In a grand slam of a deal, the National Basketball Association has officially hit the jackpot with the approval of the largest sale in sports history: the Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a staggering $10 billion. This monumental move sees the Bus family handing over the reins to Mark Walter, the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and the proud owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For those not keeping score, this sale is a record-breaker, surpassing the previous biggest sales which included the Boston Celtics at $6.1 billion and the Washington Commanders at $6.05 billion. Talk about a game-changer!
The Lakers, a legendary franchise that has stamped its name all over the NBA history books, sits pretty with a valuation of $10 billion. They are currently second on Forbes’ 2025 list of the most valuable NBA teams, just behind the Golden State Warriors, which boast a whopping $11 billion value. With 32 trips to the NBA Finals and 17 championships lining their trophy case, it’s no wonder this team commands attention—and, well, quite a pretty penny. The Lakers are not just a team; they are a cultural icon, a brand that draws in fans and endorsements like moths to a flame.
The unanimous approval from the NBA’s board of governors reflects just how pivotal this deal is for the league and the sport itself. Although the Bus family will step back from daily operations, they are not disappearing entirely. Jeanie Buss will maintain her role as the team’s governor for at least five years following the completion of the sale. The Buss family originally scooped up the Lakers for a mere $67.5 million back in 1979—a testament to how far the franchise has come in the world of sports.
Mark Walter is no rookie when it comes to owning successful sports teams; he has been a Lakers stakeholder for the past four years and has his sights set on dominating the sports scene. With the Lakers in his corner alongside the Dodgers, which he acquired for $2.15 billion in 2012, Walter is on a roll. The billion-dollar mogul also has his hand in other ventures, such as controlling stake in the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and being part of the English Premier League’s Chelsea FC. With a net worth of $7.3 billion, it’s safe to say that Walter has the financial backing to support the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
So, what does all this mean for Lakers fans? Well, if Jeanie Buss’ excitement over Walter’s ownership is anything to go by, the sky’s the limit for the team. As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Lakers history, it’s clear this transaction is more than just a sale; it’s a new era. With fresh investment, a history of winning, and Walter’s commitment to bringing home titles, the Lakers are poised to continue their legacy of success. Time will tell how this all shakes out, but one thing’s for sure: Lakers fans have something to cheer about as they look forward to this exciting new beginning!
