The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold to Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, in a record-breaking $10 billion deal. This transaction marks the largest sale of a professional sports franchise in history, surpassing the $6.1 billion sale of the Boston Celtics earlier in 2025.
The Buss family, who owned the Lakers since 1979, will retain a minority stake of around 15% and Jeanie Buss will continue as the team’s governor, ensuring continuity in leadership. Mark Walter has been a minority owner of the Lakers since 2021 and has a proven track record of success with the Dodgers, leading them to two World Series appearances.
The sale reflects the Lakers’ immense brand value, global recognition, and revenue potential. The team’s valuation is driven by factors such as historic success, prime market location, and booming NBA media rights. The NBA’s recent $77 billion media rights deal has significantly increased franchise values, making this sale a benchmark for future transactions.
Magic Johnson, a Lakers legend and business partner of Mark Walter, praised the sale, stating that Walter is driven by winning, excellence, and doing things the right way. He believes Walter will put in the necessary resources to win and is the best caretaker for the Lakers’ brand
