Lakers sale has generated widespread excitement and speculation. Magic Johnson, a key figure in both the Lakers’ history and Walter’s Dodgers ownership group, took to X to endorse the deal, stating, “Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand. The proof is in the pudding on what he’s been able to accomplish with the LA Dodgers” (Magic Johnson’s X post). Johnson emphasized Walter’s drive for “winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way,” suggesting that Lakers fans should be “ecstatic” about the new ownership.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also praised the sale, calling it “a very exciting day for the Lakers, for the city of Los Angeles.” He highlighted Walter’s competitiveness and commitment to producing a “championship-caliber team every single year,” as quoted by ESPN. LeBron James, the Lakers’ star player, is reportedly comfortable with the sale, though at 40 years old, he is nearing the end of his career. Younger stars like Luka Dončić, eligible for a $229 million contract extension, could benefit from Walter’s willingness to invest in top talent, as noted by The Athletic.

Fans on X have expressed a mix of optimism and curiosity. One post celebrated Walter’s Dodgers success, stating, “If he brings that magic to the Lakers, we’re back in the Finals!” Another user questioned the high valuation, asking, “$10 billion for a team that’s missed the playoffs recently?” These reactions reflect the high expectations and scrutiny that come with owning a franchise as storied as the Lakers.

Implications for the Lakers and the NBA

The sale comes at a critical juncture for the Lakers, who have faced challenges in recent years, including inconsistent playoff appearances despite their rich history. Walter’s track record with the Dodgers, where he has invested heavily in stars like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, suggests he will bring a similar approach to the Lakers. His financial resources and competitive drive could help the team rebuild and compete for championships, especially as they navigate the post-LeBron James era.

The $10 billion valuation sets a new benchmark for sports franchise sales, surpassing the $6.1 billion Boston Celtics deal and the $3.5 billion Dallas Mavericks sale in 2023. This deal, as reported by Front Office Sports, highlights the growing value of NBA teams, particularly those with global brand recognition like the Lakers. It could influence future franchise sales and reshape how teams are valued in the NBA and beyond.

For Los Angeles, Walter’s ownership of both the Lakers and Dodgers creates a unique dynamic, with one individual overseeing the city’s two premier sports teams. This consolidation of power could streamline decision-making and investment in the city’s sports infrastructure, but it also raises questions about the balance of influence in the local sports scene.

Walter’s Broader Impact

Beyond the Lakers sale, Walter’s influence extends to philanthropy and business innovation. His $100 million donation to wildfire recovery efforts in Southern California, announced in January 2025, demonstrates his commitment to community support. The LA Rises initiative, backed by the Walter Family Foundation and the Dodgers Foundation, aims to rebuild communities like Altadena and Pasadena, which were devastated by wildfires that claimed 29 lives and destroyed thousands of homes, as detailed by Lifestyles Magazine.

In business, Walter’s leadership at Guggenheim Partners has made it a pioneer in financial services, with investments in technology, AI, renewable energy, and real estate. His personal stakes in companies like Beyond Meat and Carvana reflect his forward-thinking approach, as noted by Bloomberg.

What’s Next?

As the sale awaits finalization, Mark Walter will prepare to take on the monumental task of guiding the Lakers into a new era. With Jeanie Buss remaining as governor, there will be a blend of continuity and fresh vision. Walter’s focus on winning and excellence, as evidenced by his Dodgers tenure, suggests he will invest heavily in the team’s roster, coaching, and facilities to restore the Lakers’ championship pedigree.

For fans, this is a moment of hope and anticipation. The Lakers’ legacy is one of greatness, and under Walter’s ownership, they have the potential to reclaim their place among the NBA’s elite. As one X user put it, “Mark Walter’s got the Midas touch—Lakers are about to shine again!” Whether this historic sale will lead to a new dynasty remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the sports world will be watching closely.

A Humanized Perspective

Mark Walter’s journey from a Chicago Cubs fan in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to the owner of two of Los Angeles’s most beloved sports teams is a remarkable story of ambition and achievement. For Lakers fans, the sale represents a chance to dream big again. The team’s recent struggles have tested their loyalty, but Walter’s proven ability to build winners offers hope for a return to glory.

The Buss family’s decision to sell wasn’t easy, given their 46-year stewardship of the Lakers. Jeanie Buss, in particular, has been a steadfast leader, navigating challenges while honoring her father’s legacy. Her continued role as governor ensures that the Lakers’ heart remains intact, even as Walter brings his vision to the table.

This sale is more than a business transaction—it’s a moment that captures the passion and potential of sports. As Walter steps into this new role, he carries the weight of a city’s expectations and the dreams of millions of fans worldwide. If his Dodgers tenure is any indication, the Lakers are in for an exciting ride.