With bold, gold print, the Los Angeles Lakers are beginning a new chapter in their history. According to Shams Charania, billionaire Mark Walter is formally purchasing a majority stake in the Lakers, which values the team at a record-breaking $10 billion. The sale represents a significant change of power for one of basketball’s most recognizable teams and the biggest amount ever paid for a professional sports organization.
What the Deal Looks Like For Mark Walter and the Lakers
Jeanie Buss and her family will retain a minority stake, just over 15%, but Jeanie will stay on as team governor for the foreseeable future. This is possibly a symbolic way of ensuring that the Buss legacy continues to have a presence in the building, even as the reins of majority control change hands.
Mark Walter is acquiring a majority stake in the Lakers at a $10 billion valuation, per @ShamsCharania.
That’s the highest price ever paid for a sports franchise.
Walter now has ownership stakes in the Lakers, Dodgers, WNBA’s Sparks, Chelsea FC, and the Cadillac Formula 1 team. pic.twitter.com/pVwlG9lkOw
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) June 18, 2025
TWG Global’s chairman and CEO, Walter, is no stranger to the Los Angeles sports scene. In fact, he is essentially creating a super-team of clubs. He already owns the Dodgers in Major League Baseball. He has investments in the Sparks in the WNBA, Chelsea FC, a dominant team in the English Premier League, and the Cadillac Formula 1 team. Fans have taken notice of his most recent move, which makes him possibly the most influential individual in sports ownership worldwide.
Social Media Reacts to Record-Breaking Lakers Sale
With a price tag of $10 billion that had jaws on the floor, social media reacted to the news as it broke on Wednesday night.
“Jeannie just pocketed a cool 5.1 billion to split with her brothers. Great day to be a Buss,” one X user said.
“Ten billion? Honey, where’s my cut?” commented a fan, sarcastically asking for a cut in the deal.
“What’s it like having an owner of multiple sports teams who will INVEST in his teams? Asking for a friend who loves Boston sports,” a New England Patriots fan said.
“Damn bro let me hold a dollar,” a fan commented.
“There’s only a select few teams that could reach this valuation. @Yankees probably could!” one sports fan said while referring to the New York Yankees.
This change of ownership may mark the beginning of a new, successful era for the Lakers, a team that has seen ups and downs over the last ten years. With his wealth and dedication to perfection, Walter has the potential to improve the Lakers in the same manner that he has improved the Dodgers.
One thing’s for sure: if Walter invests in the Purple and Gold like he has in the Boys in Blue, this might be the beginning of a successful era for the 17-time NBA champions.