The Los Angeles Lakers Just Sold a Majority Stake at a Jaw-Dropping $10 Billion Valuation—What This Means for Investors
In a blockbuster move shaking up the sports and investment worlds, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers are changing hands—well, mostly. The iconic Buss family, who have owned the Lakers since 1979, have agreed to sell a majority stake to billionaire businessman Mark Walter. This deal values the franchise at an unprecedented $10 billion, smashing previous NBA valuation records and signaling a new era for sports franchise investments.
Why This Matters: The Lakers are not just a basketball team; they are a global brand and a cultural phenomenon. CNBC’s latest NBA team valuations ranked the Lakers third in the league at $7 billion just months ago. Now, the $10 billion price tag reflects not only the team’s on-court success but also the booming sports media rights landscape and growing global fanbase.
Mark Walter, CEO and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners, is no stranger to sports ownership. Already the majority owner of the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA’s Sparks, and the upcoming Cadillac Formula 1 team, Walter is assembling a sports empire that spans multiple leagues and demographics. His involvement signals a strategic vision to leverage cross-sport synergies, digital media, and global expansion—trends investors should watch closely.
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ current owner and a trailblazer in sports leadership, will retain a minority stake and her governor seat, ensuring continuity and legacy stewardship. Lakers legend Magic Johnson praised the deal, calling Walter “the best caretaker of the Laker brand,” underscoring the importance of leadership alignment in high-profile franchise sales.
The Broader Trend: NBA valuations have soared following the league’s latest $77 billion media rights deal over 11 years, fueling franchise price spikes. Earlier this year, the Boston Celtics sold for $6.1 billion, setting a then-record. The Lakers-Celtics rivalry remains a marquee asset, driving fan engagement and media value.
For Investors: This deal signals that elite sports franchises are becoming ultra-premium real estate in the investment world. But it’s not just about owning a team; it’s about owning a platform. The Lakers’ recent acquisition of superstar Luka Doncic to pair with LeBron James highlights how star power drives brand value and revenue streams.
Actionable Insight: Investors and advisors should now consider sports franchises—and their associated media, merchandising, and digital rights—as diversified growth assets. Look beyond traditional valuation metrics; focus on media rights deals, star athlete acquisitions, and global market penetration. Walter’s multi-league ownership model is a blueprint for building resilient sports portfolios that capitalize on cross-promotional opportunities.
What’s Next? Expect more mega-deals as private equity and billionaires vie for stakes in sports franchises, especially those with iconic brands and strong media rights. The convergence of sports, entertainment, and digital content is accelerating, making timing critical. Advisors should prepare clients for alternative asset classes like sports franchises, which historically have shown strong appreciation but require nuanced understanding of league economics and media contracts.
A Unique Take: According to Forbes, the global sports market is expected to exceed $200 billion by 2026, driven largely by media rights and digital fan engagement. The Lakers deal exemplifies how top-tier franchises are capitalizing on this growth, turning teams into diversified entertainment ecosystems. Investors ignoring this trend risk missing out on one of the fastest-growing sectors in alternative investments.
In summary, the Lakers’ $10 billion valuation is a wake-up call for investors: sports franchises are no longer just passion projects—they are strategic, high-value assets reshaping the investment landscape. The question for investors now is: how can you position your portfolio to ride this unprecedented wave of sports industry growth?
Sources:
– CNBC NBA Team Valuations
– Forbes Global Sports Market Report
– Statements from Mark Walter and Magic Johnson on X
Stay tuned to Extreme Investor Network for the latest insights on this evolving market and how you can capitalize on the future of sports investing.
Source: Lakers owners Buss family sell majority stake at $10 billion valuation