Los Angeles Lakers Sold for a Record-Breaking $10 Billion!

2025-06-21 00:00:21.49

The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers for $10 billion is a record-breaking deal, marking the highest valuation ever for a sports franchise. The sale represents a shift in ownership from the Buss family, who had owned the team since 1979, to an investment group led by Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter. This transition was deemed inevitable due to the increasing value of sports teams and the trend of institutional investors acquiring stakes in major franchises. The Lakers' massive local television deal with Spectrum is a significant asset, although the decline of cable bundles poses a threat to the team's revenue streams. Despite this, the Lakers' strong connection to Los Angeles and the enduring popularity of basketball ensure their continued success. The new ownership group is expected to maintain the team's winning tradition, potentially attracting even more star players. However, the shift towards institutional ownership raises concerns about accountability and the potential for prioritizing profit over fan interests, a concern that may not affect the Lakers, but could impact other teams.