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Professional basketball

Los Angeles Lakers Sold to Mark Walter for $10 Billion, Setting New American Sports Franchise Valuation Record

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a historic deal worth approximately $10 billion, the Los Angeles Lakers have been purchased by Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter, marking the most expensive transaction in American sports history. Walter's holding company, TWG Global, has acquired the majority stake in the 17-time NBA champions from the Buss family, who have held control for 46 years since 1979. As part of the deal, the Buss family will retain a 15% ownership stake, and current team governor Jeanie Buss is expected to remain in her position.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $10 billion sale sets a new record for the most expensive transaction in American sports history, surpassing the $6 billion sale of the Boston Celtics earlier this year.
  • Mark Walter, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has acquired the majority stake in the Lakers through his holding company, TWG Global.
  • The Buss family, who have controlled the Lakers for 46 years, will retain a 15% ownership stake in the franchise.
  • Current team governor Jeanie Buss will remain in her position, and is expected to be heavily involved in day-to-day duties at the team.
  • Mark Walter's ownership of the Lakers marks the latest addition to his portfolio of sports franchises, which includes the Los Angeles Dodgers, the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, and the Cadillac F1 team, set to enter the sport in 2026.
  • The sale comes after Walter's successful stewardship of the Dodgers, who have won multiple World Series titles under his ownership, including two titles in 2020 and 2024.
  • Walter also invested in the Chelsea FC acquisition in the English Premier League, and owns a 13% stake in the team since 2022.
  • The sale marks the end of an era for the Buss family, who purchased the Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million and oversaw one of the most successful periods in franchise history.

Statistics:

  • The $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers sets a new record for the most expensive transaction in American sports history.
  • The Buss family initially purchased the Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million.
  • Mark Walter acquired a 20% stake in the Lakers in 2021, prior to purchasing the majority stake in 2023.
  • The Los Angeles Lakers were sold for a reported $6 billion to Mark Walter's holding company, TWG Global, in 2023.
  • The Dodgers have won two World Series titles under Mark Walter's ownership, in 2020 and 2024.
  • The Los Angeles Sparks, owned by Mark Walter, won two WNBA titles in 2016 and 2017 under his stewardship.

Sources:

  • ESPN
  • Hindustan Times
  • Los Angeles Dodgers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • TWG Global
  • Chelsea FC
  • Cadillac F1 team

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