Los Angeles Lakers Sold in $10 Billion Deal to Mark Walter
Table of Contents
- Los Angeles Lakers Sold in $10 Billion Deal to Mark Walter
- Record-Breaking NBA Valuation
- Jeanie buss Retains Stake and Leadership Role
- Mark Walter’s Expanding Sports Empire
- Magic Johnson Praises the deal
- NBA’s Soaring Valuations
- Lakers’ Performance and Future Outlook
- Lakers Ownership Timeline
- Evergreen insights: The Evolution of NBA Team Valuations
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Lakers Sale
- What does this sale mean for the future of the Los Angeles Lakers?
- how will Jeanie Buss’s continued involvement impact the team?
- What are the implications of this sale for other NBA teams?
- Will ticket prices or other fan experiences be affected by the new ownership?
- How does the Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic factor into the team’s future?
In a landmark transaction, the Buss family has reached an agreement to sell a majority stake of the Los Angeles Lakers to businessman Mark Walter.The deal,valuing the Lakers at a staggering $10 billion,establishes a new benchmark for NBA franchise valuations. The Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers’ home court, remains under the ownership of AEG and is not part of this agreement.
Record-Breaking NBA Valuation
The $10 billion valuation surpasses previous records in the NBA. Sportico’s 2024 NBA valuations placed the Lakers at the third spot with a valuation of $7 billion. This sale underscores the escalating value of premier NBA franchises, driven by lucrative media deals and global popularity.
Did You Know? The NBA’s revenue reached a record $10 billion in the 2023-2024 season, fueled by media rights and sponsorships.
Jeanie buss Retains Stake and Leadership Role
While relinquishing majority control, Jeanie Buss will maintain a minority stake in the Lakers. She will also continue to serve as the team’s governor, ensuring continuity in leadership and preserving the Buss family’s legacy with the franchise.The Buss family initially purchased the lakers,along with The Forum and the Los Angeles Kings,in 1979 for $67.5 million.
Mark Walter’s Expanding Sports Empire
Mark Walter,CEO and co-founder of guggenheim Partners,is no stranger to the world of sports ownership. He holds majority ownership stakes in several prominent teams, including MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and Cadillac’s upcoming Formula 1 team. Walter also owns the Professional Women’s Hockey League, demonstrating a broad investment in professional sports.Guggenheim Partners manages over $325 billion in assets across various investment strategies.
Magic Johnson Praises the deal
Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a business partner of Walter’s, expressed his support for the transaction on X. Johnson lauded Jeanie Buss for “striking an incredible deal” and selecting Walter as the ideal steward of the Lakers’ legacy. His endorsement highlights the significance of Walter’s commitment to upholding the team’s winning tradition.
Pro Tip: Follow key figures like Magic Johnson on social media for real-time insights and reactions to major sports business deals.
NBA’s Soaring Valuations
The surge in NBA team valuations is largely attributed to the league’s recent media rights agreement, estimated at $77 billion over 11 years. This agreement, coupled with the NBA’s global appeal, has made franchises increasingly attractive to investors. In march 2025, the Boston Celtics were sold for $6.1 billion to private equity executive Bill Chisholm, setting a then-record that the Lakers’ sale now eclipses.
Lakers’ Performance and Future Outlook
The los Angeles Lakers, bolstered by the acquisition of Luka Doncic in February, finished the 2025 season as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record. As the Buss family assumed ownership, the Lakers have secured 11 NBA titles, the most of any franchise during that period. The acquisition by Mark walter signals a continued commitment to maintaining the Lakers’ status as a premier NBA team.
| Name | Role | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Walter | Majority Owner (Incoming) | CEO of Guggenheim Partners; Owner of Dodgers, Sparks, PWHL |
| Jeanie Buss | Minority Owner & Governor (Continuing) | Represents the Buss family’s legacy with the Lakers |
| Earvin “Magic” Johnson | Lakers Legend & Business Partner | Endorses the deal and Walter’s leadership |
Lakers Ownership Timeline
| date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Buss family purchases the Lakers, Kings, and The forum for $67.5 million. |
| February 2025 | Lakers acquire Luka Doncic. |
| March 2025 | Boston celtics sold for $6.1 billion. |
| June 19, 2025 | Agreement reached for Mark Walter to acquire majority stake in the Lakers for $10 billion. |
Evergreen insights: The Evolution of NBA Team Valuations
The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers highlights a significant trend in professional sports: the exponential growth in team valuations. Factors contributing to this trend include lucrative media rights deals, increased global popularity, and the scarcity of available franchises. The NBA, in particular, has benefited from its strong brand and appeal to a diverse audience. As the league continues to expand its reach and generate revenue, team valuations are expected to remain on an upward trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lakers Sale
What does this sale mean for the future of the Los Angeles Lakers?
The acquisition by Mark Walter signals a continued commitment to maintaining the Lakers’ status as a premier NBA team. Walter’s experience in sports ownership and his financial resources are expected to provide stability and support for the franchise.
how will Jeanie Buss’s continued involvement impact the team?
Jeanie Buss’s continued role as governor ensures continuity in leadership and preserves the Buss family’s legacy with the Lakers. Her experience and knowledge of the organization will be invaluable as the team transitions to new ownership.
What are the implications of this sale for other NBA teams?
The record-breaking valuation of the Lakers is likely to have a ripple effect across the NBA, further increasing the value of other franchises. This could lead to more investment in the league and perhaps more team sales in the future.
Will ticket prices or other fan experiences be affected by the new ownership?
It is too early to determine the specific impact on ticket prices or fan experiences. however, new ownership often brings changes in strategy and investment, which could ultimately effect various aspects of the fan experience.
How does the Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic factor into the team’s future?
The addition of Luka Doncic significantly strengthens the Lakers’ roster and enhances their competitiveness. His presence, alongside other key players, positions the team for continued success in the years to come.
What are your thoughts on the Lakers’ sale? How will this impact the team’s future performance?
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