Mark Walter, Dodgers owner, and Jeanie Buss, long-time Lakers president, represent a major turning point in franchise history as the Lakers' ownership passes hands in a landmark $10 billion deal (Credit: Imagn Images)
The exclusive Lakers’ ownership shift to Mark Walter marked a historic turning point in NBA history. First, the Lakers became the most valuable U.S. sports franchise at a reported $10 billion valuation, making it the largest sale ever. Second, Jeanie Buss, who has led the organization since 2013, will stay on as the team’s governor, confirming continuity in leadership. Third, Magic Johnson, Lakers’ legend and Dodgers’ co-owner, praised the move, saying fans “should be ecstatic”, noting Walter’s track record for “winning and excellence.”
Mark Walter is a billionaire investor, philanthropist, and the CEO and co-founder of TWG Global, a holding company focused on sports, media, and entertainment assets. Walter is best known for being the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, where under his leadership the team won multiple National League West titles and a World Series.
TWG Global, the company Walter leads, is backed by Guggenheim Partners and manages a wide range of high-value sports investments. The firm is also involved with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, Chelsea FC of the English Premier League, and now, the Los Angeles Lakers. Walter’s ability to build competitive franchises has earned him high praise in the sports ownership world.
His connection to the Buss family, who have controlled the Lakers since Dr. Jerry Buss acquired the team in 1979, is both strategic and respectful. Although the Buss family is selling its majority ownership stake, Jeanie Buss—the current controlling owner and president—will retain a minority share and remain as team governor. This ensures continuity and honors the family’s deep legacy with the Lakers, even as Walter transitions into his new ownership role.
Walter has publicly expressed admiration for Jeanie Buss and her leadership, and both parties reportedly worked closely to ensure a smooth transfer. The exclusive Lakers’ ownership shift to Mark Walter is not just a transaction—it’s a carefully structured collaboration that preserves the Lakers’ brand while pushing it toward a new era of success.
ESPN confirmed the exclusive Lakers’ ownership shift to Mark Walter involves Mark Walter—formerly a 20% minority owner since 2021—who will now acquire majority control from the Buss family, which had held a 66% stake since Jerry Buss bought the team in 1979. The figure dwarfs past NBA sales, including the Celtics’ $6.1 billion deal. Under this transition, the Lakers leap in valuation from around $1 billion in the early 2010s to $10 billion—a tenfold surge.
This exclusive Lakers’ ownership shift to Mark Walter ranks alongside the two other major NBA sales in 2025: the Dallas Mavericks at $3.5 billion and the Boston Celtics at $6.05 billion.
Despite the high-profile change, the exclusive Lakers’ ownership shift to Mark Walter ensures Jeanie Buss stays on as governor. The Buss family will retain a minority share (around 15%), securing partial legacy control.
Magic Johnson welcomed the change: “Lakers’ fans should be ecstatic. Mark is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way,” echoing optimism that the exclusive Lakers’ ownership shift to Mark Walter promises to uphold the franchise’s storied tradition.
Walter brings proven sports acumen, already owning baseball’s Dodgers, WNBA’s Sparks, and a minority stake in Chelsea FC. Under his leadership, the Dodgers captured two World Series titles and 11 NL West crowns. This track record enhances the credibility of the exclusive Lakers’ ownership shift to Mark Walter and eases concerns about future administration.
Cultural Impact: The Lakers’ legacy isn’t being auctioned—it’s evolving. Jeanie Buss’s retention sends reassurance that continuity remains intact.
Economic Benchmark: At $10 billion, the Lakers set a new high-water mark for team valuations, redefining sports business
Fan Reaction: Veteran stakeholders like Johnson, plus internal confidence from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, suggest readiness for another winning chapter.
This exclusive Lakers’ ownership shift to Mark Walter represents more than a change in ownership—it reflects a strategic, multi-sport consolidation under Walter’s proven leadership.
Final approval: The NBA Board of Governors still needs to sign off—expected this summer.
Operations unchanged: With Buss in place, day-to-day leadership stays stable.
Investment focus: Fans expect salary cap flexibility for stars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the next player to join.
The exclusive Lakers’ ownership shift to Mark Walter is a landmark move, combining record valuation, continuity through Jeanie Buss, and Walter’s championship-winning pedigree. As the NBA’s highest-priced acquisition, it sets up franchise stability and competitiveness under new stewardship. Whether this deal cements a culture of success will play out in seasons to come, but with Walter at the helm, Lakers Nation has reason to hope.
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