### Mark Walter's Historic $10 Billion Acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers Mark Walter has officially completed the acquisition of a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, valued at a record $10 billion. This monumental deal marks a significant transition for the franchise, which has been under the Buss family's ownership since 1979. Jeanie Buss will continue to serve as the team's Governor, overseeing daily operations for at least the next five years, ensuring continuity in leadership during this new chapter for the Lakers [https://www.archyde.com/mark-walter-concludes-historic-10-billion-takeover-of-los-angeles-lakers][https://www.apnews.com/article/lakers-sale-mark-walter-e20fa3696abf1cc56b74babb02d621e4]. ### Structure of the Acquisition and Its Implications 1. **Approval Process**: The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved Walter's purchase, which was initially announced in June 2025. This approval was crucial for the transaction to proceed [https://www.sbsun.com/2025/10/30/lakers-officially-sold-from-buss-family-to-dodgers-owner-mark-walter]. 2. **Financial Details**: The sale is valued at $10 billion, making it the highest valuation for a sports franchise in history. This reflects the Lakers' immense market value and global brand recognition [https://www.world-today-news.com/mark-walter-buys-the-la-lakers-breaking-down-the-record-us10bn-deal]. 3. **Leadership Transition**: Jeanie Buss will remain in her role as Governor, which is expected to provide stability and continuity for the franchise. Walter has expressed his commitment to maintaining the Lakers' legacy of excellence [https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/mark_walter_officially_acquires_majority_stake_in_lakers/s1_17074_42988033]. 4. **Walter's Background**: Mark Walter is the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Sparks. His extensive experience in sports ownership is seen as a positive factor for the Lakers' future [https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/after-unanimous-approval-by-the-board-of-governors-mark-walters-finalizes-purchase-of-lakers]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Valuation**: The Lakers' sale at $10 billion sets a new record for sports franchises, surpassing previous valuations significantly. - **Ownership History**: This marks the first time since 1979 that the Lakers have a new majority owner, indicating a major shift in the franchise's history [https://www.foxbusiness.com/sports/dodgers-chairman-mark-walter-becomes-lakers-majority-owner-sale-becomes-official]. - **Jeanie Buss's Role**: Her continued leadership is expected to ensure that the Lakers maintain their competitive edge and uphold their storied legacy [https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2025/10/30/mark-walter-finalizes-his-purchase-of-a-majority-stake-in-the-los-angeles-lakers]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for the Lakers **Key Findings**: 1. **Historic Acquisition**: Mark Walter's $10 billion purchase of the Lakers represents a landmark moment in sports ownership. 2. **Continuity in Leadership**: Jeanie Buss's ongoing role as Governor is crucial for maintaining the franchise's culture and operational stability. 3. **Future Prospects**: Walter's extensive experience in sports management is expected to positively influence the Lakers' trajectory in the coming years. This acquisition not only reshapes the ownership landscape of the Lakers but also sets a precedent for future sports franchise valuations, highlighting the growing financial power of professional sports teams [https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/mark-walter-finalizes-his-purchase-of-a-majority-stake-in-the-los-angeles-lakers].