The Los Angeles Lakers’ sale at a record-setting $10 billion valuation didn’t simply make sports activities enterprise historical past — it additionally uncovered long-running Buss household tensions behind the scenes. Family members, which had owned the franchise since Jerry Buss purchased it in 1979, profited significantly from the deal, however the lead-up concerned disagreements and emotional friction, in accordance with reporting from ESPN and Bleacher Report.
The sale to Mark Walter, CEO of TWG International and half proprietor of the Los Angeles Dodgers, was introduced on June 18, 2025, and would mark the most important valuation ever for a U.S. skilled sports activities franchise. Jeanie Buss agreed to the deal and can stay as group governor for not less than 5 years beneath phrases agreed with Walter.
Publish-Jerry Buss Period Fueled Strife
After patriarch Jerry Buss died in 2013, his six youngsters inherited majority management of the Lakers. Jeanie Buss grew to become the general public face of the franchise as governor, however siblings quickly fell into disagreements. ESPN’s Baxter Holmes described a interval outlined by sibling infighting, tried coups, mistrust, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. That discord didn’t disappear as sale talks gained traction; it intensified.
One painful second reportedly got here from a 2019 dialog between Jeanie and youthful brother Jesse Buss, which insiders mentioned revealed long-buried resentment. The friction laid naked how strained relationships had turn into throughout a decade during which the Lakers received only one championship since 2020.
The Highway to a $10B Valuation
By late 2024 and early 2025, talks shifted from promoting minority shares to a full majority sale to Walter. Some siblings explored promoting small parts to supply money now whereas retaining management. However the prospect of a historic payout and monetary incentives finally united the household on the deal.
The vote in June 2025 was unanimous in favor of the sale, though some Buss members expressed non-public confusion or reservations about Jeanie’s sudden shift towards promoting. After the sale closed, inside adjustments adopted, together with the removing of siblings from basketball operations roles.
What It Means for Lakers Followers
For Lakers followers, the sale ends a 46-year period of household possession that noticed the franchise win 11 championships beneath Jerry and Jeanie Buss management. Whereas Jeanie stays in a management place, the interior strife revealed within the reporting underscores how emotional and sophisticated the transition was. The Lakers now enter a brand new chapter beneath majority possession with monetary firepower but in addition a reminder that massive enterprise and household legacies can conflict.
