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The Lakers have made it official, announcing that Mark Walter is now the team’s new majority owner. The franchise confirmed in a press release that Walter’s purchase of a controlling stake has closed, just weeks after the NBA’s Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale. The deal values the Lakers at $10 billion, the highest in league history. “The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic franchises in all of sports, defined by a history of excellence and the relentless pursuit of greatness,” Walter said in a statement. “Few teams carry the legacy and global influence of the Lakers, and it’s a privilege to work alongside Jeanie Buss as we maintain that excellence and set the standard for success in this new era, both on and off the court.” Walter, 65, is the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and co-CEO of TWG Global, with ownership stakes in both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Sparks. He and Todd Boehly had already held a 27% share of the Lakers since 2021; Boehly will stay on as a limited partner. NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised Walter’s longstanding ties to the league and called him a “committed steward” for the organization. “As Mark assumes his role as majority owner of the Lakers, I have no doubt that he will be a great addition to our league given his many successful ventures in business and sports,” Silver said. Although the Buss family has officially relinquished its majority control, Jeanie Buss will remain governor for at least five years, retaining a minimum 15% stake in the franchise. “I also want to thank and congratulate Jeanie Buss and the Buss family for 46 years of transformational leadership and service,” Silver added. “While this historic transaction transfers the Buss family’s majority interest, I’m thrilled that Jeanie will remain the team’s governor and an active and engaged member of our league.”
