Lakers Make Changes in Business Operations

The Los Angeles Lakers are undergoing some changes in their business structure under the leadership of Mark Walter.

On Monday, the franchise shared that they have brought on Ryan Kanter as the vice president of global partnerships, a newly established position within the organization.

Kanter will be tasked with generating sponsorship revenue, developing sales strategies, and pursuing new business opportunities both domestically and internationally.

Previously, he served as the Director of Corporate Sponsorship for the Clippers, Kia Forum, and Intuit Dome.

The Lakers mentioned that Kanter played a key role in securing significant deals aimed at leveraging high-value assets to foster growth across various categories, maximizing returns for both sports and music sectors.

Having graduated from the University of Southern California, Kanter was also the global sponsorship director for the Dodgers before his stint with the Clippers. He has kept connections to both the Lakers and Dodgers since Walter became the majority owner of the Lakers last fall.

From 2012 to 2018, he held various roles with the Dodgers. His career then included three years with the Ducks, followed by another period with the Dodgers until July 2023.

Earlier this year, the Lakers appointed Ron Rosen, a former Dodgers executive, to oversee their business operations.

“The Lakers are one of the most valuable brands in sports and entertainment globally,” Rosen stated. “Maximizing that value through global sponsorship revenue benefits everyone involved.”

He also noted Kanter’s successful background in corporate partnerships and business development, emphasizing his understanding of the sports landscape in Southern California and the global influence of the Los Angeles brand. His leadership and innovative sales tactics are expected to contribute to the long-term growth of the Lakers.