Historic Shift: Lakers to Be Sold for Record $10 Billion to Mark Walter-Led Group

In one of the biggest stories in global sports business history, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to be sold in a blockbuster deal reportedly worth around $10 billion. The transaction — led by TWG Global CEO and Chairman Mark Walter — would mark the largest-ever sale of a professional sports franchise worldwide, with some sources suggesting the final price could rise to $12 billion.

A 46-Year Era Ends: From Jerry Buss to Mark Walter

The Buss family has owned the Lakers since 1979, when the legendary Jerry Buss purchased the team for $67.5 million. The deal also included the Los Angeles Kings (NHL), The Forum arena, and a 13,000-acre ranch. Now, over four decades later, Jeanie Buss has agreed to sell the majority stake while retaining a minority ownership and continuing to serve as team governor.

Lakers' Legacy: A Championship Powerhouse

The Lakers stand as one of the most storied franchises in NBA history:

• 65 playoff appearances

• 33 Western Conference titles

• 17 NBA Championships (tied second all-time)

• The most recent title came in 2020, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Jeanie Buss Follows the Trend Among NBA Owners

Before finalizing the sale, Jeanie’s two close allies on the NBA Board of Governors had already sold their teams:

• Mark Cuban sold a majority stake in the Mavericks for $3.5 billion

• Wyc Grousbeck sold the Celtics for $6.1 billion

This deal, however, dwarfs those figures and reshapes the landscape of NBA franchise valuations.

Mavericks reporter Kevin Gray noted on X:
"In the past 20 months, teams Luka Doncic has played for were sold for a combined $14 billion."

Who Is Mark Walter?

Mark Walter is no stranger to Los Angeles sports.
Since 2021, he has held a minority stake in the Lakers and has a long history of major sports investments:

• Principal owner of MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers

• Owner of WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks

• Involved in Billie Jean King Cup, Cadillac Formula 1 team, professional women’s hockey leagues

• CEO of Guggenheim Partners, managing over $300 billion in assets globally.

Magic Johnson Endorses the Deal

Lakers icon Magic Johnson, who partnered with Walter in the Dodgers' purchase, shared his excitement:

“Congrats to Jeanie Buss on this extraordinary deal and for choosing the right successor in my good friend and business partner, Mark Walter. He’s the perfect person to carry on the Lakers’ championship legacy.”

Magic added:

“Lakers fans should be ecstatic! Mark is driven by winning, excellence, and doing things the right way — and he’s willing to spend whatever it takes to win. I completely understand why Jeanie chose him.”

What Comes Next for the Lakers?

The Lakers’ current stars are LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
LeBron holds a player option worth $52.6 million for next season, and speculation is already mounting over what moves Mark Walter’s ownership will pursue this summer.

NBA insider Brett Siegel jokingly tweeted:
"Now that the Lakers have a Dodgers owner, look out for Giannis, Shai, Jokic, Ant, and Luka — 10-year, $1 billion deals, with payments deferred until 2080, Dodger-style."

Closing a Chapter, Opening a New Dynasty

This landmark transaction signals the end of an iconic family’s reign and the dawn of a new era for one of basketball’s most legendary franchises.

With Mark Walter’s proven track record of investment, spending, and championships, Lakers fans worldwide are hopeful this will usher in a golden new chapter for the Purple and Gold.