Chelsea Co-owner To Acquire Lakers In Record $10B Deal

Chelsea co-owner and billionaire investor Mark Walter is poised to acquire a controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, marking what is being hailed as the most valuable franchise deal in sports history. The $10 billion agreement, which awaits NBA approval, will see Walter buy out the majority interest from the Buss family, concluding a 46-year era of family-led ownership at one of the NBA’s most storied teams.

Walter, who first joined the Lakers' ownership group in 2021, exercised his right of first refusal to lead the takeover. He already owns the LA Dodgers and LA Sparks. He is involved in Chelsea FC and Cadillac's new Formula 1 team via his sports investment platform, TWG Global. His acquisition underscores a broader trend of multi-sport ownership models driven by elite investors.

Jeanie Buss will retain a 15% minority stake and remain the team’s governor, preserving a link to the club’s legacy as the Lakers move into a new phase under Walter’s leadership. The deal dwarfs previous NBA franchise sales and solidifies Walter’s status as one of global sport’s most influential power brokers.

Walter’s ownership is expected to bring a wave of strategic changes. At the core is financial firepower: backed by Guggenheim Partners’ multibillion-dollar asset base, he is expected to inject significant resources into player recruitment, facilities and digital engagement. The deal comes at a critical time for the Lakers, who are seeking to return to championship contention in a fiercely competitive Western Conference.

With Chelsea FC, the Dodgers and now the Lakers under Walter’s influence, opportunities for global brand-building, commercial tie-ins and digital content innovation are significant. This includes potential shared campaigns, merchandise ventures and integrated sponsorship strategies across continents.

The NBA’s Board of Governors is expected to ratify the deal later this year. If approved, Walter will become the central figure in the Lakers’ future, bringing deep financial resources, a proven sports business track record and a modern, global outlook to one of basketball’s most iconic franchises.