The Los Angeles Lakers—arguably the most iconic franchise in NBA history—just shattered the league’s valuation ceiling with a jaw-dropping $10 billion sale. Yes, billion with a “B.” So who’s buying? None other than Mark Walter, the low-key billionaire who’s already got his fingerprints all over American and global sports.
From owning the Los Angeles Dodgers and WNBA’s Sparks, to holding stakes in F1 and Chelsea FC, Walter is building a sports empire worthy of its own cinematic universe. But what makes him the right person to take the Lakers into their next golden era?
Who Is Mark Walter—And Why Should Lakers Fans Care?
Imagine if Tony Stark had a passion for postseason appearances. That’s Mark Walter: the CEO of TWG Global, co-owner of the Dodgers, and the kind of guy who buys a team like you buy snacks at 7-Eleven.
Back in 2012, he made waves by buying the Dodgers for a then-record $2.15 billion. Under his leadership, the team turned into a juggernaut, snagging World Series titles in 2020 and 2024, and becoming the baseball equivalent of a money-printing machine.
Now, he’s bringing that same championship energy to the Lakers, a team he partially bought into in 2021 and just upgraded to majority control in 2025.
Why Did Jeanie Buss Sell (But Not Really)?
Jeanie Buss, daughter of the legendary Jerry Buss, will retain a 15% stake in the team and stay on as team president. Think of her as the Lakers’ forever godmother—still around, still making moves, but happy to pass the baton when the right player (or billionaire) comes along.
NBA legend Magic Johnson, who once co-invested in the Dodgers with Walter, gave the deal a glowing endorsement. On X (formerly Twitter), he said Lakers fans should be “ecstatic” and praised Walter for being “all-in” on winning.
What’s in Walter’s Trophy Case (So Far)?
Mark Walter isn’t just collecting teams like NFTs. His portfolio is full of actual winners:
- MLB: Dodgers – 2x World Series champs under his reign.
- WNBA: Los Angeles Sparks – Champions in 2016 after he invested.
- F1: Backing the Cadillac team set to hit the track next season.
- Premier League: Stakeholder in Chelsea FC after the blockbuster Abramovich sale.
- PWHL: Yes, he even owns a stake in the pro women’s hockey league.
If you’ve got a scoreboard, Walter wants to win on it.
Lakers’ Future: Big Wallet, Bigger Expectations
With a 50–32 season in 2025 and a solid playoff run, the Lakers are already in a competitive place. But under Walter, expect an infusion of data analytics, smart cap management, and… let’s be real—a few luxury tax violations if that’s what it takes to win.
Given the NBA’s recent $77 billion media rights deal, team valuations are soaring. Just this year, the Celtics were sold for $6.1 billion. Walter’s purchase isn’t just about basketball—it’s about controlling a global brand with revenue streams from jersey sales in Tokyo to NFTs in the metaverse.
[188BET Insight] Lakers 2026 Odds Update
With the new ownership buzz and potential roster shake-ups on the horizon, betting platforms like 188BET have already adjusted Lakers’ odds for the upcoming season. As of now:
- Lakers to win 2026 Championship: 6.5
- Anthony Davis MVP Odds: 22.0
- Lakers to lead West regular season: 4.0
Keep your eyes peeled—these numbers could shift fast post-free agency.
FAQs: What People Are Asking About the Lakers Sale
Billionaire Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global and co-owner of the Dodgers, has acquired majority control of the Lakers for $10 billion.
Jeanie Buss remains team president and retains about 15% ownership. She’ll still be involved in strategic decisions.
It’s the highest-ever valuation for an NBA franchise, reflecting rising media rights, global branding, and future revenue potential.
Walter co-owns the LA Dodgers, LA Sparks, Chelsea FC, a Cadillac F1 team, and a pro women’s hockey team.
No. The arena is owned by AEG and isn’t part of this deal. The Lakers will stay put (for now).
While no immediate changes are confirmed, expect increased spending and aggressive roster moves to chase titles.
Conclusion: A New Chapter, Same Purple & Gold Swagger
The Los Angeles Lakers just got a new captain—and Mark Walter isn’t here for mediocrity. With a proven record of building championship franchises across multiple sports, he’s not just another rich guy in a suit. He’s the architect of “dynasties by design.”
Lakers fans, your future might be worth $10 billion… but the next ring? That’s priceless.
💬 Got thoughts on the new Lakers era? Drop a comment, or check out our breakdown on how Walter’s Dodgers model might reshape the NBA!
Raj Malhotra