The Los Angeles Lakers are owned by businessman Mark Walter, who acquired majority control in October 2025 at a record $10 billion valuation. The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale, making it the largest control transaction in pro sports history.
- Mark Walter acquired majority control of the Los Angeles Lakers at a $10 billion valuation in October 2025.
- The Buss family retained a minority stake of more than 15% after selling the team.
- Jerry Buss purchased the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million, which also included the Kings and the Forum.
- The Lakers reported $565 million in revenue for the 2024-25 season according to CNBC.
- CNBC valued the franchise at $10 billion in its 2026 NBA team valuations, tied for third in the league.
Who Owns the Los Angeles Lakers?
Mark Walter is the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. He closed the deal on October 30, 2025, after unanimous approval from the NBA Board of Governors.
Transfer From the Buss Family
Walter bought the controlling stake from the Buss family, who had owned the team since 1979. Jeanie Buss remains governor of the Lakers for at least five years and continues to oversee daily operations.
Los Angeles Lakers Origin, Founders and Early Years
The Lakers were founded in 1947 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and moved to Los Angeles for the 1960-61 season. The team was named for Minnesota’s thousands of lakes.
Jack Kent Cooke owned the team during much of the 1960s and 1970s. In 1979, real estate investor Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers, Kings, and Forum for $67.5 million. The Buss era produced 11 NBA titles across four decades.
Largest Shareholders of the Los Angeles Lakers
Mark Walter
- Majority owner since October 2025
- Estimated stake of 78-80% of the franchise
- Chairman and CEO of TWG Global
- Also owns the Dodgers and Sparks
Buss Family Trust
- Retains a minority stake above 15%
- Represented by governor Jeanie Buss
- Controlled the team from 1979 to 2025
- Won 11 titles under family ownership
Todd Boehly
- Limited partner in the franchise
- Co-owner of the Dodgers with Walter
- Joint owner of Chelsea FC
- Partnered with Walter since 2021
Mubadala Capital
- Invested $10 billion in TWG Global in April 2025
- Asset management arm of Abu Dhabi sovereign fund
- Gained indirect exposure to Walter’s sports assets
- Part of a broader $15 billion equity raise
Who Is on the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Lakers?
Ownership and Governance
Mark Walter — Controlling Owner
Runs TWG Global. Took majority control in October 2025 and holds the deciding vote on franchise matters.
Jeanie Buss — Governor
Represents the team on the NBA Board of Governors. Retains her role through at least 2030 under the sale agreement.
Todd Boehly — Limited Partner
Co-founder of Eldridge Industries. Became a Lakers minority owner with Walter in 2021.
Basketball Operations
Rob Pelinka — President of Basketball Operations & General Manager
Oversees player personnel, trades, and the draft. Retained his role under the Walter regime in 2026.
Andrew Friedman — Senior Advisor
Dodgers president of baseball operations. Advises Pelinka on roster strategy and analytics.
Tony Bennett — Draft Advisor
Former Virginia men’s basketball coach with a 433-169 career record. Joined in February 2026 to guide scouting.
Farhan Zaidi — Special Advisor
Former Dodgers and Giants baseball executive. Supports Pelinka on analytics and front-office process.
Business Operations
Lon Rosen — President of Business Operations
Appointed February 19, 2026. Served as Dodgers EVP and chief marketing officer since 2012 before moving over.
Dan Beckerman — Alternate Governor
Long-tenured adviser involved in the team’s Spectrum TV deal and training facility projects.
Joey Buss — Co-Owner
President of the G League’s South Bay Lakers and part of the Buss family’s retained stake.
Lakers Valuation Growth
How Did the Los Angeles Lakers Get Their Name?
The team was named for Minnesota’s state identity as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen founded the Minneapolis Lakers in 1947 after buying the defunct Detroit Gems of the National Basketball League.
The “Lakers” name stuck even after the franchise moved to Los Angeles in 1960, a city with a very different geography. Owner Bob Short kept the name rather than rebrand around a local landmark.
Over the decades, the name has become one of the most recognized in sports. The Lakers brand sits alongside the Yankees and Cowboys as a top draw for global merchandise sales.
Los Angeles Lakers Mission Statement
The Lakers focus on delivering championship-level basketball to Los Angeles and building a global fan community. The organization describes its purpose as pursuing excellence on the court and creating a fan experience that carries the legacy of the Showtime era forward.
The front office sets that standard through competitive rosters, community programs, and the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation. The foundation supports education, health, and youth sports across Southern California.
Under Mark Walter, the stated aim is to maintain the team’s status as one of the most iconic franchises in sports while investing in facilities, player development, and technology that supports basketball operations.
Los Angeles Lakers Products and Services
NBA Team
- 17 NBA championships through 2025
- 82-game regular season schedule
- Home games at Crypto.com Arena
- Roster led by Luka Doncic and LeBron James
South Bay Lakers (G League)
- Developmental affiliate based in El Segundo
- Plays at UCLA Health Training Center
- Pipeline for two-way contract players
- Joey Buss serves as team president
Broadcast and Media
- Local TV rights held by Spectrum SportsNet
- Deal worth close to $200 million per season
- National broadcasts on ESPN, TNT, and ABC
- Original content on team app and YouTube
Merchandise and Licensing
- Global sales of jerseys, caps, and apparel
- Partnership with Nike for uniforms
- Collectibles and memorabilia through NBA Store
- Retro Showtime-era products for retail partners
Ticketing and Premium Seating
- Single-game and season ticket packages
- Courtside and suite hospitality options
- Group sales for corporate clients
- Average home attendance near 19,000 per game
Community Programs
- Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation
- Basketball clinics and school outreach
- Scholarships for local students
- Wildfire relief support through LA Rises
Lakers Championships by Decade
FAQ
What is the net worth of the Los Angeles Lakers?
CNBC valued the Los Angeles Lakers at $10 billion in its 2026 NBA franchise rankings, tied for third in the league behind the Warriors and Knicks. The sale to Mark Walter closed at the same $10 billion figure in October 2025.
Is the Los Angeles Lakers an American company?
Yes. The Lakers are based in Los Angeles, California, and compete in the NBA’s Pacific Division. The team plays home games at Crypto.com Arena and practices at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo.
When did the Los Angeles Lakers come out?
The franchise was founded as the Minneapolis Lakers in 1947. The team moved to Los Angeles for the 1960-61 NBA season and has played there ever since.
Los Angeles Lakers market cap in 2026
The Lakers are privately owned and have no public market cap. CNBC pegged the team’s total valuation at $10 billion in February 2026, matching the price Mark Walter paid for majority control in 2025.
Is the Los Angeles Lakers still operational?
Yes. The Lakers entered their 78th season in 2025-26 and continue to play a full NBA schedule. The team advanced to the Western Conference first round in the 2024-25 playoffs.
Who owns the Los Angeles Lakers?
Mark Walter, chairman and CEO of TWG Global, owns a majority stake in the Lakers after closing the deal on October 30, 2025. The Buss family holds more than 15% as minority partners.
With many years of professional experience within transnational corporations in different industries, Richard Jaimes has had the opportunity to lead people and organizations, investigate future topics, create strategies and innovations, consult senior management and translate insights into business advantages. Richard is also a long time senior consultant with Quantumrun Foresight.
