One of the most iconic sports brands in the world is changing ownership. The Los Angeles Lakers, a name that carries decades of basketball greatness, are now headed for a new chapter after the Buss family agreed to sell its majority stake in a deal worth an estimated $10 billion, making it the biggest sports franchise sale in US history.
According to sources, the buyer is billionaire Mark Walter, the CEO of TWG Global and current co-owner of the team. Walter, already holding a 20% stake since 2021, is now finalising terms to take over the controlling interest.
The Billionaire Behind the Dodgers and More
Mark Walter isn’t a stranger to sports. He already owns a controlling share of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who recently lifted the World Series title. He also has global investments in Chelsea Football Club and the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, which is expected to debut in 2026.
His camp confirmed the deal, saying:
“Mark Walter is agreeing to acquire additional interests in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers…”
The deal blows past recent sports sales like that of the Boston Celtics in March ($6.1 billion) and the Washington Commanders last year ($6.05 billion). The Lakers’ valuation sits at an incredible $10B, pushing the bar even higher for franchise worth in America.
It’s a massive leap from the $67.5 million price tag in 1979, when Jerry Buss bought the team, a package that also included the LA Kings and the Kia Forum.
Jeanie Buss to Stay, Legacy Continues
Since Jerry Buss passed in 2013, the team has been under the stewardship of his six children. Jeanie Buss has been the Lakers’ governor and is expected to stay in her role even as the majority stake changes hands. The family still holds 66% ownership through a trust and needed a majority agreement from the siblings to finalise the sale.
Magic Johnson Gives His Blessing
Lakers legend Magic Johnson didn’t hold back his excitement. Posting on X, he congratulated Jeanie and praised Mark Walter’s leadership style:
“She’s witnessed him build a winning team with the Dodgers and knows that Mark will do right by the Lakers…”
“Both are extremely intelligent, visionaries, and have positively impacted the greater LA community.”
With LeBron James still on the roster, a loyal global fanbase, and deep cultural impact, the Lakers remain a basketball powerhouse. As control shifts to Mark Walter, many are watching closely to see if his winning touch with the Dodgers can bring another Lakers championship era.
For the Lakers family, it’s the end of a legendary run—and the beginning of a bold, billion-dollar chapter.
![Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca defended his decision to make sweeping changes to his side after a disappointing 2-2 draw with Qarabag in the Champions League. The Blues looked on course for a routine win when teenage forward Estevao opened the scoring early in Baku. But the night unravelled quickly as Qarabag hit back through Leandro Andrade and Marko Jankovic to take a shock 2-1 lead into half-time. Alejandro Garnacho spared Chelsea from an embarrassing defeat with a second-half equaliser, but the performance left Maresca facing familiar questions about his team selection. The Italian made seven changes from the side that beat Tottenham at the weekend, opting to rest several regular starters, including Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Malo Gusto. “The intention [of the changes] is always because we think the plan with the players is the correct one,” Maresca said. “We started the right way, scored the goal, but then we conceded two — the first one when they had 10 players. We can avoid both goals.” Maresca admitted Chelsea’s biggest issue was their lack of sharpness in front of goal, with only four of their 16 shots on target. “In their box, we need to be more clinical,” he added. “Every game is a chance for the players to show why they are here.” It was a night to forget for defender Jorrel Hato, who misjudged a long ball to allow Qarabag’s equaliser and then conceded a penalty that Jankovic converted. Maresca refused to single him out but noted the defensive lapses were avoidable. Chelsea have now failed to win either of their first two away games in this season’s Champions League and have conceded at least twice in three of their last four matches.](https://newsaih.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Screenshot_6-11-2025_3434_x.com_-238x178.jpeg "Maresca Defends Squad Rotation After Chelsea Held to 2-2 Draw by Qarabag")
