Lakers Sold to Mark Walter for Record $10 Billion

The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold by the Buss family to Mark Walter for a record-breaking $10 billion, marking the highest sale ever for a U.S. professional sports team. Jerry Buss originally purchased the franchise in 1979 for $67.5 million, making this a massive return on investment for the family after 46 years of ownership. Mark Walter, who already owns a majority stake in the LA Dodgers and has stakes in other sports teams like the WNBA's Sparks and Chelsea FC, now holds the majority ownership, while Jeanie Buss will remain as the team's governor with voting power in NBA ownership matters. The Lakers, under the Buss family, won 11 NBA championships and featured iconic players such as Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. Walter's deep pockets and sports management experience have raised fan optimism about the Lakers' future success, paralleling the Dodgers' recent achievements. This sale ends the Buss family's long tenure as Lakers owners but retains their influence in team decisions through Jeanie Buss.