Lakers Sold in Landmark $10 Billion Deal as Mark Walter Acquires Majority Stake

In a historic shift for one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises, the Buss family has agreed to sell a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to billionaire Mark Walter, valuing the team at a record $10 billion, according to sources familiar with the deal.

The agreement, finalized this week, marks the highest valuation ever for an NBA franchise, surpassing the $6.1 billion sale of the Boston Celtics earlier this year. Jeanie Buss will retain a minority stake and continue in her role as governor of the team, which has been under her family's stewardship since 1979.

A New Era for the Purple and Gold

Mark Walter, CEO and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners, is already a seasoned figure in sports ownership. He holds majority stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA's Sparks, and the Cadillac Formula 1 team, and is also a partner in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

"Mark Walter is entering into an agreement to acquire additional interests in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers," a representative confirmed. Walter has held a minority stake in the team since 2021.

While the Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers play, is owned by AEG and not part of the transaction, the Lakers’ brand value is poised to soar under new majority ownership.

Jeanie Buss to Stay Involved

Jeanie Buss, who inherited the franchise from her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, will retain a minority ownership position and continue to serve as the team's governor, ensuring continuity in leadership. Under the Buss family, the Lakers won 11 NBA championships, the most by any team during that time frame.

The team was originally purchased in 1979, alongside The Forum and the NHL’s Kings, for $67.5 million.

NBA icon and business partner Magic Johnson celebrated the deal on X, calling it “an incredible decision” by Jeanie Buss and saying Walter is “the best choice to carry on the Lakers legacy.”

NBA Valuations Reach New Heights

The Lakers were last valued at $7 billion by CNBC’s Official NBA Team Valuations. The new $10 billion sale far exceeds that figure, reflecting soaring league valuations driven by a massive $77 billion media rights agreement signed earlier this year.

This deal outpaces even the Boston Celtics’ $6.1 billion sale in March and cements the Lakers' status as one of the league’s premier franchises.

Star Power and Strong Performance

In February, the Lakers made headlines by acquiring Luka Dončić to pair with LeBron James, reinforcing their commitment to championship contention. The team finished the 2025 regular season as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, with a 50-32 record.

The Lakers’ blend of on-court success, global brand recognition, and market potential made them a prime target for high-stakes investment, analysts say.