Kicknix

In a dramatic power change in world sports history, Chelsea co-owner and LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter is set to purchase a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $10 billion — the highest-priced professional sports franchise in history.

Though the seismic transaction is rare, Jeanie Buss, whose own family has controlled the Lakers since 1979, will retain at least 15% of the team and remain in her role as team governor, under league guidelines.
Her remaining ensures some continuity during one of the most unprecedented ownership transitions in NBA history.

🏆 A Legacy Handed Over — But Not Forgotten

Jeanie Buss’s decision to sell comes on the heels of nearly five decades of Buss family control that began when her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, purchased the Lakers for a mere $67.5 million. Under his leadership, the Lakers captured 10 NBA championships over the course of 34 years and were a championship-winning and venerable franchise.

Now, though, that era is officially over — and it’s Walter up front, even as he remains famously tight-lipped.

“This is a great day for the Lakers and the city of Los Angeles,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Mark is competitive and committed to assembling championship-caliber teams. Take a look at what he’s done with the Dodgers — two World Series appearances and 11 division titles in 12 years. That speaks volumes.”

Walter has already majority interests in a number of sports teams in TWG Global, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea, a Premier League soccer team, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and various auto racing teams, including Cadillac’s Formula 1 venture.

💬 Magic Johnson: “Laker Fans Should Be Ecstatic”

Lakers legend Magic Johnson was quick to sign off on the move, expressing his confidence in Walter’s leadership.

“Laker fans should be in seventh heaven,” Johnson said. “Mark Walter is driven by winning, excellence, and integrity. He will invest in greatness, and I know Jeanie would not have made this move if she wasn’t sure about that.”

He continued: “They’re similar — competitive, kind, and both like to work behind the scenes. It all makes sense.”

💰 Sports’ Most Valuable Empire?

Walter’s acquisition puts the Lakers well ahead of other recent franchise valuations — even higher than the upcoming $6.1B sale of the Boston Celtics and last year’s $6.05B sale of the NFL Washington Commanders. If approved, this deal not only sets an all-time record but resets the ceiling on sports ownership globally.

Meanwhile, the NBA Board of Governors will gather soon in Las Vegas, where final approvals await.

🟡 The End of an Era – And the Beginning of Another
This deal closes officially a mythical era in NBA ownership — 46 years of Buss family ownership, the longest current hold in the league. Jeanie Buss took over as controlling owner in 2017 after a highly publicized power struggle within the family, continuing her father’s tradition while navigating contemporary NBA business.

And now with about-to-be-majority owner Walter taking over as the franchise’s new face, a new era dawns for the Purple and Gold. One that is paid for by billions, drive, and a winning past.

🔔 Stay with Kicknix for the latest on this blockbuster deal, NBA news, and exclusive insights from around the sporting world.