Who Is Mark Walter? Dodgers Boss, Chelsea Co-Owner, And Billionaire Plotting $10 Billion Power Shift in Lakers Ownership

The Los Angeles Lakers are about to be sold to the Buss family for an astounding '$10 billion' by billionaire investor Mark Walter. This deal, which was announced on June 18, 2025, ends the Buss family's nearly 50-year dominant control of the venerable NBA team LA Lakers and becomes the greatest sale of a sports franchise in the United States.

Walter, 65, is the CEO of Guggenheim Partners, a financial services company that oversees more than $325 billion in assets. The Bloomberg Billionaires' Index estimates his net worth to be around '$12.5 billion.' Apart from the Lakers, Walter also owns the 'LA Dodgers' and has investments in other sports teams, such as 'Chelsea FC' and the 'LA Sparks.'

Due to successful media rights agreements and international expansion, franchise valuations have significantly increased, as evidenced by the sale. As per the deal, Jeanie Buss will continue to serve as the Lakers' president and governor, guaranteeing leadership continuity. As long as the Buss family has a '15% minority ownership' in the organisation, this arrangement enables her to continue having control over the team's operations.

Walter has a long history of owning sports properties. He oversaw the Dodgers' 2012 acquisition for "$2.15 billion," which set a previous Major League Baseball record. The Dodgers have experienced significant success under his ownership, winning the National League West division several times and winning the 2020 and 2024 World Series.

It is anticipated that Walter, the Lakers' new majority owner, will build on the team's heritage of winning 17 NBA titles and becoming one of the most successful teams in basketball history. His dedication to winning and greatness within the team is further cemented by his connection with Lakers legend Magic Johnson.

Walter assumes leadership of one of the NBA's most illustrious clubs, ushering in a new era for the league. Walter's first priority will be maintaining the Lakers' competitive advantage in the league, even though the long-term dynamics of ownership may change.

The transaction resolves internal family conflicts within the Buss family regarding club control in addition to highlighting the rising value of sports teams. The Lakers appear to have a bright future under Walter's leadership as he assumes this significant position.