Top 5 Biggest Sports Teams Purchases, Including Lakers Historic $10 Billion
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the sports world when it was announced that the Buss Family is set to sell their majority ownership of the franchise to Mark Walter. Walter previously had a minor ownership stake, but will now take control of the team.
Read more: Buss Family Agrees to Sell Majority Ownership of Lakers to Dodgers Owner
What is even more shocking about the sale is that Walter purchased the majority stake for a record-breaking $10 billion. That said, here are the top five sales in sports team history, including the mind-boggling Lakers acquisition.
5. Phoenix Suns and Mercury (2023): $4 Billion
In 2023, Mat Ishiba acquired the Phoenix Suns and Mercury in a joint sale for $4 billion, which was the highest NBA team sold at the time. Ishiba acquired both teams from Robert Sarve.
4. Denver Broncos (2022): $4.65 Billion
Back in 2022, the Denver Broncos were sold by the Pat Bowlen Trust to the Walton-Peenner Family, who famously own the massive chain, Walmart. Pat Bowlen passed away three years previously, leading to the sale of the historic franchise.
3. Washington Commanders (2023): $6.05 Billion
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Jeanie Buss speaks during a ceremony unveiling and permanently placing Kobe Bryant's hand and footprints in the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre on March 15, 2023 in Hollywood, California....
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Jeanie Buss speaks during a ceremony unveiling and permanently placing Kobe Bryant's hand and footprints in the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre on March 15, 2023 in Hollywood, California. Buss made her first comments about the Lakers drafting Bronny James. More
Photo byMore news: Lakers Sell Valuation Breaks Record in Sports at $10 Billion
After a bevy of controversies surrounding former owner Dan Snyder, he sold the Washington Commanders team to Josh Harris. Harris is part of the ownership group that also owns the Philadelphia 76ers.
The purchase of the Commanders was followed by the franchise completely turning things around, acquiring star rookie Jayden Daniels, and the team making it all the way to the NFC Championship Game.
2. Boston Celtics (2025): $6.1 Billion
The Boston Celtics surpassed the acquisition of the Commanders, bringing in a then-historic $6.1 billion sale. The Grousbeck Family chose to sell the franchise to William Chisholm, who is the co-founder of the Symphony Technology Group.
Wyc Grousbeck will remain the governor of the team through the 2027-28 season, and the conclusion of that season will then move to Chisholm.
1. Los Angeles Lakers (2025): $10 Billion
Passing the Celtics in yet another record, the Lakers now have the biggest sale in sports history. As mentioned above, Walter acquired majority ownership of the team from the Buss Family, securing the record for the biggest sale in sports history.
The Lakers could engage in some sweeping changes, but Jeanie Buss will remain the governor of the team for now. There are no details yet regarding if and when she plans to give up control of the team.
For more on the Lakers, head to Newsweek Sports.
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