The Los Angeles Lakers, also called the Lakers, are one of the most famous basketball teams in the NBA, like Chelsea and the Dallas Mavericks. Many young fans love this team because of its history, players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, and their many championship wins.
But have you ever wondered who owns the Lakers, or Who Is the Major Owner of the Lakers? Let’s explore with us:-
Who is the current owner of the Lakers in 2025?
In June 2025, a big change happened. Mark Walter, who already owned 20% of the Lakers, bought the majority ownership from the long-time owners, the Buss Family Trusts. This $10 billion deal makes Walter the new majority owner, while the Buss family still owns about 15%.
Even after the sale, Jeanie Buss will stay on as the team’s governor to help run the Lakers.
Formerly, the Los Angeles Lakers were owned by the Buss Family Trusts. The main owner and controlling owner is Jeanie Buss, who is the daughter of the late Dr. Jerry Buss. Jerry Buss was a businessman who bought the Lakers in 1979 and helped the team become a big success.
After he passed away in 2013, his six children received control of the Lakers through a trust. Among them, Jeanie Buss became the controlling owner and president of the team. She is the first woman to own and run an NBA team that has won a championship.
Ownership Details of the Los Angeles Lakers
Here is a simple table showing Who Owned the Lakers before:-
| Owner / Group | Ownership Share (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buss Family Trusts | 66% → now ~15% | Owned since 1979 by Jerry Buss, then Jeanie Buss |
| Mark Walter | 20% → now majority | Former Dodgers owner and now controlling owner |
| Todd Boehly | 7% | Co-owner alongside Walter |
| Patrick Soon‑Shiong | 4.5% | Joined in 2021 |
| Ed Roski Jr. | 3% | Long-time minority owner |
Is Jeanie Buss the only owner of the Lakers?
No. Jeanie Buss is the main owner, but she shares ownership with her siblings and a few business partners. The Buss family together owns about 66% of the Lakers. The rest of the team is owned by other investors, including Philip Anschutz (AEG) and Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a billionaire and doctor.
How Much Do Buss Family Members Own?
| Owner | Stake in the Lakers |
|---|---|
| Buss Family Trusts (Jeanie, Jim, Janie, Jesse, Johnny, Joey) | 66% total (each sibling holds about 11%) |
| Mark Walter | 20% (bought minority stake in 2021; now controlling buyer) |
| Todd Boehly | 7% (joined Walter in 2021) |
| Dr. Patrick Soon‑Shiong | 4.5% (acquired from Magic Johnson) |
| Ed Roski Jr. | 2.5% (a minority owner since 1998) |
What does Jeanie Buss do for the Lakers?
Jeanie Buss is not just the owner. She also works as the team president. That means she helps make big decisions like:
- Choosing team leaders
- Approving trades
- Hiring coaches
- Running the business side of the Lakers
She became more famous in 2020 when the Lakers won the NBA Championship with LeBron James, and she became the first woman controlling owner to win an NBA title.
Big Ownership Change: June 2025
- In June 2025, Mark Walter agreed to purchase the majority of the Lakers from the Buss family, valuing the team at $10 billion, a record-setting deal.
- After the sale, the Buss Family Trusts will temporarily retain around 15% of the team, and Jeanie Buss will continue her role as team governor.
What Does This Mean for the Lakers?
- Mark Walter now has control. He has lots of money and experience owning big sports teams. So he may spend more to help the Lakers win.
- The Buss family still has a 15% stake and remains involved in decisions.
- This sale sets a record: it’s the largest sports team purchase in U.S.
Why Did the Buss Family Sell?
- The Lakers were valued at $10 billion, making this a historic sale.
- The family chose Mark Walter because of his successful sports leadership, praised by NBA legend Magic Johnson.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the new owner of the Lakers?
A: Mark Walter officially became the majority owner in June 2025.
Q2: Does Jeanie Buss still have a role?
A: Yes, she remains the team governor after selling most of her ownership stake.
Q3: Did the Buss family sell all of their shares?
A: No, they retained about 15% of the team.
Q4: Is this the largest sale in sports history?
A: Yes, the $10 billion sale is the biggest ever for a professional U.S. sports team.
Q5: Who else owns part of the Lakers?
A: Todd Boehly (7%), Patrick Soon‑Shiong (4.5%), and Ed Roski Jr. (3%) are also owners.
FAQs
Q: Who currently owns the Lakers in 2025?
Jeanie Buss, through the Buss Family Trusts, is the controlling owner of the Lakers.
Q: How much of the Lakers do the Buss family own?
They own about 66% of the team, which gives them control.
Q: Is LeBron James an owner of the Lakers?
No, LeBron James is a player and not an owner of the team.
Q: Will the Lakers be sold in the future?
As of now, there are no plans to sell the Lakers. The Buss family wants to keep it.
Q: When did Jeanie Buss become the owner?
She became the controlling owner in 2013 after the death of her father, Jerry Buss.
Final Thoughts
In June 2025, Mark Walter became the new controlling owner of the Lakers after purchasing the majority stake from the Buss family in a historic $10 billion deal. The Buss family remains involved with a 15% share, and Jeanie Buss continues as the team’s governor. With Mark Walter leading, the Lakers move into a new era under powerful and wealthy leadership.
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