$10 Billion Deal: Lakers

June 19, 2025

 

💰🏀 $10 Billion Deal: Lakers Set to Become Most Expensive Team Sale in U.S. Sports History

A new era is dawning in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic franchises in world sport, are being sold in what is set to become the most expensive team sale in U.S. sports history — a record-shattering $10 billion deal, according to sources close to the transaction.

The Buss family, who have owned the Lakers since 1979, have reached an agreement with billionaire financier Mark Walter, the CEO of TWG Global and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

🧾 The Breakdown:

  • 💸 Reported deal value: $10 billion (and could climb higher)

  • 🏀 Buyer: Mark Walter (also owns Dodgers, co-owner since 2021)

  • 📈 Previous record: Boston Celtics sold for $6.1B (March 2025)

  • 🏆 Lakers history under Buss family: 11 championships, 17 Finals appearances

  • 👩‍💼 Jeanie Buss will reportedly remain governor under the new deal

“Mark Walter is entering into an agreement to acquire additional interests in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers,” said a spokesperson for TWG Global.

📉 From $67.5M to $10B: The Rise of a Dynasty’s Value

In 1979, real estate mogul Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers (along with the Kings and The Forum arena) for just $67.5 million.

Under his leadership — and later that of his daughter Jeanie Buss — the Lakers became NBA royalty, producing dynasties under Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and now LeBron James.

🏀 The Buss Era: Legacy & Transition

After Jerry Buss’s passing in 2013, the team ownership passed into a trust shared by his six children. A clause required majority approval among them for any sale — which has now happened.

Jeanie Buss, who has served as the team’s governor, is expected to retain her leadership role in partnership with Walter.

🌍 Who Is Mark Walter?

  • 🌐 CEO of TWG Global

  • 🧢 Majority owner of the LA Dodgers

  • ⚽ Stakeholder in Chelsea FC

  • 🏎️ Owner of Cadillac F1 Team (launching in 2026)

Walter is known for building winning teams with long-term vision — and now brings that formula to basketball’s biggest stage.

🗣️ Magic Johnson Reacts

Lakers icon Magic Johnson celebrated the move on social media:

“I just talked to my sister Jeanie Buss to tell her congratulations… She’s witnessed him build a winning team with the Dodgers and knows that Mark will do right by the Lakers team, organization, and fans!”

🏆 What’s Next for the Lakers?

The team, led by LeBron James, has made the playoffs for the past three seasons but hasn’t returned to championship glory since 2020. With a $10 billion valuation and new investment leadership, the pressure to win is now higher than ever.

A new ownership era begins — but the expectations in purple and gold remain the same.