Los Angeles Dodgers co-owners Mark Walter and Todd Boehly have officially purchased Phil Anschutz’s 27% stake in the L.A. Lakers. The transaction was approved by the NBA Board of Governors.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most successful and admired franchises in sports history,” Walter said in a statement.
“I have watched the organization grow under Jeanie’s leadership and couldn’t be more excited to partner with her and the entire management team. I am committed to supporting the franchise’s iconic status by continuing to bring together culture, community and entertainment to Lakers’ fans.”
Boehly joins the Lakers’ board of directors, where he will also represent the interests of both Walter. “The Los Angeles Lakers have built and sustained a championship culture that has inspired fans around the world,” Boehly said.
“Mark and I know first-hand the commitment and energy required to achieve such success both throughout the organization, and vitally, from the fans across the great City of Los Angeles. I am thrilled to join the Lakers ownership group, supporting Jeanie and the organization’s vision, as the franchise builds on its storied history and commitment to community.”
After the Buss family holding 66% ownership of the Lakers franchise, Anschultz’s 27% share was the next-highest. Anschultz’s AEG owns and operates the Staples Center, where the Lakers will continue playing their home games after extending their lease through 2041.
“Since we first acquired the interest in the Lakers 25 years ago, the Buss family and the entire Lakers organization have been true partners in every way, and we couldn’t be more appreciative,” AEG president and CEO Dan Beckerman said.
“Our relationship with the Lakers has always been and will continue to be important to AEG. We share a vision and commitment to delivering the best experiences to Lakers fans, and we remain strongly invested in the franchise’s long-term success.
“We are confident that with Jeanie as the team’s Controlling Owner, the Lakers will continue to be the gold standard in the NBA. Mark Walter and Todd Boehly are great additions to the ownership group, and we look forward to partnering with them for many years to come.”
Walter and Boehly previously entered into the basketball arena through an investment group that took ownership of the WNBA’s L.A. Sparks. The ownership includes Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten, along with part-owners Magic Johnson and Bobby Patton.
“We’ve had the opportunity to get to know Mark and Todd through their ownership of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and welcome them to the Lakers’ family,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.
“We thank Phil Anschutz and AEG for their long tenure as minority owners of the Lakers and are pleased that they will remain an important partner to both the Lakers and the league through their ownership of Staples Center and numerous other basketball arenas around the world.”
Dodgers ownership
When Guggenheim Baseball Management was introduced as new owners of the Dodgers on May 2, 2012, the group was headed by Walter as controlling partner and included Kasten, along with part-owners Boehly, Peter Guber, Johnson and Bobby Patton.
Since that point the Dodgers have added Billie Jean King, Ilana Kloss, Alan Smolinisky and Robert L. Plummer to the ownership group in recent years.
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