### Mark Walter Takes the Helm of the Lakers in Historic $10 Billion Deal Mark Walter, the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has officially acquired a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-setting valuation of $10 billion. This monumental transaction marks a significant shift in the ownership of one of the most iconic franchises in sports history, as it is the first time since 1979 that the Lakers will not be majority-owned by the Buss family. The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale, which was initially announced in June 2025, and Walter's leadership is expected to usher in a new era for the team while Jeanie Buss remains in her role as governor and oversees daily operations for at least the next five years [https://www.sportworldnews.org/nba/news/26445/mark-walter-takes-control-of-lakers-in-record-10-billion-deal][https://apnews.com/article/lakers-sale-mark-walter-e20fa3696abf1cc56b74babb02d621e4]. ### Breakdown of the Lakers Ownership Transition 1. **Ownership Change**: Mark Walter has acquired a controlling interest in the Lakers, ending the Buss family's majority ownership that began in 1979. 2. **Financial Details**: The sale is valued at $10 billion, making it the highest valuation for a sports franchise to date. 3. **Continuity in Leadership**: Jeanie Buss will continue as the team's governor and will manage day-to-day operations for at least five years, ensuring stability during the transition. 4. **Walter's Background**: Walter is the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and has been a minority owner of the Lakers since 2021, also owning the Dodgers and the Sparks. 5. **Future Vision**: Walter expressed his commitment to maintaining the Lakers' legacy of excellence and success both on and off the court [https://www.foxbusiness.com/sports/dodgers-chairman-mark-walter-becomes-lakers-majority-owner-sale-becomes-official][https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/mark_walter_officially_acquires_majority_stake_in_lakers/s1_17074_42988033]. ### Supporting Evidence of the Sale's Significance - **Historical Context**: The Lakers have a storied history, winning 17 NBA championships and featuring legendary players like Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. - **Financial Milestone**: The $10 billion valuation surpasses previous records for sports franchises, highlighting the Lakers' immense market value and global appeal. - **Leadership Stability**: Jeanie Buss's continued involvement is seen as a strategic move to maintain the franchise's competitive edge and fan engagement during this transition [https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/nbas_board_of_governors_unanimously_approves_lakers_sale/s1_14822_42987909][https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/after-unanimous-approval-by-the-board-of-governors-mark-walters-finalizes-purchase-of-lakers]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for the Lakers In summary, the acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers by Mark Walter represents a pivotal moment in the franchise's history. 1. **Ownership Transition**: Walter's purchase signifies the end of the Buss family's majority control, a significant shift in the franchise's governance. 2. **Record Valuation**: The $10 billion sale sets a new benchmark for sports franchise valuations, reflecting the Lakers' enduring popularity and financial strength. 3. **Leadership Continuity**: With Jeanie Buss remaining at the helm, the Lakers aim to preserve their legacy while adapting to new ownership dynamics. 4. **Future Aspirations**: Walter's commitment to excellence suggests a promising future for the Lakers as they continue to build on their storied legacy [https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/mark-walter-finalizes-his-purchase-of-a-majority-stake-in-the-los-angeles-lakers][https://www.sbsun.com/2025/10/30/lakers-officially-sold-from-buss-family-to-dodgers-owner-mark-walter].