Following unanimous approval from the NBA Board of Governors, billionaire investor Mark Walter has officially completed his acquisition of a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal ushers in a new era for one of the most storied franchises in professional sports, with a focus on sustaining championship excellence while deepening its commitment to innovation and community impact.
Jeanie Buss will remain Governor of the Lakers and continue to oversee the team’s day-to-day operations. Walter expressed his enthusiasm for maintaining continuity in leadership while building upon the Lakers’ tradition of success both on and off the court.
Founded in 1947, the Lakers have appeared in 65 postseasons, made 32 trips to the NBA Finals, and captured 17 championships—marking one of the most successful legacies in professional sports history.
Walter’s acquisition solidifies his expanding footprint across global sports, adding the Lakers to a diverse portfolio that includes controlling interests in MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, as well as ownership stakes in Chelsea F.C. and the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.
Through his firm, TWG Global, where he serves as Chairman and CEO, Walter also oversees investments in financial services, AI technology, media, entertainment, and sports. The company’s sports division, TWG Sports, co-chaired by Walter and Thomas Tull, is developing a connected global sports enterprise focused on growth, innovation, and competitive performance.
Walter’s philanthropic initiatives remain a key part of his broader mission. Through the Walter Family Foundation, he and his family fund conservation programs that protect endangered species and preserve wilderness areas, as well as efforts to expand educational and economic opportunities for underserved communities.
Advisors/counsel: BofA Securities and Guggenheim Securities acted as financial advisors to Walter in the transaction, while Davis Polk & Wardwell served as legal counsel.
KEY QUOTES:
“The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic franchises in all of sports, defined by a history of excellence and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Few teams carry the legacy and global influence of the Lakers, and it’s a privilege to work alongside Jeanie Buss as we maintain that excellence and set the standard for success in this new era, both on and off the court.”
Mark Walter, Chairman and CEO, TWG Global
“Over the past decade, I have come to know Mark well—first as a businessman, then as a friend and now as a colleague. He has demonstrated time and time again his commitment to bringing championships to Los Angeles, and, on behalf of Lakers fans everywhere, I am beyond excited about what our future has in store.”
Jeanie Buss, Governor, Los Angeles Lakers
