Who bought the Lakers? Inside the largest sports team sale in history

In a historic $10 billion deal, the Buss family has agreed to sell a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Lakers to billionaire Mark Walter, the current owner of the L.A. Dodgers. The transaction, which surpasses the previous record $6.1 billion sale of the Boston Celtics, makes this the most valuable sports franchise sale in history.

Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and a longtime stakeholder in the Lakers, will now assume majority ownership. However, Jeanie Buss will remain as the team’s governor and continue to represent the Lakers in league affairs.

The sale follows the Lakers' recent acquisition of NBA superstar Luka Doncic, signaling a new era both on and off the court. The team confirmed the deal in a statement: “Mark Walter is entering into an agreement to acquire additional interests in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers.”


Walter’s expanding sports empire includes the Dodgers, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, the Professional Women's Hockey League, and stakes in Chelsea FC and Cadillac’s Formula 1 team. Under his leadership, the Dodgers made headlines with Shohei Ohtani’s record $700 million contract in 2023.

The Lakers were purchased in 1979 by Dr. Jerry Buss for just $67.5 million. Over the decades, the franchise has become a global brand, winning 11 NBA titles and fielding legends like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and LeBron James.

Following Dr. Buss’s passing in 2013, ownership passed to his family. Jim Buss departed in 2017, leaving Jeanie Buss at the helm.

With Luka Doncic joining the roster and Walter steering the franchise, the Lakers enter a bold new chapter—one backed by financial firepower, championship ambition, and an enduring legacy.