Billionaire Mark Walter Set to Take Over Lakers in Game-Changing Deal
Billionaire Mark Walter is poised to take over the Los Angeles Lakers in a move that could redefine the future of the NBA franchise. With a $12.4 billion empire behind him, the TWG Global chief’s majority stake bid marks a seismic shift in team ownership—leaving fans and insiders wondering what’s next for the legendary Lakers.
A Billionaire Move That Could Reshape the Lakers’ Future
Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global and longtime sports investor, is now front and center in a deal that could change the fate of one of basketball’s most iconic franchises — the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to ESPN, Walter is currently the front-runner to acquire a majority stake in the Lakers. Although Jeanie Buss will retain her role as team governor, Walter’s entry as a majority owner could mean big changes ahead.
This move isn’t sudden. Walter has quietly built influence across multiple sports — and his net worth, reportedly up to $12.4 billion, puts him in a league of his own.
Who Is Mark Walter?
Meet the Man Behind the Billions
Before taking over the Lakers, Mark Walter had already made his mark on the global business stage. Here’s a quick breakdown of who he is and why he matters.
| Full Name | Mark Walter |
| Current Role | Co-founder & CEO of Guggenheim Partners |
| Assets Under Management | Over $300 billion |
| Investment Style | Long-term, high-value, strategic acquisitions |
| Notable Deal | Co-led 2012 purchase of Los Angeles Dodgers for $2.2B |
| Current Team Valuation | Los Angeles Dodgers now worth over $6.3 billion |
His strategy is clear: buy undervalued legacy assets, inject expertise, and scale up.
Inside His Growing Sports Empire
Mark Walter’s investment journey isn’t just impressive—it’s a strategic conquest of the sports world. From basketball to baseball, and now racing, his growing empire reflects a vision beyond ownership. The table below showcases the key sports assets that define his powerful portfolio.
| Team/League | Sport |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | NBA (Basketball) |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | MLB (Baseball) |
| Los Angeles Sparks | WNBA (Women’s Basketball) |
| Professional Women’s Hockey League | Women’s Ice Hockey |
| Billie Jean King Cup | Women’s Tennis |
| Cadillac Formula One Team | Formula 1 Racing |
This isn’t just diversification — it’s domination.
The Buss Legacy: A Family Empire in Transition
The Buss Legacy: More Than Just Ownership
Long before billionaire investors entered the scene, the Lakers were a symbol of family-led leadership. The Buss dynasty transformed the franchise into a global powerhouse. Here’s a quick look at how their legacy shaped — and still influences — the identity of the Los Angeles Lakers.
| Ownership Began | 1979, when Jerry Buss bought the Lakers from Jack Kent Cooke |
| Purchase Price | $67.5 million (included Lakers, LA Kings, and The Forum) |
| Legacy Leader | Jerry Buss led until his death in 2013 |
| Current Governor | Jeanie Buss, his daughter, since 2013 |
| Family Influence | The Buss family remains central to Lakers culture and decision-making |
| Emotional Connection | The Buss family is seen as the heart and soul of the franchise |
“Jeanie isn’t stepping away,” said one insider. “She’s welcoming a new chapter, not ending the old one.”
Net Worth Wars: $6.1B or $12.4B?
Net Worth Wars: Who’s Right — Forbes or Bloomberg?
Mark Walter’s true wealth is up for debate. While Forbes lists him at $6.1B, Bloomberg suggests a massive $12.4B.
Why such a big gap?
Let’s break down the numbers and uncover the factors behind this billionaire valuation clash.
| Forbes Valuation | $6.1 billion |
| Bloomberg Valuation | $12.4 billion |
| Reason for Gap | Differences in how private equity holdings and future earnings are valued |
| Common Factors | Both recognize Walter’s role at Guggenheim Partners and major sports investments |
But regardless of which figure you trust — Walter is one of the richest figures in global sports.
SEC Probe? Cleared
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing.
In 2019, Walter was the subject of an SEC investigation related to real estate dealings. However, the probe concluded without penalties, allowing Walter to maintain his clean record in financial circles.
This is important — because trust matters in billion-dollar boardrooms.
Beyond Sports: Walter’s Bold Bets
Beyond the Arena: Walter’s High-Stakes Investments
Mark Walter’s empire extends far beyond the basketball court. He’s also placed bold bets on disruptive companies outside sports, proving his eye for innovation and long-term growth. Let’s take a quick look at two of his standout ventures beyond the stadium lights.
| Beyond Meat | A leading plant-based food company disrupting the meat industry with innovative alternatives |
| Carvana | An online used car marketplace revolutionizing how people buy and sell vehicles digitally |
These high-risk, high-reward plays show Walter’s willingness to bet on disruption, not just tradition.
What This Means for the Lakers
What Mark Walter’s Takeover Could Mean for the Lakers
With billionaire Mark Walter stepping in as majority owner, the Lakers are poised for a major evolution. From global brand expansion to tech-powered growth, here’s how his strategic leadership could reshape the future of one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.
| Enhanced Sponsorships | Access to bigger brands and tech partners through Walter’s global network |
| Global Expansion | International branding and outreach to grow Lakers’ fanbase across continents |
| Data-Driven Development | Implementation of analytics for smarter player scouting and performance tracking |
Walter isn’t known for micromanagement. He’s known for building value, not vanity. And that could be exactly what the Lakers need.
What Comes Next?
This isn’t just about buying a team. It’s about shaping the future of basketball.
Walter’s involvement signals a major power shift in the NBA. With other billionaires investing in legacy franchises, the game is no longer just on the court — it’s in the boardroom.
Final Thoughts: From Silent Investor to Power Player
What Mark Walter’s Rise Means for the Lakers
Mark Walter’s quiet but powerful ascent into the heart of Lakers ownership reveals more than just a shift in stake. It signals a new chapter built on vision, innovation, and legacy. Here’s a breakdown of the five key themes that define his journey from silent investor to game-changing power player.
| Visionary Leadership | Walter values long-term strategy over headlines, growing his influence through quiet but impactful decisions. |
| Expanding Sports Empire | With stakes in teams like the Dodgers and Sparks, he’s building one of the most diverse portfolios in sports. |
| Innovation-Driven | Expect tech-forward decisions, including analytics-based scouting and smart sponsorship integrations. |
| Legacy Realignment | Though Jeanie Buss remains the face, Walter may subtly steer the Lakers into a new identity phase. |
| Beyond Championships | His bigger goal? Creating a globally respected sports brand with sustainable success far beyond trophies. |
Explosive Highlights from the Mark Walter Deal
Before diving deeper, here’s a quick snapshot of the major highlights surrounding Mark Walter’s potential takeover of the Lakers — from his massive net worth to his growing sports empire.
| Ownership Deal | Mark Walter is set to buy a majority stake in the Lakers; Jeanie Buss remains governor |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $6.1B (Forbes) to $12.4B (Bloomberg) |
| Sports Portfolio | Owns stakes in Dodgers, Sparks, PWHL, Formula One, and more |
| Business Role | Co-founder of Guggenheim Partners, managing over $300B in assets |
| Legal Status | 2019 SEC investigation ended with no penalties |
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available sources and media reports at the time of writing. All financial figures, ownership details, and corporate developments are subject to change. This content is intended for informational and editorial purposes only.
TN HEADLINES24 is not responsible for any investment decisions, interpretations, or actions taken based on this article. Readers are advised to verify independently before drawing conclusions.
