Who Is Mark Walter? The New Majority Owner of the Los Angeles Lakers
The Buss family agreed to sell a majority stake in the franchise to Mark Walter at a record $10 billion valuation, but who is the man set to lead one of the NBA’s most iconic teams?
Mark Walter’s journey began in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he grew up before attending Creighton University and earning a law degree from Northwestern University.
He is the CEO and founder of TWG Global, a diversified holding company with investments across finance, energy, media, and sports. Walter is also the CEO of Guggenheim Partners, a financial services giant managing over $325 billion in assets.
Walter’s business philosophy is rooted in long-term growth and community investment, values he’s carried into his sports ventures. His net worth is estimated at over $6 billion, and he’s known for his low-profile, hands-on approach to leadership.
A sports portfolio built on success
Walter is no stranger to the Los Angeles sports scene. In 2012, he led Guggenheim Baseball Management’s $2.2 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Dodgers—then a record for a Major League Baseball franchise.
Under his stewardship, the Dodgers have become a model of consistency and success, winning two World Series titles (2020, 2024), four National League pennants, and 11 division crowns. The team has also become a pillar in the community, with Walter supporting numerous charitable initiatives in Los Angeles.
Beyond baseball, Walter’s sports empire includes co-ownership of Premier League club Chelsea FC, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which even named its championship trophy the “Walter Cup” in his honor. He also owns a stake in the Cadillac Formula 1 team, set to debut in 2026.
What Lakers fans can expect
Walter’s acquisition of the Lakers marks the largest sale in U.S. sports history, reflecting both the franchise’s global stature and the NBA’s soaring value in the wake of its new media rights deal.
As part of the agreement, Jeanie Buss will remain the team’s governor and continue to oversee day-to-day operations for the foreseeable future, ensuring continuity during the transition.
Walter’s reputation is that of a competitive, forward-thinking owner who invests heavily in both talent and infrastructure. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described him as “very competitive” and committed to maintaining a championship culture.
With a proven track record in building winning organizations and a deep respect for the legacy of the teams he leads, Walter’s arrival signals both stability and ambition for the Lakers.
As Mark Walter steps into the spotlight, Lakers fans can look forward to a future shaped by a leader who understands both the business and the heart of sports. The purple and gold are poised for a new chapter—one that honors the past but is firmly focused on continued excellence.