The Los Angeles Lakers, one of professional sports’ most iconic franchises, are reportedly being sold by the long-time owning Buss family in a landmark deal that values the team at an unprecedented $10 billion. This transaction, initially reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, is set to redefine the landscape of sports franchise valuations, setting a new global record.
The agreement involves Mark Walter, CEO and chairman of TWG Global and principal owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, acquiring a majority stake in the NBA team. While Walter will become the primary owner, current governor Jeanie Buss is expected to retain a minority interest and continue in her leadership role.
A Historic Sale Price
The reported $10 billion valuation shatters all previous records for a professional sports franchise sale. It significantly surpasses recent high-profile transactions, such as the $6.1 billion sale of the Boston Celtics and the $6.05 billion acquisition of the NFL’s Washington Commanders, both occurring earlier in 2025. The price also vastly exceeds the Lakers’ most recent official NBA valuation of $7 billion.
This sale marks the end of an era under the Buss family, who purchased the franchise in 1979. Led by the late Dr. Jerry Buss, that original deal was valued at $67.5 million and included not only the Lakers but also the Los Angeles Kings NHL team, The Forum arena, and a significant ranch in Nevada. The staggering increase from $67.5 million for a multi-asset package in 1979 to $10 billion for the Lakers alone underscores the tremendous growth and value created under the Buss family’s stewardship, during which the team secured 11 NBA championships and featured numerous legendary players. Following Jerry Buss’s passing in 2013, ownership transitioned to his children. The sale required approval from a majority of the six Buss siblings, which was obtained.
Meet the New Majority Owner
Mark Walter is a prominent figure in the sports world with a proven track record. His ownership portfolio includes the Los Angeles Dodgers, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, a newly launched Cadillac Formula One team, interests in Chelsea Football Club, and a franchise in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Walter has also been a minority owner of the Lakers since 2021, providing him with existing familiarity with the organization.
Known for his willingness to make substantial investments in his teams, Walter has been credited with the Dodgers’ success and operational growth over the past decade, particularly through significant spending on player salaries. His estimated net worth is around $12.5 billion. His reputation for bold investment and operational excellence is seen as a positive sign for the future of the Lakers.
Why Such a Valuation?
Several factors contribute to the Lakers’ unprecedented $10 billion valuation:
Iconic Global Brand: The Lakers are one of the most recognizable and valuable sports brands worldwide, boasting a massive and passionate fan base.
Premier Market: Located in Los Angeles, the second-largest media market in the U.S., the team benefits from extensive revenue opportunities through sponsorships, merchandise, and media rights.
NBA Media Deal: The recent massive NBA media rights deal, reportedly worth $77 billion over 11 years, significantly increases revenue potential for all league teams, boosting franchise valuations.
Legacy and Continuity: The team’s rich history and Jeanie Buss’s continued involvement as governor provide stability and a connection to the Lakers’ successful past.
The sale, expected to finalize in June 2025, represents a pivotal moment for the Lakers and the NBA. It sets a new benchmark for valuations across all major professional sports and signals a new era for the franchise, blending its storied legacy with the ambition and investment capacity of new majority ownership under Mark Walter.
