Record-Breaking NBA Valuation Marks New Era for Lakers Franchise

The landscape of professional sports ownership has shifted dramatically as the Buss family, the longstanding owners of the Los Angeles Lakers, agreed to sell a majority stake in the storied NBA franchise to business magnate Mark Walter. The deal, which values the Lakers at a staggering $10 billion, sets a new high-water mark for NBA team valuations and underscores the growing financial might of professional basketball.

The Transaction: A Billion-Dollar Transfer of Power

According to sources familiar with the deal, Mark Walter—CEO and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners and principal owner of multiple professional sports teams—will purchase the majority of the Lakers’ shares from the Buss family. Jeanie Buss, who has served as the team’s governor and a key figure in the Lakers’ management since inheriting the franchise from her father Jerry Buss, will retain a minority stake and continue in her leadership role.

The Lakers, an iconic franchise with a global following, have been under the Buss family’s control since they purchased the team in 1979 for just $67.5 million. The sale price in 2025—representing a 148-fold increase over the original purchase—reflects the Lakers’ meteoric rise both on and off the court.

This historic transaction, which does not include the Crypto.com Arena (owned by AEG), comes amid soaring NBA franchise values, thanks in large part to the league’s blockbuster $77 billion media rights deal and global expansion efforts.

Who Is Mark Walter? A New Era in Lakers Ownership

Mark Walter is no stranger to high-profile sports ownership. In addition to his new controlling interest in the Lakers, Walter is already the principal owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), and a forthcoming Cadillac Formula 1 team. He is also an owner in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

Walter’s entry into the Lakers’ ownership circle began in 2021 when he purchased an initial minority stake. The current acquisition cements his status as one of the most influential sports investors in the United States.

NBA legend and former Lakers star Magic Johnson, who is also a business partner of Walter, praised the transaction on social media: “Great job to my sister Jeanie Buss for securing an incredible deal and choosing the right person to carry on the Lakers legacy. Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the greatest steward of the Lakers brand.”

Jeanie Buss: Continuing the Family Legacy

Despite selling the majority stake, Jeanie Buss will retain significant influence over the franchise. She will hold onto a minority ownership position and continue as the Lakers’ governor, ensuring continuity and upholding the family’s legacy within the NBA.

Since taking over after her father’s passing, Buss has overseen a highly successful period for the Lakers, both in terms of championships and financial growth. The Lakers have claimed 11 NBA titles under the Buss family, the most in the league over the same period.

Financial Impact: New Benchmark for NBA Team Valuations

The Lakers’ $10 billion valuation eclipses the previous highest mark, set earlier this year when the Boston Celtics sold a majority stake to private equity manager Bill Chisholm for a record $6.1 billion. This leap in franchise values has been fueled by the NBA’s new media rights agreement, which will bring $77 billion in revenue over 11 years, dramatically increasing the league’s financial clout.

CNBC’s most recent rankings placed the Lakers third in franchise value at $7 billion, but the Walter transaction resets the market and signals continued upward momentum for sports asset valuations.

Market Context: Sports Franchises as Blue-Chip Assets

Ownership of professional sports teams, particularly in the NBA, is increasingly viewed as a blue-chip investment opportunity. High-profile deals such as the Lakers’ sale reflect a growing appetite among billionaire investors for global brands with reliable cash flows, international reach, and strong cultural influence.

The NBA’s financial strength is also buoyed by expanding international markets, lucrative sponsorships, digital engagement, and the persistent growth of basketball’s global fan base.

Recent Lakers Success and On-Court Storylines

The Lakers’ business strength is complemented by their ongoing on-court competitiveness. In February 2025, the Lakers acquired Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić to play alongside LeBron James, forming one of the league’s most formidable duos. The team finished the 2025 season ranked third in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record.

Crypto.com Arena, though not part of the transaction, remains the Lakers’ home and one of the NBA’s premier venues.

A New Chapter in Lakers History

The sale of the Lakers’ majority stake marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter. Mark Walter’s stewardship is expected to bring new resources and a fresh vision, while Jeanie Buss’s ongoing involvement will ensure that the team’s tradition and culture remain intact.

As NBA franchise valuations continue to soar, and the league attracts a growing roster of high-net-worth investors, the Lakers’ $10 billion price tag stands as a testament to the enduring power of sports brands in the modern economy.