Lakers Sale Ends an Era as Mark Walter Takes Reins
In a historic vote, the Los Angeles Lakers' future was secured on Thursday when the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved Mark Walter's $9.975 billion purchase of the team's majority stake. This marks a new chapter for one of basketball's most storied franchises, with the sale marking the end of an era under the Buss family's stewardship.
The deal, which is expected to close soon, makes it the largest sports ownership transaction in North America at $10 billion โ surpassing the record set by Bill Chisholm's $6.1 billion purchase of the Boston Celtics in July. Mark Walter, a seasoned businessman and owner of other prominent sports assets like the MLB Los Angeles Dodgers and WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, has been quietly building his bid for control.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Walter, saying he is well-equipped to lead the team given his successful ventures in business and sports. Silver also extended gratitude to Jeanie Buss and the Buss family for their 46-year legacy of transformational leadership. While the majority interest will now be held by Mark Walter, Jeanie Buss will remain a governor and an engaged member of the league, ensuring continuity.
The Lakers' history is closely tied to the Buss family's ownership since Jerry Buss purchased the team in 1979. Under their stewardship, the franchise won 10 NBA titles and became one of basketball's biggest brands globally, featuring legendary players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
The sale marks a significant shift for the Lakers as they embark on an investor-led era. With Mark Walter at the helm, fans can expect changes in management and strategic direction, potentially altering the team's trajectory under the current NBA landscape.
In a historic vote, the Los Angeles Lakers' future was secured on Thursday when the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved Mark Walter's $9.975 billion purchase of the team's majority stake. This marks a new chapter for one of basketball's most storied franchises, with the sale marking the end of an era under the Buss family's stewardship.
The deal, which is expected to close soon, makes it the largest sports ownership transaction in North America at $10 billion โ surpassing the record set by Bill Chisholm's $6.1 billion purchase of the Boston Celtics in July. Mark Walter, a seasoned businessman and owner of other prominent sports assets like the MLB Los Angeles Dodgers and WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, has been quietly building his bid for control.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Walter, saying he is well-equipped to lead the team given his successful ventures in business and sports. Silver also extended gratitude to Jeanie Buss and the Buss family for their 46-year legacy of transformational leadership. While the majority interest will now be held by Mark Walter, Jeanie Buss will remain a governor and an engaged member of the league, ensuring continuity.
The Lakers' history is closely tied to the Buss family's ownership since Jerry Buss purchased the team in 1979. Under their stewardship, the franchise won 10 NBA titles and became one of basketball's biggest brands globally, featuring legendary players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
The sale marks a significant shift for the Lakers as they embark on an investor-led era. With Mark Walter at the helm, fans can expect changes in management and strategic direction, potentially altering the team's trajectory under the current NBA landscape.