Lakers Sold to New Ownership Group in $10 Billion Deal

Introduction to the Sale of the Los Angeles Lakers

The Buss family has agreed to sell a majority stake of the Los Angeles Lakers to businessman Mark Walter in a deal that values the team at $10 billion, according to people with knowledge of the terms. The sale would mark a new record for NBA valuations. The Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers play, is owned by AEG and is not included in the deal.

Background on the Los Angeles Lakers Valuation

CNBC’s most recent Official NBA Team Valuations ranked the Lakers as third in the league in terms of value, at $7 billion. "Mark Walter is entering into an agreement to acquire additional interests in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, which he has been a stakeholder since 2021," a representative for Walter said in a statement. The Lakers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Details of the Sale

As part of the deal, Jeanie Buss will retain a minority stake in the team she has owned since her family purchased the franchise in 1979 for $67.5 million. She will also retain her governor seat. Walter is CEO and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners and is not new to sports ownership. He is also the majority owner of MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA’s Sparks and Cadillac’s forthcoming Formula 1 team. He also owns the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

Reaction to the Sale

Former Lakers legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who is also a business partner of Walter’s, praised the transaction. "Job well done to my sister Jeanie Buss for striking an incredible deal and picking the right person to carry on the Lakers legacy and tradition of winning," Johnson said. "Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand."

Impact on NBA Valuations

NBA valuations have skyrocketed since the league completed its most recent media rights agreement, valued at $77 billion over 11 years. In March, the Boston Celtics sold for a then-record of $6.1 billion to private equity executive Bill Chisholm. The Celtics and Lakers are arguably two of the most marquee franchises in the NBA.

Recent Performance of the Los Angeles Lakers

In February, the Lakers acquired Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic to team up with LeBron James. The Lakers finished the 2025 season as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record. The Lakers have won 11 NBA titles since the Buss family took over, the most of any NBA franchise during that period.

Conclusion

The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter marks a new era for the team and sets a new record for NBA valuations. With Walter’s experience in sports ownership and Jeanie Buss retaining a minority stake, the team is expected to continue its legacy of winning.

FAQs

Q: Who is buying the Los Angeles Lakers?

A: Mark Walter, CEO and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners, is buying a majority stake of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Q: How much is the Los Angeles Lakers being sold for?

A: The Los Angeles Lakers is being sold for $10 billion.

Q: Will Jeanie Buss still be involved with the team?

A: Yes, Jeanie Buss will retain a minority stake in the team and will also retain her governor seat.

Q: What other teams does Mark Walter own?

A: Mark Walter is the majority owner of MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA’s Sparks, and Cadillac’s forthcoming Formula 1 team, and also owns the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

Q: How will this sale affect NBA valuations?

A: The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers sets a new record for NBA valuations and is expected to have a significant impact on the valuation of other teams in the league.