Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the Los Angeles Lakers franchise for $67.5 million in 1979, and now 46 years later the team is being sold for $10 billion, per ESPN's Shams Charania. To note, this is the biggest sale for an American sports team ever recorded in history.
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BREAKING: The Buss family is entering an agreement to sell majority ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter, the CEO and chairman of diversified holding company TWG Global, sources tell ESPN. Jeanie Buss will continue to serve in her role as Governor after the sale. pic.twitter.com/1Da6LDD7TJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 18, 2025
Mark Walter, who previously was a minority owner (owned 27%), purchased a majority stake in the LA. Lakers from Jeanie Buss, who will remain as the team's governor. That is to say, she will still hold the power to vote at NBA ownership meetings.
Jeanie Buss will continue to run the Lakers for “at least a number of years,” per @ramonashelburne pic.twitter.com/CBiefpdRJd
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2025
Needless to say, with the $9,932,500,000 profit made, the Buss Family made a very good return on their initial investment.
$67 million -> $10 BILLION
The 🐐 owner 💛💜 pic.twitter.com/GHUnUc68Kv
— LakersForum🌟🎥🎬 (@TheLakersForum) June 18, 2025
In view of the valuation of other recent sold franchises, the Boston Celtics were bought for $6.1 billion earlier this year. And then last month, a minority stake in the San Francisco 49ers was sold, which valued the franchise to be worth an estimated $8.6 billion.
NEWS: Jeanie Buss and the Buss family are selling their controlling stake of the Lakers to Dodgers owner Mark Walter at a $10 billion valuation.
It's the highest sale ever for an NBA team and the most expensive franchise deal in U.S. sports history. pic.twitter.com/cbxSocquFd
— Boardroom (@boardroom) June 18, 2025
To point out, Mark Walter, CEO and Chairman of TWG Global, also owns a majority stake in the LA Dodgers, and this has fans excited when considering his deep pockets in correlation to signing big name free agents, such as Shohei Ohtani ($700 million).
BREAKING: The Buss family has sold a majority of their ownership of the Lakers to Mark Walter, who also has ownership of the Dodgers.
Jeanie Buss will remain the owner. Historic. pic.twitter.com/fFx2Lpt8vt
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 18, 2025
That is, the Dodgers have proven that money can buy wins as they have made the postseason in each of the past 12 seasons, racking up 11 NL West titles and four World Series appearances, along with two World Series wins.
remember Biz, Mark Walters (Guggenheim) owns the Dodgers too. he’s about to find business loopholes and actually SPEND.
— Wagon (@trap_wagon) June 18, 2025
Owning the Lakers AND Dodgers is the hardest flex
— Wells P (@Wells_P) June 18, 2025
Job well done to my sister Jeanie Buss for striking an incredible deal and picking the right person to carry on the @Lakers legacy and tradition of winning - Mark Walter, my business partner and friend! Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 18, 2025
Lakers will once again be outspending the rest of the league I was so sick of being humble. https://t.co/mnR50lsGAq
— Colb (@___Colb___) June 18, 2025
Related: Fans React To Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss And Husband Jay Mohr's Bizarre Living Situation
