Chelsea co-owner Mark Walter’s impending acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-shattering $10 billion has sent shockwaves through the sports world, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in global sports ownership. The deal, first reported by ESPN and corroborated by posts on X and various web sources, represents the highest price ever paid for a sports franchise, dwarfing the previous record set by the $6.1 billion sale of the Boston Celtics in March 2025. This transaction not only redefines the financial landscape of sports franchises but also marks the end of an era for the Lakers, one of the NBA’s most storied teams, as the Buss family relinquishes majority control after nearly half a century.
Details of the Deal
The agreement involves Walter purchasing the majority stake from the Buss family, who have owned the Lakers since Dr. Jerry Buss acquired the team in 1979 for $67.5 million—a figure that included the Lakers, the Los Angeles Kings NHL team, and the Forum arena. Under the terms of the deal, the Buss family will retain a minority stake of at least 15%, ensuring Jeanie Buss remains the team’s governor, a position mandated by NBA rules for owners holding such a share. The sale, which requires approval from the NBA’s Board of Governors, is expected to proceed smoothly given Walter’s existing ties to the league and his proven track record in sports management.
Walter, the CEO of TWG Global and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners, is no stranger to the Lakers’ ownership structure. In 2021, he and Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly acquired a 26-27% stake in the team from Phil Anschutz for approximately $1.35 billion, a deal that included a right of first refusal on the Buss family’s majority share. This clause positioned Walter to capitalize on the opportunity when the Buss family decided to sell, reportedly due to financial pressures and the allure of a historic payout. The $10 billion valuation reflects the Lakers’ global brand value, driven by their 17 NBA championships, a passionate fanbase, and lucrative media deals, including their local TV contract with Spectrum SportsNet.
Walter’s Expanding Sports Empire
Mark Walter’s acquisition of the Lakers adds another crown jewel to his already formidable sports portfolio. As the controlling owner of Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers, Walter has overseen a period of unprecedented success, with the team securing two World Series titles (2020, 2024) and 11 National League West divisional titles in 12 years. His ownership group, Guggenheim Baseball Management, purchased the Dodgers in 2012 for $2.15 billion, a then-record for a North American sports team. The Dodgers’ success, both on the field and financially, serves as a blueprint for what Lakers fans might expect under Walter’s stewardship.
Beyond baseball, Walter’s investments span multiple sports and leagues. He holds a stake in the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, co-owns the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and has recently ventured into motorsport with a controlling interest in the Cadillac Formula 1 team, set to join the grid in 2026. His involvement in Chelsea FC, where he is a minority shareholder and board member alongside Todd Boehly, further underscores his global ambitions. Walter’s partnership with Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who owns a minority stake in the Dodgers, Sparks, and now the Lakers, adds a layer of credibility and local resonance to his leadership. Johnson publicly endorsed the deal on X, praising Walter’s “proven winner’s mentality” and predicting a new golden era for the Lakers.
The Buss Family Legacy
The sale marks a bittersweet milestone for the Buss family, whose ownership of the Lakers has been synonymous with the team’s golden eras. Dr. Jerry Buss, who passed away in 2013, transformed the Lakers into a global brand, introducing the “Showtime” era of the 1980s with stars like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and later overseeing the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O’Neal dynasty in the 2000s. Under Buss family ownership, the Lakers won 11 NBA championships, including their most recent title in 2020, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Jeanie Buss, who assumed control of the team after her father’s death, has navigated challenges, including internal family disputes over ownership and criticism of the team’s performance in recent years. Despite these hurdles, she has maintained the Lakers’ status as a cultural and commercial powerhouse. Her decision to retain a minority stake ensures the Buss family’s legacy endures, albeit in a diminished capacity. X posts from Lakers fans reflect mixed emotions, with many expressing gratitude for the Buss family’s contributions while others speculate about the team’s future under new ownership.
Implications for the Lakers and the NBA
The $10 billion price tag underscores the skyrocketing valuations of NBA franchises, fueled by global media rights deals, sponsorships, and the league’s international expansion. The Lakers, alongside the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors, are among the NBA’s most valuable teams, with Forbes estimating their worth at $6.4 billion in 2024. The jump to $10 billion reflects not only the team’s on-court legacy but also their off-court dominance, including their Hollywood adjacency, celebrity fanbase, and the revenue potential of Crypto.com Arena, where they play.
For the Lakers, Walter’s ownership could herald significant changes. His data-driven approach, evident in the Dodgers’ reliance on analytics, may influence the Lakers’ front-office decisions, potentially leading to a more aggressive pursuit of talent in free agency or trades. Fans on X are already speculating about blockbuster moves to bolster the roster around LeBron James, who at 40 remains a cornerstone of the team, and Anthony Davis. However, Walter’s focus on long-term sustainability—seen in the Dodgers’ investments in player development and infrastructure—suggests he may prioritize building a championship contender beyond the current era.
The deal also raises questions about the NBA’s ownership landscape. Walter’s ability to finance a $10 billion purchase highlights the growing influence of ultra-wealthy investors in sports, a trend seen in recent sales like the Washington Commanders ($6.05 billion in 2023) and the Phoenix Suns ($4 billion in 2023). The NBA’s approval process will scrutinize Walter’s financial structure, but his existing stake and partnership with Johnson likely smooth the path.
Broader Context and Reactions
The sale comes at a time of transition for the Lakers, who finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 47-35 record but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. The team’s new head coach, JJ Redick, hired in June 2024, faces pressure to maximize the championship window with James and Davis. Walter’s deep pockets could provide the resources needed to retool the roster, though NBA salary cap constraints will limit flexibility.
On X, reactions range from excitement about Walter’s winning pedigree to skepticism about the team’s direction. Some fans draw parallels to the Dodgers’ resurgence, while others worry about the Lakers becoming a “corporate” entity detached from their family-owned roots. Media outlets like The Athletic and Bleacher Report have emphasized the deal’s historic nature, noting that it sets a new benchmark for sports franchise valuations across all leagues.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA reviews the sale, expected to conclude in the coming months, all eyes will be on Walter’s vision for the Lakers. His track record suggests a blend of aggressive investment and strategic patience, qualities that could restore the Lakers to championship glory. For now, the $10 billion deal stands as a testament to the Lakers’ unparalleled brand and the insatiable demand for elite sports assets. Whether Walter can translate his Dodgers magic to the hardwood remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a new chapter in one of basketball’s greatest sagas.
