Who Owns the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are owned by Mark Walter, the billionaire CEO of Guggenheim Partners and TWG Global. The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved Walter’s purchase in October 2025, finalizing a historic ownership transition from the Buss family.

The Lakers generated an estimated $618 million in revenue for the 2024-25 season and maintain the richest local television deal in the NBA. The team plays at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. LeBron James and Luka Dončić currently headline the roster as the franchise enters a new era.

Who Owns the Lakers?

Mark Walter owns the Los Angeles Lakers as the controlling majority shareholder. Walter completed his acquisition in October 2025 after the NBA Board of Governors approved the transaction, which valued the franchise at $10 billion.

Mark Walter’s Path to Lakers Ownership

Walter first became involved with the Lakers in 2021 when he and Todd Boehly purchased a 27% stake from Philip Anschutz. That initial investment valued the franchise at approximately $5.5 billion. Walter’s successful management of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won World Series titles in 2020 and 2024, demonstrated his ability to build championship organizations.

Jeanie Buss Remains Team Governor

Despite selling majority ownership, Jeanie Buss continues serving as the Lakers’ governor and oversees day-to-day operations. Her contract guarantees this role for at least five years. Buss became the first female controlling owner to win an NBA championship when the Lakers captured the 2020 title.

History of the Lakers Co-founders

The Lakers franchise traces its origins to 1946 when it was founded as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League. That original team won only four of 44 games in its sole season.

Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen

Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen purchased the struggling Detroit franchise for $15,000 in June 1947 and relocated it to Minneapolis. They renamed the team the Lakers, referencing Minnesota’s nickname as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” The new ownership used their first draft pick to select George Mikan, who became basketball’s first dominant center. Minneapolis won five championships between 1949 and 1954.

Jerry Buss – Modern Dynasty Builder

Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers from Jack Kent Cooke in 1979 for $67.5 million, a transaction that included the Los Angeles Kings and the Forum arena. Under his ownership, the Lakers won ten NBA championships and developed the “Showtime” era featuring Magic Johnson. Buss owned the franchise until his death in 2013, when control passed to his children through a family trust.

Largest Shareholders of the Lakers

Lakers ownership distributes across several shareholders, with Mark Walter holding the controlling interest.

Mark Walter – Majority Owner

Mark Walter controls the largest stake through his TWG Global holding company. Bloomberg estimated his net worth at $13.3 billion as of September 2025. Beyond basketball, Walter owns the Dodgers, holds stakes in Chelsea FC, and controls the Professional Women’s Hockey League. His Guggenheim Partners manages over $345 billion in assets.

Todd Boehly – Limited Partner

Todd Boehly participates as a limited partner alongside Walter. The two have collaborated on multiple sports investments, including the Dodgers and WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. Forbes estimated his net worth at $9.3 billion. Together, Walter and Boehly control approximately 85% of the Lakers.

Buss Family Trusts

The Buss Family Trusts retained approximately 15% ownership following the sale. Six Buss siblings share this stake: Jeanie, Jim, Janie, Jesse, Johnny, and Joey. Maintaining a 15% stake allows Jeanie Buss to continue serving as team governor.

Other Minority Owners

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, the billionaire physician who owns the Los Angeles Times, holds approximately 4.5% of the Lakers. Ed Roski Jr., president of Majestic Realty, maintains approximately 3% ownership and has held his stake since 1998.

Who Is on the Board of Directors for the Lakers?

The Lakers organization operates under a leadership structure blending business operations with basketball management.

Ownership and Governance

Jeanie Buss serves as team governor and represents the Lakers on the NBA’s Board of Governors. She participates in the NBA Advisory and Finance Committee and the Labor Committee. Tim Harris acts as alternate governor and President of Business Operations, having negotiated the Spectrum SportsNet television deal and the Bibigo global marketing partnership.

Basketball Operations

Rob Pelinka coordinates basketball decisions as Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager. His responsibilities include personnel decisions, contract negotiations, and salary cap strategies. He was instrumental in assembling championship rosters.

Financial and Legal Leadership

Joseph McCormack manages finances as CFO, handling planning, budgeting, and strategic initiatives. Daniel Grigsby serves as Chief Legal Officer, handling legal matters for the Lakers, the South Bay Lakers affiliate, and the Youth Foundation.

Buss Family Executives

Joey Buss serves as co-owner and team president of the South Bay Lakers G League affiliate. Jesse Buss works as co-owner and director of scouting. Linda Rambis holds the title of Executive Director of Special Projects and advises on organizational matters.

FAQs

Who is the current owner of the Lakers?

Mark Walter is the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA approved his purchase in October 2025 at a $10 billion valuation.

How much did Mark Walter pay for the Lakers?

Walter paid approximately $6 billion for the majority stake since he already owned 27% from a 2021 investment.

Does Jeanie Buss still own part of the Lakers?

Yes. The Buss Family Trusts retained approximately 15% ownership. Jeanie Buss continues as team governor for at least five years.

Who founded the Lakers basketball team?

Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen founded the Minneapolis Lakers in 1947 after purchasing the Detroit Gems. The team relocated to Los Angeles in 1960.

Is the Lakers sale the largest in sports history?

Yes. The $10 billion valuation surpassed the Boston Celtics’ $6.1 billion sale in 2024, making it the largest U.S. professional sports franchise transaction.