In one of the most monumental transactions in sports history, the Los Angeles Lakers have been sold for a staggering $10 billion to Dodgers owner and longtime Lakers minority shareholder Mark Walter. Yet despite the record-breaking valuation and shift in ownership, one familiar figure will remain at the helm: Jeanie Buss.
According to multiple reports, includingThe Athletic’s Sam Amick, Buss will continue to serve as the team’s governor for at least five more seasons, extending her leadership through the 2030–31 NBA season. The agreement between Buss, Walter, and the NBA ensures continuity at the top of the organization, even as day-to-day control gradually transitions to Walter’s camp.
Buss, the daughter of legendary owner Dr. Jerry Buss, has overseen the Lakers since 2013 and has been a central figure in the franchise’s identity. Under the Buss family’s stewardship, the Lakers have won 11 NBA championships and become one of the most iconic brands in global sports. Her continued presence offers a sense of stability amid sweeping change.
The sale itself marks a new era. Walter, whose sports portfolio includes the Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and stakes in multiple leagues, is expected to bring a more aggressive and analytics-driven approach to team building. Early signs point to heavy investment in player development, front office infrastructure, and international expansion, mirroring the Dodgers’ model of sustained excellence.
Still, Buss’s extended role is more than ceremonial. She retains a 15% ownership stake, meeting NBA requirements for a team governor, and will continue to oversee key decisions in the short to mid-term.
