I Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA's most legendary franchises, were Bestsellers is preferably used for record figure of 10 billion of dollars. The majority stake is acquired by Mark Walter, CEO of the financial giant Guggenheim Partners (325 billion in assets), former owner of Los Angeles Dodgers, Sparks WNBA, of the new stable Cadillac in Formula 1 and with interests also in the Billie Jean King Cup and in women's hockey. The news was reported by ESPN e Wall Street Journal.
With 17 NBA titles under their belt, the Lakers become the sports team most expensive in history Usa, easily surpassing the previous record of Boston Celtics, sold in March 2025 for $6,1 billion to a consortium led by Bill Chisholm. The previous largest ownership transfer was that of the Washington Commanders (NFL) for $6,05 billion.
Lakers Sold for $10 Billion: Farewell to Buss After 45 Years, Jeanie Remains
This operation marks the end of an era for the Lakers: the family Bus, which purchased the franchise in 1979 for $67,5 million, is giving up control after 45 years of management. The original deal also included the historic Chrysler Building in New York. Since then, under the guidance of Jerry Buss, the Lakers have built one of the most successful and glamorous dynasties in the history of American sports, through the “Showtime” era with Magic Johnson, up to the successes with Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson and, most recently, LeBron James, the protagonist of the ring won in the 2020 “bubble”.
According to rumors, Jerry's daughter, jeanie buss, president since 2013, will continue to serve as Governor and team representative in the NBA Assembly, ensuring executive and symbolic continuity during this historic transition. The agreement is currently in waiting for ratification official by the link, which has the right of veto on any transfer of ownership.
Lakers: Mark Walter's Role and Right of First Refusal
Walter, who has an estimated net worth of $12,5 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, had already entered the Lakers ownership in 2021, acquiring a minority share right of first refusal in the event of a sale of control. He has now exercised this clause to become the owner of one of the global icons of sport.
“What Walter is buying is not just a team, but a global symbol: a winning brand, known throughout the world, a point of reference for an increasingly global league with a young and ever-growing fan base,” writes Bloomberg.
Magic Johnson's Endorsement of the Lakers Sale
The transfer was blessed by Magic Johnson, Lakers legend and Walter's business partner, who wrote on X:
“Jeanie Buss did an amazing job closing an incredible deal. Mark Walter is the perfect person to continue the Lakers legacy. He won two World Series and 11 division titles with the Dodgers. He is driven by excellence and puts his heart into everything he does. Lakers fans should be thrilled; he will continue the team’s winning tradition.”
A booming NBA market
The Lakers' is just the latest in a series of mega-operations in the American sports scene. Phoenix Suns were sold to Mat Ishbia for $4 billion, the Dallas Mavericks to the Adelson family for 3,5 billion, while Michael Jordan sold the Charlotte Hornets for 3 billion. Currently, even the Portland Trail Blazers They are officially on the market.
With this move, Mark Walter strengthens his presence among the elite of American professional sports.
