Setting a new record for American sports and marking the largest sale ever, an iconic basketball team franchise has been sold for a staggering $10 billion.
Read the tweet below this post.
The Los Angeles Lakers, synonymous with championship success, will shift from the Buss family to billionaire Mark Walter, who has already transformed the LA Dodgers into a powerhouse.
In a deal that dwarfs any previous sports franchise sale, the Buss family has agreed to transfer majority ownership of the Lakers to Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global and current owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The $10 billion valuation shatters the previous record of $6.1 billion set by the Boston Celtics sale in March, highlighting the explosive growth in sports franchise values.
The Buss family, which has controlled the Lakers since the late Jerry Buss purchased the team for just $67.5 million in 1979, will retain a 15% minority stake.
Jeanie Buss will continue as the team’s governor, maintaining a connection to the family that oversaw 11 NBA championships during their 46-year ownership tenure.
Walter has owned a 26% stake in the Lakers since 2021, which included a first right of refusal for the Buss family’s 66% share.
This acquisition adds to Walter’s impressive sports portfolio, which includes ownership stakes in Chelsea FC, an F1 team, and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
Lakers fans should be encouraged by Walter’s track record with the Dodgers. Since purchasing the baseball team, he has demonstrated a willingness to spend whatever it takes to build championship-caliber rosters.
Under his ownership, the Dodgers have won two World Series titles and dominated their division.
The Buss family has agreed to sell the controlling stake of the Los Angeles Lakers to TWG Global CEO Mark Walter, doing so with a franchise valuation of $10 billion, a person with knowledge of the agreement said Wednesday. https://t.co/8RREJZzw2b
— WFAA (@wfaa) June 18, 2025
In addition, the Lakers were valued at approximately $7 billion earlier this year, making them the third-most valuable NBA franchise.
The $10 billion sale price represents a premium that reflects both the team’s storied history and future potential.
The franchise has attracted superstar talent throughout its existence, most recently acquiring Luka Doncic to pair with LeBron James.
This record-breaking valuation follows the NBA’s recent media rights agreement worth $77 billion over 11 years, which has significantly boosted franchise values across the league.
The Lakers-Celtics rivalry, long considered the NBA’s premier matchup, is now reflected in their status as the two most expensive team sales in league history.
The Lakers finished the 2025 season as the Western Conference’s third seed with a 50-32 record.
Under Walter’s ownership, fans can expect continued commitment to building championship-caliber teams, though the Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers play, is not included in the sale.
While some may lament the end of the Buss family era, Walter’s proven business acumen and commitment to winning make this transition a promising new chapter for one of the most recognizable sports brands in the world.
His willingness to invest heavily in his sports properties suggests the Lakers will remain competitive for championships in the years ahead.
