Who purchased the Lakers for $10 billion?

Mark Walter Takes the Helm of the Lakers in Record $10 Billion Deal

In a landmark moment for professional sports, Mark Walter has officially become the new owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale, cementing a deal that values the storied franchise at a staggering $10 billion—the highest price ever paid for a controlling stake in any sports team.

Walter, the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and already a major player in sports ownership as the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has now cemented his place in basketball history. His acquisition of the Lakers marks a new era for a team synonymous with excellence, boasting 17 NBA championships and a legacy defined by icons like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Though the Lakers have remained a cultural powerhouse, recent years have seen shifts both on and off the court. The transition to Walter’s leadership signals a move toward a more modern, analytics-driven ownership model—one familiar in baseball through his work with the Dodgers. Still, the emotional weight of the purple and gold means expectations will remain sky-high.

The sale, finalized on October 30, 2025, ends decades of ownership by the Buss family, who had controlled the team since 1979. Jeanie Buss will remain as team governor and controlling owner until the transaction is fully closed, ensuring a smooth transition.

For fans, the question isn’t just about money—it’s about legacy. While $10 billion may be a number hard to fathom, what matters most is how Walter stewards the Lakers’ tradition. As one of the most visible franchises in the world, every move will be watched closely—not just in L.A., but from courtside to courtside around the globe.