The Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Lakers not only have long established themselves as the top sports teams in Southern California, but they are two of the most iconic franchises globally as well.
Their success has been achieved through a rich history of winning championships, though in recent years the Lakers have struggled to consistently reach expectations. That’s resulted in owner Jeanie Buss coming under plenty of scrutiny and led to calls within some factions of the fanbase that she sell the team.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Buss has agreed to sell a majority stake of the Lakers to Dodgers owner Mark Walter:
BREAKING: The Buss family is entering an agreement to sell majority ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter, the CEO and chairman of diversified holding company TWG Global, sources tell ESPN. Jeanie Buss will continue to serve in her role as Governor after the sale. pic.twitter.com/1Da6LDD7TJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 18, 2025
Walter previously purchased a 26% stake of the Lakers franchise from Phil Anschutz in 2021. Todd Boehly, another member of the Guggenheim group that owns the Dodgers, also was involved.
Part of that deal provided Walter the first right of refusal if the Buss family sold the team.
Along with the Lakers and Dodgers, Walter has ownership stakes in the Los Angeles Sparks, Billie Jean Cup, Cadillac Formula 1 team and women’s professional hockey league.
Can Mark Walter help the Lakers?
Walter is regarded around the baseball industry as being a highly-motivated and competitive owner who also allows those in executive positions to conduct their business without overstepping.
Walter has provided Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman with plenty of financial backing to annually put together one of the top rosters, while also investing into the fan experience at Dodger Stadium.
In 13 years since Walter and Guggenheim Baseball purchased the Dodgers from former owner Frank McCourt, the team has posted a winning record each season and won two championships in four World Series appearances.
Over that same stretch, the Lakers have just six winning seasons and one title in one Finals appearance.
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