The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly poised for a landmark change in majority ownership, with Mark Walter, chairman of the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading a proposed $10 billion acquisition. This unprecedented valuation marks a significant new benchmark for professional sports team sales globally, signaling a robust market for iconic sports franchises and highlighting their increasing appeal as strategic assets.
Strategic Acquisition and Market Context
Mark Walter, who serves as CEO and chairman of TWG Global, is a seasoned investor in high-value sports entities, having already held a minority stake in the Lakers since 2021. His extensive sports portfolio also encompasses substantial interests in the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup, and the Cadillac Formula 1 team. Beyond the realm of sports, Walter co-founded Guggenheim Partners in 1999, a prominent global investment and advisory firm currently managing over $325 billion in assets. Forbes estimated Walter’s net worth at $6.1 billion as of February 2025, underscoring his capacity for such a significant investment.
The reported $10 billion valuation for the Lakers far surpasses the previous record for a professional sports team sale, which was the $6.1 billion acquisition of the Boston Celtics in March 2025. This escalating valuation firmly underscores the increasing premium placed on elite sports franchises, positioning them as strategic global assets that consistently attract substantial capital from major financial entities and high-net-worth investors.
Continuity of Leadership and Legacy
Despite the impending ownership shift, the Buss family’s enduring legacy with the Lakers is set to persist. Jeanie Buss, daughter of the late Jerry Buss, will maintain her crucial role as Governor of the franchise. Jerry Buss originally acquired the Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million, a visionary move at the time. The Buss family has since stewarded the team through decades of success, with Jeanie assuming her primary leadership responsibilities following her father’s passing in 2013, ensuring a continuous link to the team’s storied past and its championship culture.
Emily Carter has over eight years of experience covering global business trends. She specializes in technology startups, market innovations, and corporate strategy, turning complex developments into clear, actionable stories for our readers.