Who Is Mark Walter? New Majority Owner of the Los Angeles Lakers
In a record-breaking sports transaction, Mark Walter has reportedly signed to purchase a majority of the Los Angeles Lakers for a staggering $10 billion valuation, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania. It is the biggest sale in American sports franchise history, breaking all prior valuations by nearly $4 billion.
While Jeanie Buss retains her role as team governor and continues to be responsible for day-to-day operations, the future direction of the Lakers is now in Walter’s hands to a large extent.
How Mark Walter Acquired the Lakers
Walter entered the Lakers’ ownership group in 2021 by acquiring Phil Anschutz’s 26% stake. Crucially, this deal gave him first right of refusal should the Buss family decide to sell their 66% majority stake. Just four years later, Walter has exercised that right to take control of the team.
Background and Career of Mark Walter
- Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Education:
- B.A. in Business – Creighton University
- J.D. – Northwestern University School of Law, 1985
After law school, Walter worked briefly in law and investment banking before co-founding Liberty Hampshire Company, a personal finance firm. Through industry connections, he later partnered with Peter Lawson-Johnston II and J. Todd Morley to form Guggenheim Partners, which now manages over $330 billion in assets.
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He is currently CEO of TWG Global, a diversified holding company where he owns a 21% stake.
Walter is known for maintaining a low public profile, but is highly respected in financial circles. A 2012 Los Angeles Times report quoted an insider calling him “one of the great financial minds of our time.”
Mark Walter’s Net Worth
- Forbes estimate (2025): $6.1 billion
- Bloomberg estimate: $12.5 billion
Mark Walter’s Sports Empire
Walter is no stranger to sports ownership. His expanding portfolio includes:
Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- Purchased in 2012 for $2.15 billion through Guggenheim Baseball Management
- Owns 27% of the team
- Oversaw a run of success including:
- 2 World Series titles
- Signings of stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman
Chelsea FC (Premier League)
- Part of the Todd Boehly-led consortium that acquired the English club in 2022
- One of several American investors in the Premier League club
Cadillac Formula 1 Team
- Investor in the new Andretti-Cadillac F1 project, which is awaiting approval for entry into the sport
Women’s Sports
- Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA): Part of a six-person ownership group
- Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL): Owner and founder
- Championship trophy is named The Walter Cup
What This Means for the Lakers
Walter’s takeover brings the potential for increased investment and strategic vision to one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. With Jeanie Buss remaining involved in day-to-day affairs, fans can expect continuity in leadership, while Walter’s financial might and sports acumen could shape the Lakers’ next chapter.
Who Is Mark Walter? New Majority Owner of the Los Angeles Lakers
