The Buss family has agreed to sell a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter, valuing the team at a record $10 billion, significantly above CNBC's most recent valuation of $7 billion. Jeanie Buss will retain a minority stake and her position as governor, while Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, adds another major sports franchise to his portfolio. The deal underscores the soaring valuations of NBA teams following the league's recent $77 billion media rights agreement, surpassing the previous record set by the Boston Celtics sale at $6.1 billion.
The Buss family's agreement to sell a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to businessman Mark Walter at a $10 billion valuation establishes a new benchmark for NBA franchise values, significantly exceeding CNBC's recent $7 billion estimate for the team. This transaction, which excludes the Crypto.com Arena, sees Jeanie Buss retaining a minority interest and her governor seat, ensuring continuity. Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and an existing Lakers stakeholder since 2021, expands his considerable sports portfolio, which includes MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers and other professional teams. The deal highlights the dramatic escalation in NBA valuations, fueled by the league's $77 billion, 11-year media rights agreement, and surpasses the Boston Celtics' $6.1 billion sale earlier in the year. The acquisition of Luka Doncic to partner with LeBron James, coupled with a strong 2025 season performance (50-32 record, No. 3 seed in the West), further solidifies the Lakers' prominent market position. The overall sentiment surrounding this deal is strongly positive, reflecting the robust health and growth trajectory of premier sports assets.
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strongly positive
Sentiment Score
0.80
