A seismic shift is shaking the NBA: Jeanie Buss, controlling owner of the Lakers, has reportedly agreed to sell the majority stake in the team to businessman Mark Walter, who also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers . The deal reportedly values the iconic franchise at more than $7.1 billion, a record figure in professional sports.

Mark Walter is emerging as a central figure in the evolution of modern sports ownership. From his leadership at Guggenheim Partners to his multi-franchise strategy and philanthropy, taking majority control of the Lakers isn't just a financial maneuver-it marks a new chapter for Los Angeles as a global sports powerhouse.

Who Is Mark Walter?

CEO of Guggenheim Partners: He leads a global financial services firm managing over $300 billion in assets .

Sports Magnate: Since 2012, he has owned part of the MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers (valued at $4.8-6.3 billion) .

Expanding Sports Empire: He is co-founder and co-owner of Chelsea F.C. (Premier League), Andretti Global racing, the LA Sparks (WNBA), the women's professional hockey league (PWHL), and has held a 20% stake in the Lakers since 2021 .

Committed Philanthropist: Through his foundation and the Dodgers Foundation, he has invested in social causes, including the LA Rises recovery initiative following the 2025 wildfires, with contributions up to $100 million .

His History With the Lakers

In July 2021, Walter and partner Todd Boehly acquired a 27% stake in the team - then valued at around $5 billion - including rights of first refusal for future shares, signaling their entry into the NBA world . Since then, they've remained significant investors, with the Buss family retaining control .

This new deal goes further: it would make Walter the majority owner, with the Buss family stepping into a minority role, although Jeanie Buss would reportedly remain as team governor.

Mark Walter bought the Dodgers in 2012. Since 2013, the Dodgers have:

12/12 postseason appearances
11 NL West titles
4 World Series appearances
2 World Series wins

They are a premier free agent destination and have become Japan's team.

The Lakers could not be in better hands. pic.twitter.com/fLzgFKXj8D

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) June 18, 2025

If the deal is approved, Walter would become the first executive to simultaneously oversee the Dodgers, Lakers, Sparks, and a professional women's hockey league (PWHL). The NBA world now awaits final confirmation to make the takeover official.