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Lakers Ownership Changes Hands in Historic $10 Billion Valuation Sale

In a landmark move reshaping the NBA's ownership landscape, the Buss family has agreed to sell a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to billionaire investor Mark Walter, valuing the franchise at an unprecedented $10 billion, according to individuals familiar with the terms of the deal.

The transaction marks the highest valuation ever for an NBA team, surpassing the Boston Celtics' $6.1 billion sale earlier this year, and underscores the accelerating financial strength of professional basketball as media rights, global reach, and brand equity continue to soar.

Legacy and Transition: Jeanie Buss Retains Minority Stake

Jeanie Buss, who has served as the Lakers' controlling owner since inheriting the role from her late father Jerry Buss, will retain a minority stake and continue as the team’s governor, preserving the Buss family's decades-long connection to the franchise it purchased in 1979 for just $67.5 million.

“This move is about evolving the Lakers’ legacy for the modern era,” said a person close to the transaction. “Jeanie remains a core part of that vision, even as new leadership steps in.”

Mark Walter Expands His Sports Empire

Mark Walter, CEO and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners, is no stranger to major league sports. Already the majority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA’s Sparks, and a new Cadillac-backed Formula 1 team, Walter's acquisition of the Lakers cements his position as one of the most influential sports investors in the world.

A spokesperson for Walter confirmed that he “is entering into an agreement to acquire additional interests in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, having been a stakeholder since 2021.”

Magic Johnson Endorses the Deal

NBA legend and Lakers icon Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a longtime business partner of Walter, praised the transaction in a post on X, saying:

“Job well done to my sister Jeanie Buss for striking an incredible deal and picking the right person to carry on the Lakers legacy and tradition of winning. Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand.”

NBA Valuations Hit New Highs

The Lakers sale comes amid skyrocketing valuations across the NBA, driven by the league’s blockbuster $77 billion media rights deal set over 11 years. Investors have increasingly targeted marquee franchises for their global brand value and long-term growth potential.

Earlier in 2025, private equity executive Bill Chisholm acquired the Boston Celtics for $6.1 billion—then a record. But the Lakers, with their championship pedigree and worldwide fanbase, have now set a new high-water mark.

On-Court Success and Future Potential

On the basketball front, the Lakers are riding momentum. They finished the 2025 season with a 50-32 record, securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. The blockbuster midseason acquisition of Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić, who joined forces with LeBron James, sent shockwaves through the league.

Since the Buss family took control, the Lakers have claimed 11 NBA championships, more than any other franchise over that period, solidifying their place as one of the most storied teams in sports history.

Looking Ahead

While the Crypto.com Arena — owned by AEG — is not part of the transaction, industry insiders say the Lakers’ strong media rights, merchandising, and sponsorship pipeline offer exceptional long-term ROI for Walter and his investment partners.

This deal not only redefines NBA franchise valuations but also signals the continued convergence of elite sports, institutional capital, and global brand building.