Fri Oct 24 19:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Lakers Poised for Billion-Dollar Ownership Change as Mark Walter Nears Approval
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Lakers could soon have a new controlling owner. Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and a seasoned sports investor, is on track to potentially be approved as the Lakers’ new owner by the end of next week.
According to ESPN sources, Walter will present his bid to the NBA Advisory Finance Committee this Friday. Following the presentation, the committee will make a recommendation to the NBA Board of Governors. The Board is then expected to vote on whether to approve Walter’s ownership.
The potential acquisition comes after a reported agreement in June between the Buss family and Walter for a majority stake in the team, valuing the franchise at a record-breaking $10 billion. This surpasses the previous record for an American professional sports franchise of $6.1 billion set by the Boston Celtics.
While the Buss family has confirmed the agreement, Jeanie Buss has stated that the family will maintain a minority stake in the team and she will remain governor, continuing to oversee day-to-day operations.
Walter, a well-known figure in the Los Angeles sports scene, already owns the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Sparks, the Cadillac Formula One team, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and has partial ownership of Chelsea Football Club and the Billie Jean King Cup.
If approved, Walter will take the reins of one of the NBA’s most successful franchises, boasting 17 championships, second only to the Boston Celtics. The Lakers, despite an opening night loss to the Warriors in which LeBron James missed the game due to sciatica, enter the 2025-26 season with high hopes, fueled by the star power of James and Luka Dončić.
The Lakers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, seeking to avenge their first-round playoff exit from last season. The focus remains on the future direction of the team with Walter potentially at the helm.
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