A seismic shift is shaking the NBA: Jeanie Buss, controlling owner of the Lakers, has reportedly agreed to sell the majority stake in the team to businessman Mark Walter, who also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers . The deal reportedly values the iconic franchise at more than $7.1 billion, a record figure in professional sports.
Mark Walter is emerging as a central figure in the evolution of modern sports ownership. From his leadership at Guggenheim Partners to his multi-franchise strategy and philanthropy, taking majority control of the Lakers isn’t just a financial maneuver-it marks a new chapter for Los Angeles as a global sports powerhouse.
Who Is Mark Walter?
CEO of Guggenheim Partners: He leads a global financial services firm managing over $300 billion in assets .
Sports Magnate: Since 2012, he has owned part of the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers (valued at $4.8-6.3 billion) .
Expanding Sports Empire: He is co-founder and co-owner of Chelsea F.C. (Premier League), Andretti Global racing, the LA Sparks (WNBA), the women’s professional hockey league (PWHL), and has held a 20% stake in the Lakers since 2021 .
Committed Philanthropist: Through his foundation and the Dodgers Foundation, he has invested in social causes, including the LA Rises recovery initiative following the 2025 wildfires, with contributions up to $100 million .
His History With the Lakers
In July 2021, Walter and partner Todd Boehly acquired a 27% stake in the team – then valued at around $5 billion – including rights of first refusal for future shares, signaling their entry into the NBA world . Since then, they’ve remained significant investors, with the Buss family retaining control .
This new deal goes further: it would make Walter the majority owner, with the Buss family stepping into a minority role, although Jeanie Buss would reportedly remain as team governor.
If the deal is approved, Walter would become the first executive to simultaneously oversee the Dodgers, Lakers, Sparks, and a professional women’s hockey league (PWHL). The NBA world now awaits final confirmation to make the takeover official.
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