Jeanie Buss speaks out about the Lakers sale as a timeline emerges.

Jeanie Buss Confident in Lakers’ Future After Major Stake Sale

Jeanie Buss feels optimistic about the Lakers’ future following the sale of a majority stake in the team for $10 billion, marking the largest sale in US pro sports history.

In a discussion about the ownership transfer to businessman Mark Walter, Buss highlighted Walter’s potential as a strong partner to uphold the team’s legacy.

“The Bass Family has had the great honor of caring for this incredible organization for nearly fifty years,” she noted. “Since my father purchased the Lakers, we’ve aimed to deliver what Los Angeles truly deserves.”

Buss mentioned her growing relationship with Walter, expressing satisfaction in discovering their shared values. She added, “Over the last four years, Mark has proven to be a fantastic partner, and I’m eager to continue that partnership to maintain the Lakers’ remarkable legacy.”

The sale between her family and Walter is projected to close sometime between July and December 2025, as stated in the announcement.

Walter, who has been a minor owner of the Lakers since 2021, also owns the Dodgers and serves as CEO of TWG Global, which encompasses numerous multinational companies.

He has interests in various professional sports entities, including the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, the Billy Junking Cup, the new Cadillac Formula 1 team, and the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).

Buss continues to serve as the franchise’s governor and plans to oversee daily operations for the foreseeable future.

The Bass Family, which achieved 11 NBA championships during their 46 years of ownership, issued a statement a week after the sale was initially reported by ESPN.

Jeanie took over as Lakers governor after her father, Jerry Buss, passed away in 2013, leaving the franchise to his six children.

Jerry Buss had originally acquired the team from Jack Kent Cook in 1979 for $67.5 million.

Lakers legend Magic Johnson congratulated Jeanie on “landing an incredible deal” and praised Walter as both a business associate and friend.

This sale occurs in the wake of the Lakers making significant trade adjustments during what many consider the largest midseason shift in NBA history.

After finishing third in the Western Conference, the Lakers were knocked out by the Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, losing in five games.