Lakers Owner Nears $10B Sale to Guggenheim’s Mark Walter—What It Really Means

Okay, let’s talk Lakers. The purple and gold might be getting a new owner—and not just any owner. Billionaire Mark Walter (yeah, the Dodgers guy) is reportedly close to buying a majority stake for a mind-blowing $10 billion. That’s not just a number—it’s a statement. The Buss family, who’ve been calling the shots since ’79, might finally be cashing out. But here’s the thing: why now, and what happens next for one of the most iconic teams in sports?

The Deal Breakdown: What We Know

Buss Family’s Legacy—And Why They Might Sell

Dr. Jerry Buss bought the Lakers in ’79 for $20 million. Sounds like a steal now, right? Under him, they became a dynasty—10 championships, Magic, Kobe, Shaq, the whole deal. His daughter Jeanie took over after he passed, but let’s be real: running an NBA team today? It’s a whole different ball game. Between crazy franchise valuations, estate taxes, and the pressure to keep up, selling makes sense. Still, it’s the end of an era.

Mark Walter: The Dodgers Connection

Walter isn’t some random rich guy. He owns the Dodgers—and they’ve been killing it since he took over (World Series in 2020, hello?). Plus, he’s already got a small piece of the Lakers through his Dodgers ties. Smart move, honestly. The man knows LA sports, has deep pockets, and—this is key—he doesn’t micromanage. Just look at how he lets the Dodgers’ baseball people do their thing.

$10 Billion? Let That Sink In

For perspective, the Warriors—the current most valuable NBA team—are “only” worth $7.6 billion. The Lakers? They’re the Yankees of basketball. Even when they suck (looking at you, post-Kobe years), they print money. TV deals, sponsorships, merch—it’s a machine. And LA? Second-biggest market in the U.S. That’s why the price tag is insane but not totally crazy.

Why the Lakers Are Different

More Than a Team—A Global Brand

Name another NBA franchise with this kind of star power. Magic, Kareem, Kobe, LeBron—it’s like a Mount Rushmore of basketball. Seventeen championships (tied with the Celtics, but who’s counting?), Hollywood glitz, and fans from Mumbai to Madrid. That’s not just fandom; it’s a cult.

The Money Never Stops

Last year, they pulled in $465 million. Their jersey patch deal with Bibigo? $150 million. Crypto.com Arena? Packed every night, even during rebuilding years. And don’t get me started on international revenue. China alone probably buys enough LeBron jerseys to fund a small country.

LA: The Ultimate Advantage

Here’s where it gets interesting. Walter owning both the Dodgers and Lakers? Think about the cross-promotion. Bundle tickets, shared sponsorships, maybe even a Lakers-Dodgers reality show (okay, maybe not). The point is, synergies—hate that corporate word, but it fits—could take things to another level.

The Bigger Picture: Sports as a Rich Person’s Toy

Private Equity Wants In

Sports teams aren’t just passion projects anymore—they’re assets. The Suns sold for $4 billion last year. Jordan just got $3 billion for the Hornets. And with the NBA relaxing ownership rules? It’s a gold rush for billionaires looking for bragging rights.

Why the NBA Is Hot Right Now

Global appeal, new media deals coming up (expect those to double), and digital stuff like streaming and NFTs. Plus, unlike European soccer where teams can get relegated, the NBA’s a safe bet—revenue sharing means even the Pistons turn a profit.

But It’s Not All Smooth Sailing

Owning a team isn’t like buying stocks. Fans will roast you if you mess up (just ask Jeanie during the Luke Walton years). The NBA vets owners hard, and there are rules about how much debt you can take on. Plus, losing sucks—for your ego and your brand.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

Changes? Probably, But Not Overnight

Walter’s style is hands-off with the Dodgers, so don’t expect him to start picking lineups. But upgrades? Maybe a new practice facility or tech investments. Long-term, I’d bet on more global games—Asia and Europe love this team.

Fan Reactions: Mixed, Obviously

Purists are losing it. “The Buss family IS the Lakers,” one fan tweeted. Others? They’re pumped. Walter spends money, and the Dodgers’ success speaks for itself. Social media’s a war zone right now—fun to watch, honestly.

Timeline: Don’t Hold Your Breath

Deal’s not done yet. League approval takes forever, and someone like Steve Ballmer could swoop in. But if it happens? NBA’s first $10 billion team. Wild.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about how sports franchises became these untouchable financial giants. For the Busses, it’s goodbye to a family legacy. For Walter? A chance to own a piece of history. And for us fans? Strap in—the next era of Lakers drama starts now. So, what do you think? Smart move or selling out? Hit me in the comments.

Source: Financial Times – Companies