Dodgers’ ownership group gives Lakers path to greatness with shocking purchase

Los Angeles Dodgers owner and chairman Mark Walter's already-huge investment portfolio just got a whole lot bigger.

Per a report from Shams Charania of ESPN, the Buss family has entered an agreement to sell majority ownership of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers to Walter for a valuation of approximately $10 billion – making it the largest sale of a professional sports franchise in the world.

As part of the agreement, Jeanie Buss – whose family has owned the Lakers since 1979, when her father Jerry bought the franchise for $67.5 million in a purchase that also included the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and The Forum – will reportedly continue to serve in her role as Lakers governor after the sale.

Dodgers’ ownership group gives Lakers path to greatness with shocking purchase

Walter has been a minority stakeholder in the Lakers since 2021, when he also earned a right of first refusal on the majority share of the team if the Buss family chose to sell.

As the CEO of diversified holding company TWG Global and international investment firm Guggenheim Partners, Walter has interests in multiple professional sports organizations, including the Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, the Billie Jean Cup, Cadillac Formula One team and the Professional Women's Hockey League.

Forbes values the Lakers at $7.1 billion, making them the third-most valuable team in the NBA behind only the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors. The Dodgers, meanwhile are valued at $6.9 billion, making them the second-most valuable MLB franchise behind only the New York Yankees ($8.2 billion).

Walter purchased the Dodgers in 2012 with Guggenheim Baseball Group for $2.15 billion. His investment in the team has paid off in spades, as the Dodgers have made the postseason every year since 2013, winning 11 of 12 National League Central Division titles. They have made four World Series appearances during that span, winning the title twice (2020 and 2024).

The Lakers have won 11 NBA championships since the Buss family took over, most recently in 2020, which ranks among the most successful runs any professional sports franchise has ever had. If Walter proves to be as financially aggressive with the Lakers as he is with the Dodgers, Lakers fans can expect heavy investments in expensive talent by the most powerful owner in sports.

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