a Earthquake shifts are shaking the NBA. Johnny Bus, who controls the Lakers owner, reportedly agreed to sell a majority stake in the team to Mark Walter, a businessman who owns the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal reportedly values the iconic franchise at over $7.1 billion. This is a record-breaking figure in professional sports.
Mark Walter has emerged as a central figure in the evolution of modern sports ownership. From Guggenheim Partners’ leadership to multi-franchise strategies and philanthropy, gaining the Lakers majority control is more than just a financial manipulation. It marks a new chapter in Los Angeles as a global sports powerhouse.
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Who is Mark Walter?
CEO of Guggenheim Partners: He leads a global financial services company that manages more than $300 billion in assets.
Large Scale in Sports: Since 2012 he has owned a portion of the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers (worth $4.8-6.3 billion).
Expanding the Sports Empire: He is co-founder and co-owner of Chelsea FC (Premier League), Andretti Global Racing, Las Parks (WNBA) and Women’s Professional Hockey League (PWHL), and has held a 20% stake in the Lakers since 2021.
Committed Philanthropist: Through his foundation and the Dodgers Foundation, he invested in social causes, including the LA Rises Recovery initiative following the 2025 wildfires.
His history with the Lakers
In July 2021, Walter and partner Todd Boley acquired a 27% stake in the team, and was then valued at around $5 billion – indicating the NBA’s entry into the world, including the right to initial rejection of future stocks. Since then, they have remained a key investor, with Bass family still in control.
This new deal is moving further. It has Walter become the majority owner and Bass’ family stepped into the minority role, but Jeannie Bass reportedly remains as the team governor.
If the deal is approved, Walter will be the first executive to simultaneously oversee the Dodgers, Lakers, Sparks and the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). The NBA world is waiting for final confirmation to officially make the acquisition.
