Los Angeles Lakers $10 Billion Sale Shatters Sports Franchise Records; Buss Family Makes NBA History
Lakers team (Image via Getty)
In June 2025, the majority of the
Los Angeles Lakers
is to be sold for a record-setting $10 billion, marking the largest sale of a professional sports franchise in history. This monumental deal reflects not only the Lakers' unparalleled legacy but also the dynamic forces shaping the NBA and global sports ownership.
The Buss Family Legacy and the Decision to Sell the Los Angeles Lakers
For over four decades, the Buss family has guided the Los Angeles Lakers, transforming them from a regional basketball team into a global sports icon. Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the franchise in 1979 for $67.5 million—a transaction that also included the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and The Forum in Inglewood, California. Under the Buss family's stewardship, the Lakers have secured 11 NBA championships, the most of any franchise during that period, and built a roster featuring legendary players such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and LeBron James.
Following Jerry Buss's death in 2013, ownership passed to his children, with Jeanie Buss serving as the team's governor. The family's trust structure required a majority of the six Buss siblings to agree to any sale, a consensus that was finally reached this week. Despite selling a majority stake, Jeanie Buss will retain a minority interest and continue as governor, ensuring continuity in the team's leadership and identity.
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The Los Angeles Lakers Buyer: Mark Walter's Sports Empire
Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and principal owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is set to become the controlling owner of the Lakers. Walter, who already held a minority stake in the Lakers since 2021, has a proven track record in sports ownership, including the Dodgers, the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, a stake in Chelsea Football Club, interests in Formula 1, and the Professional Women's Hockey League.
Walter's acquisition of the Lakers adds to his growing sports empire and reflects the increasing appetite among ultra-wealthy investors for marquee sports assets.
Under his leadership, the Dodgers have thrived both on and off the field, setting league payroll records and securing multiple World Series appearances. His reputation for bold investments and operational excellence bodes well for the Lakers' future.
Record-Breaking Valuation and Market Dynamics
The $10 billion sale price shatters previous records for sports franchise transactions, far exceeding the $6.1 billion paid for the Boston Celtics earlier in 2025 and the $6.05 billion for the NFL's Washington Commanders.
This valuation is particularly notable given that the Lakers' official league valuation had recently been estimated at $7 billion, ranking them third among NBA teams behind the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors.
Several factors drive this record valuation:
- Historic Success and Brand Power: The Lakers' championship legacy and global fan base make them one of the most recognizable sports brands in the world.
- Prime Market Location: Los Angeles is the second-largest media market in the United States, offering vast opportunities for sponsorships, merchandising, and international expansion.
- Booming NBA Media Rights: The league's recent $77 billion, 11-year media rights deal has dramatically increased the revenue potential for all teams, further boosting franchise values.
- Strong Ownership and Stability: The combination of Mark Walter's proven leadership and Jeanie Buss's continued involvement provides confidence in the team's future direction.
The Impact on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA
The sale of the Lakers for $10 billion is more than a financial transaction—it signals a new era for the franchise and the NBA as a whole.
The deal sets a new benchmark for sports franchise valuations and is likely to influence future sales across major leagues. For the Lakers, the transition represents continuity and ambition, with both the legacy of the Buss family and the vision of Mark Walter shaping the team's future.
Lakers icon Magic Johnson, who has been involved with both the Lakers and the Dodgers, publicly congratulated the new ownership group, emphasizing their shared commitment to winning and investing in success.
The $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers underscores the enduring value of iconic sports franchises in today's global marketplace. With a rich history, a prime location, and visionary new ownership, the Lakers are poised to remain at the forefront of professional sports for years to come.
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