The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic and storied franchises in the history of professional basketball, are undergoing a monumental change that has sent shockwaves across the sports world. The team, long held by the Buss family, has reportedly been sold in a groundbreaking $10 billion deal that sets a new record not only in the NBA but across all professional sports in the United States. This unprecedented transaction signifies the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Lakers history—one defined by massive investment, evolving leadership, and the continuing pursuit of championship glory. Originally purchased by Dr. Jerry Buss in 1979 for a modest $67.5 million, the Lakers grew into a global sports powerhouse over the next four decades. Under the Buss family, the franchise won ten NBA championships, most recently in 2020 under the leadership of Jeanie Buss. That triumph, marked by the brilliance of LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the pandemic-shortened season, tied the Lakers with the Boston Celtics for the most championships in league history at 17. But now, with the sale to billionaire Mark Walter and his group, TWG Global, the Lakers are entering a new phase of ownership that reflects broader trends in sports business—consolidation, global expansion, and the rise of multi-franchise billionaires driving the future of the game.
Mark Walter is no stranger to Los Angeles or to the world of professional sports. As the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, he has overseen one of the most successful baseball franchises of the last decade. Since purchasing the Dodgers in 2012 for $2.15 billion, Walter has turned the team into a consistent playoff contender, winning the World Series in 2020 and again in 2024. His ownership group also has ties to Chelsea Football Club, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and other international sports properties including a stake in Cadillac’s Formula 1 team and the Billie Jean King Cup. By adding the Lakers to his already impressive portfolio, Walter cements his status as one of the most influential and diversified owners in global sports. The reported $10 billion price tag doesn’t just represent the cost of a basketball team—it reflects the immense brand power, cultural impact, and commercial opportunity the Lakers possess. With one of the most recognizable logos in all of sports, a global fanbase, consistent merchandise sales, and enormous value in media rights, the Lakers are a once-in-a-generation investment. Analysts and insiders suggest that media rights alone could generate billions in the coming decade, and with a rise in international interest in the NBA—particularly in markets like China, the Philippines, and across Europe—the Lakers are positioned as a global juggernaut beyond just the hardwood.
The sale sets a new record in the valuation of a U.S. sports franchise, surpassing the $6.1 billion sale of the Boston Celtics and the $6.05 billion price tag for the NFL’s Washington Commanders. In recent years, valuations for elite franchises have skyrocketed, driven by a combination of broadcasting rights, global merchandising, digital engagement, and the growing value of live content in a streaming-dominated media landscape. In this new era, sports franchises are no longer just local institutions—they are multinational entertainment properties capable of delivering consistent returns and brand exposure around the world. What makes the Lakers particularly valuable is not just their history, but their continued relevance. Despite recent struggles to remain competitive in the playoffs, the team remains a central focus of the league, drawing massive TV audiences, dominating social media, and attracting the attention of celebrities and global fans alike. Stars like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal have all contributed to the mythos of the franchise. The presence of LeBron James in recent years, and the possibility of Bronny James joining the roster, only adds to the intrigue.
The role of Jeanie Buss in this transition is also significant. While she has sold the majority interest in the team, reports confirm she will remain as the team’s governor and retain a significant minority stake, reportedly over 15 percent. This allows for continuity of leadership and brand stewardship while still enabling fresh capital and new direction under Mark Walter’s ownership. Jeanie, the first female controlling owner to win an NBA title, has been a stabilizing force during times of internal strife, particularly during her well-documented legal battle with her brothers over control of the team. Her decision to sell comes after careful consideration of what is best for the long-term success of the Lakers, according to sources close to the family. Walter is known for his long-term thinking and commitment to winning—not just in terms of spending money, but in investing wisely across all aspects of a sports franchise, including player development, analytics, infrastructure, and community outreach. Under his ownership, the Dodgers built one of the most respected front offices in baseball, leading to years of sustained excellence and innovation. A similar approach with the Lakers could yield transformational changes in how the team is run behind the scenes, with a likely focus on analytics, international scouting, and state-of-the-art training facilities.
Reaction from the sports world has been swift and largely positive. Magic Johnson, one of the most influential figures in Lakers history and a long-time business associate of Mark Walter, publicly praised the deal and expressed confidence that the franchise would be in good hands. Fans took to social media with a mix of surprise and excitement, with many hopeful that a new era of success might be just around the corner. Of course, there was also a sense of nostalgia and bittersweet reflection, especially among longtime fans who have followed the team through generations of Buss family leadership. Some questioned whether the team might lose its identity or hometown feel, while others pointed out that Walter, who resides in Los Angeles and already owns other LA franchises, understands the cultural and emotional importance of the Lakers to the city. The implications of this sale extend well beyond Los Angeles. NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the league’s Board of Governors are likely to view the $10 billion figure as a new benchmark for team valuations and future expansion considerations. It also underscores the league’s growing international profile and its ability to attract investment from the world’s wealthiest individuals and groups. More billionaires will be eyeing NBA franchises as both prestige assets and long-term financial opportunities, raising the stakes across the league.
The Lakers’ new era comes at a pivotal moment. The team is in transition, with LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career and a new generation of players—possibly led by Bronny James, Anthony Davis, or another superstar acquisition—waiting in the wings. The franchise is expected to be aggressive in free agency and trade markets under the new ownership, with reports already suggesting the possibility of headline-making moves to restore the team’s championship aspirations. Financial flexibility, coupled with a willingness to spend, could make the Lakers a serious contender for any superstar looking for a new home. Off the court, the team may also look to upgrade its facilities, expand its international footprint, and reimagine fan engagement in a digital-first environment. Given Walter’s experience with the Dodgers and his proven track record in innovation, there is optimism that the Lakers will not only remain a marquee franchise but set new standards in performance, business, and culture.
Ultimately, the $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers represents more than just a financial transaction—it’s a defining moment in the evolution of sports ownership and the business of basketball. It signals the rise of a new type of ownership group: one with the resources, ambition, and vision to reshape what a franchise can be in the 21st century. It also closes a remarkable chapter in which the Buss family turned a local franchise into a global icon, while opening the door to a future filled with potential. Whether this new chapter leads to more titles, more innovation, or simply more excitement, one thing is certain—the Lakers remain at the center of the basketball universe, and all eyes will be on how this new era unfolds.
