In a record-breaking sports transaction, Mark Walter has acquired majority ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a historic moment for the NBA and American sports. The deal, valued at an unprecedented $10 billion, sets a new benchmark for U.S. professional sports franchises. Although the Buss family will retain a minority stake of just over 15%, the lion’s share of the team now belongs to Walter.
Crucially, Jeanie Buss—daughter of the late Jerry Buss, the Lakers’ iconic owner since 1979—will continue to serve as the team’s governor and operational leader. According to insider sources, her role is secured “for at least a number of years” under the terms of the sale, a condition that Walter fully endorsed. This ensures continuity as the Lakers transition into a new chapter under Walter’s ownership.
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Who is Mark Walter?
Mark Walter is an American billionaire, financier, and sports mogul known for his low-profile demeanor and high-impact business strategies. Born in 1960 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Walter’s rise to prominence stems from a sharp mind for investments and a deep passion for sports.
NEWS: After five decades of control by the Buss family, the Los Angeles Lakers will be sold to Mark Walter, lead owner of the Dodgers, for at least $10 billion, sources tell @MikeVorkunov & @joevardon.
The sale price is the largest for a North American sports franchise.… pic.twitter.com/Wdf9F9EP5J
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 18, 2025
He earned his undergraduate degree at Creighton University and later obtained a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law. Rather than practicing law, he entered the financial sector, where he co-founded Guggenheim Partners, a financial powerhouse managing over $325 billion in assets.
Walter is also the CEO of TWG Global, a private investment firm that allows him to manage his interests in media, real estate, financial services, and sports. It is through TWG that Walter has acquired and steered numerous top-tier franchises in professional sports.
What is Mark Walter’s Net Worth?
Estimates place Mark Walter’s net worth at $13 billion, according to recent financial assessments. His wealth comes from a blend of long-term capital strategies, asset management, and diversified holdings through Guggenheim Partners and TWG Global.
Search terms such as “mark walter net worth”, and “mark walter lakers” have surged in Google Trends following the Lakers’ sale announcement, underscoring public interest in the man behind one of the most significant ownership takeovers in NBA history.
What Other Sports Teams Does Mark Walter Own?
Walter is no stranger to the sports world. He first made headlines in 2012 when he led a Guggenheim-backed consortium to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2.15 billion, rescuing the team from bankruptcy. Under his stewardship, the Dodgers transformed into an MLB powerhouse—securing a World Series win in 2020 and 11 NL West titles in 12 years.
In 2022, Walter again made global waves by co-leading a consortium with Todd Boehly to acquire Chelsea FC, a prestigious English Premier League team. That deal, worth £4.25 billion, came in the wake of sanctions against previous owner Roman Abramovich.
Walter also holds stakes in:
- Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
- Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)
- Billie Jean King Cup
- Cadillac Formula 1 team
These investments reflect his growing influence across multiple sports disciplines—making him one of the most powerful owners in the world.
Who Owns the Dodgers and Now the Lakers?
As of June 2025, Mark Walter is the only individual to have full controlling stakes in both a Major League Baseball (MLB) team—the Los Angeles Dodgers—and an NBA franchise—the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s a unique position that underscores his financial clout and strategic vision in professional sports.
The overlapping ownership raises interesting questions about cross-branding, management synergies, and media opportunities in the Los Angeles market. With Walter’s low-profile but high-efficiency style, many analysts expect these opportunities to be explored in innovative ways.
What’s Next for Mark Walter and the Lakers?
With a deal of this magnitude, speculation is already swirling about Walter’s long-term vision. Will he overhaul the front office? Pour money into new training facilities? Expand the Lakers’ global brand? Only time will tell, but if his track record is any indication, expect:
- Strategic, long-term investments
- A focus on high-caliber talent and player development
- Behind-the-scenes leadership with strong operational controls
His companies—TWG Global and Guggenheim Partners—are known for thoughtful, data-driven decision-making. Bringing that approach to the Lakers could modernize the franchise in ways that respect its past but boldly shape its future.
