Mark Walter Acquires Stake in Los Angeles Lakers, Jeanie Buss Remains Governor
Mark Walter is buying shares from the Buss family, with Jeanie Buss retaining a minority stake and continuing as governor of the Lakers.
Mark Walter is acquiring a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers from the Buss family, with Jeanie Buss retaining a minority ownership stake and continuing as team governor. The transaction, valued at approximately $12.5 billion, maintains Jeanie Buss in a leadership role while bringing new ownership involvement to the franchise.
Mark Walter is acquiring a stake in the Los Angeles Lakers from the Buss family. Jeanie Buss will retain a minority ownership stake and continue as team governor. The Lakers are a professional basketball franchise in the National Basketball Association, competing in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference and playing home games at Crypto.com Arena. Jesse Buss worked for the team from 2006 until 2025, earning a reputation as its “draft guru.” The transaction marks the most significant ownership shift in the franchise’s history and raises questions about future leadership and strategy. It also brings Bob Iger and Josh Kushner into the ownership group, adding new voices to a structure that has long been shaped by the Buss family. The changes come as the team navigates roster decisions, coaching continuity, and the evolving landscape of NBA management.
The sale and its immediate impact
Mark Walter is finalizing a deal to acquire a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, a transaction that values the franchise at $12.5 billion. The purchase comes from the Buss family, which will retain a minority ownership position. Jeanie Buss will keep her seat as governor, ensuring stability in the franchise’s leadership while the new ownership group takes over day‑to‑day operations.
The Lakers, an NBA member in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference, play home games at Crypto.com Arena, which they share with the Los Angeles Sparks and the Los Angeles Kings. The deal marks the largest ownership change in the team’s history and has drawn attention from fans and media alike.
Jeanie Buss will continue to guide the franchise’s basketball decisions, while Walter’s group brings fresh resources and a different strategic outlook. The transaction also involves Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, though their precise roles remain unspecified.
The sale underscores a shift toward a new business era for the Lakers, with potential impacts on roster construction, coaching philosophy, and long‑term planning.
Jesse Buss began working for the Los Angeles Lakers
Jesse Buss ended his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers
Mark Walter purchased shares of the Los Angeles Lakers from the Buss family
Jeanie Buss retained a minority stake in the Lakers and continued serving as governor
Bob Iger became involved in the Lakers ownership change
Josh Kushner became involved in the Lakers ownership change
The Los Angeles Lakers ownership change included a $12.5 billion valuation
The Lakers ownership change raised questions about future organizational leadership
The Lakers ownership change prompted speculation about Luka Dončić's MVP chances
The Lakers ownership change strengthened JJ Redick's position as head coach
The Lakers ownership change involved the retention of Jeanie Buss in a leadership role
The Lakers ownership change included plans related to Crypto.com Arena
Jesse Buss’s tenure and role in the franchise
Jesse Buss joined the Lakers in 2006 and served as director of player personnel through 2025, becoming known as the franchise’s “draft guru.” His tenure spanned nearly two decades, during which he shaped roster construction and player development. Buss’s departure ends a long period of continuity for the club.
Mark Walter is acquiring a controlling stake from the Buss family, while Jeanie Buss retains a minority ownership share and remains governor of the team. The transaction values the franchise at $12.5 billion and signals a new leadership era for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The involvement of Bob Iger and Josh Kushner
Media reports indicate that Bob Iger and Josh Kushner are part of the new ownership consortium acquiring stakes in the Los Angeles Lakers. Their exact financial or managerial roles have not been confirmed, but both bring significant experience to the group. Iger, a longtime entertainment executive, and Kushner, a sports investor, add diverse expertise to the partnership overseeing the franchise. Jeanie Buss will retain a minority stake and continue as governor, ensuring continuity in leadership while the new ownership group seeks to strengthen the team’s front office and coaching staff. The transition reflects a shift in influence within the organization, with Iger and Kushner expected to play advisory roles as the Lakers navigate future roster decisions and strategic direction. Their involvement may also impact broader business initiatives tied to the franchise’s operations in Los Angeles.
Frequently asked questions
Who is buying shares of the Lakers from the Buss family?
Mark Walter is purchasing shares of the Los Angeles Lakers from the Buss family, according to the briefing.
Will Jeanie Buss stay involved with the Lakers after the sale?
Jeanie Buss will retain a minority stake and continue serving as governor of the Lakers, as stated in the briefing.
What role does Bob Iger have in the Lakers ownership change?
Bob Iger is involved in the Lakers ownership change and outlined future plans involving Jeanie Buss, Luka Dončić, and JJ Redick, according to the briefing.
Is Jesse Buss still with the Lakers after the sale?
Jesse Buss ended his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025, after working there from 2006 to 2025, per the briefing.
What is the value of the Lakers ownership transaction?
The Lakers ownership change included a $12.5 billion valuation, according to the briefing.
