Historic $10 Billion Deal Reshapes the Lakers Landscape
The Buss family’s recent agreement to sell a majority stake of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter, valuing the franchise at an unprecedented $10 billion, marks a significant milestone in the world of sports ownership. This new valuation sets a record for NBA franchises, highlighting the growing financial power and appeal of professional basketball.
Walter, who has been a partial owner of the Lakers since 2021, is also the CEO and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners. His portfolio in sports ownership extends beyond the NBA; he’s the majority owner of Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers, the WNBA’s Sparks, and will soon own Cadillac’s Formula 1 team. This multifaceted sports investment strategy reflects a broader trend in high-value team acquisitions within professional sports.
As part of this transformative deal, Jeanie Buss will maintain a minority stake in the Lakers and will continue to serve as the team’s governor. Since acquiring the franchise in 1979 for $67.5 million, the Buss family has overseen the Lakers’ ascent to becoming one of the league’s premier franchises, winning 11 NBA championships during their tenure.
The valuation of NBA franchises has been skyrocketing, particularly following the league’s latest media rights agreement valued at $77 billion over 11 years. This financial boom has influenced the valuations of key franchises like the Boston Celtics, which recently sold for a then-record $6.1 billion. Both teams consistently stand as the most iconic in the league, reflecting a strong market demand for basketball ownership.
Acknowledgment from Sports Legends
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a celebrated former Lakers player and business partner of Walter, commended the deal. He emphasized that Walter’s ownership is a strategic choice for the future of the franchise. This endorsement from a Lakers legend reinforces the notion that this transition is in line with the team’s storied legacy of excellence.
In addition, recent player acquisitions, like Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic teaming up with LeBron James, point to an aggressive strategy to maintain competitive performance. The Lakers closed the 2025 season with a solid 50-32 record, positioning them as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
This transaction could have broader implications for the NBA’s financial landscape. As ongoing investments and corporate inflows persist, the valuation of other teams will likely escalate, especially in markets where basketball enjoys heightened popularity.
Furthermore, with the synergy between ownership expertise and market strategies, expectations for teams like the Lakers are set high. The convergence of sports and business acumen could signal a new era of lucrative opportunities for investors drawn to the potential returns embedded in NBA franchises.