Mark Walter to Acquire Los Angeles Lakers for $10 Billion

Mark Walter to Acquire Los Angeles Lakers for $10 Billion

Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global, is set to acquire a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers from the Buss family for a record-breaking $10 billion valuation. This marks the end of the Buss family's 45-year ownership. Walter, a 65-year-old businessman with a net worth of $6.1 billion, also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers and has minority ownership in several other sports teams, including Chelsea FC and the Los Angeles Sparks. He previously attempted to purchase the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014.

By: Lila Sofia García

Posted On: Jun 18, 2025

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The sports world is buzzing with news that Mark Walter, the head of TWG Global, is poised to acquire a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal valuing the iconic franchise at a staggering $10 billion. This monumental transaction not only signifies a new era for the Lakers but also marks the most expensive purchase of a U.S. professional sports team in history. After 45 years under the Buss family's stewardship, led by Jeanie Buss, the Lakers are entering a new chapter.


Walter's move positions him as a significant power player in the sports industry. So, who is the man behind this game-changing acquisition?


Mark Walter, 65, hails from Iowa and boasts a remarkable academic background, holding degrees from Creighton University and Northwestern University, where he also serves as a board member. His financial success is evident in his estimated net worth of $6.1 billion, according to Forbes.


His company, TWG Global, holds a diverse portfolio across sectors including finance, renewable energy, sports, media, entertainment, art, eco-tourism, and agriculture. Walter also leads Guggenheim Capital, LLC, a major financial services firm managing over $340 billion in assets.


Perhaps most notably in the sports realm, Walter is the chairman of Guggenheim Baseball Management, the ownership group that purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 for $2.2 billion, which includes Magic Johnson.


Under Walter's leadership, the Dodgers have enjoyed unprecedented success, clinching two World Series titles (2020 and 2024), four National League pennants, and an impressive 11 NL West division titles. Their consistency is remarkable, with the team achieving at least 91 wins in every full season since Walter's group took over, including five seasons with 100+ victories. The Dodgers even display the Guggenheim Capital logo on their jerseys, which is his other business.


Beyond the Dodgers and now the Lakers, Walter holds minority ownership stakes in several other prominent sports teams, including Chelsea FC, the Los Angeles Sparks, Cadillac Formula 1, and the Professional Women's Hockey League.


Interestingly, this isn't Walter's first foray into the Los Angeles basketball scene. He was part of a group led by David Geffen that attempted to purchase the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014, but ultimately lost out to Steve Ballmer's $2 billion bid. Now, with the Lakers firmly in his grasp, Mark Walter's influence on the sports landscape is undeniable.

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