Introduction: Who Is Mark Walter?
Mark Walter is not a household name like LeBron James or Magic Johnson, but in the world of sports ownership and finance, he’s one of the most powerful figures today. The billionaire investor, best known as the CEO of Guggenheim Partners, has made waves across professional sports—owning stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers, LA Sparks, and most recently, orchestrating a stunning acquisition of the LA Lakers.
So who is Mark Walter? Why did the Buss family decide to sell the Lakers, a team they’ve held since the days of Jerry Buss? What is TWG Global, and how does it tie into the future of the Los Angeles Lakers? In this post, we explore the man, the money, and the legacy shaping the future of American sports.
Mark Walter: The Silent Billionaire Shaping U.S. Sports
Mark Walter is the co-founder and CEO of Guggenheim Partners, a global financial services firm managing over $325 billion in assets. He is not the kind of owner who seeks the spotlight, but his investments speak volumes. His business philosophy is simple: invest for the long term, build valuable franchises, and empower smart people.
Walter co-founded TWG Global, his private investment firm that focuses on sports, media, and entertainment. It was through TWG Global that he cemented his reputation in the sports world by leading ownership groups that acquired elite franchises.
From Dodger to Dominator: Walter’s Rise in MLB
In 2012, Mark Walter made his first major splash in the sports industry by purchasing the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers owner at the time was embroiled in controversy, and the team was in desperate need of a fresh start.
Walter led a consortium—including Magic Johnson—to acquire the team for $2.15 billion, a then-record for a North American sports franchise. Since the acquisition, the Dodgers have consistently been one of the most valuable and successful teams in Major League Baseball, winning the World Series in 2020 and again in 2024.
So who owns the Dodgers today? The answer remains: Mark Walter and Guggenheim Baseball Management, a group he chairs. His quiet, analytical approach has transformed the Los Angeles Dodgers into a model franchise.
Mark Walter Net Worth and Influence
As of 2025, Mark Walter’s net worth is estimated to range between $6 billion and $12.5 billion, depending on the source. Forbes and Bloomberg both list him among the wealthiest people in the world, thanks to his stakes in Guggenheim Partners, TWG Global, and multiple sports ventures.
The success of these investments has led many to ask: “Mark Walter billionaire – how did he do it?” The answer lies in his strategy of acquiring undervalued assets, improving their performance, and scaling their reach globally.
The Lakers Saga: Why the Buss Family Sold the Lakers
In a bombshell move that dominated Lakers news, the Buss family announced in June 2025 that they had agreed to sell a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to a group led by Mark Walter and TWG Global. The deal, valued at an eye-watering $10 billion, is now the most expensive sports team transaction in U.S. history.
The Buss family, heirs to the late Jerry Buss, had owned the Lakers since 1979. Jerry famously bought the team for just $67.5 million, a price that included the Lakers, the LA Kings, and the Forum arena. Under his leadership, the Lakers became one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world.
But times have changed. Jeanie Buss, who inherited her father’s controlling interest and served as team governor, admitted that “passing the torch to Mark Walter ensures that the team stays competitive and well-managed for generations.”
Who Bought the Lakers?
So, who bought the Lakers? The answer is a consortium led by Mark Walter through TWG Global. This group already owned about 27% of the Lakers and had first refusal rights on any sale of controlling interest. With this latest deal, they now hold a majority stake.
While Jeanie Buss will remain the public face and governor of the team for several more years, control effectively shifts to Walter and his associates.
This means that Mark Walter Lakers or Mark Walters Lakers is no longer just a phrase—it’s a reality.
TWG Global: The Powerhouse Behind the Lakers Purchase
TWG Global, also known as The Walter Group, is a private investment platform founded by Walter to pursue opportunities in sports, media, and entertainment.
TWG Global has stakes in:
Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Sparks (WNBA)
Chelsea FC and RC Strasbourg (via BlueCo)
Andretti Global Formula 1 Team
And now, the Los Angeles Lakers
So Mark Walter TWG Global or Mark Walter TWG isn’t just another venture fund. It’s an empire-building machine, with the Lakers for sale just another step toward owning a cross-sport dynasty.
How Much Are the Lakers Worth?
The recent Lakers sale price of $10 billion has left many wondering, “How much are the Lakers worth?” Experts believe the price is not only justified but likely to grow.
The Lakers are one of the top global sports brands, with:
A massive worldwide fanbase
Multi-billion dollar TV contracts
Prime location in Los Angeles
Partnership with Hollywood and global influencers
With a valuation that now outpaces even some NFL teams, the Lakers value shows no signs of decline.
Lakers Selling the Team: A Turning Point in NBA History
The Lakers selling team decision has sparked debates among fans and analysts alike. Some fans feel betrayed, citing Buss family Lakers loyalty. Others are optimistic, believing Walter will bring the same success he delivered to the Dodgers.
The reality is clear: Lakers being sold or Lakers for sale was inevitable given modern financial pressures. The Buss family net worth may be significant, but competing with billionaire-backed franchises required deeper pockets.
This wasn’t just a sale. It was a changing of the guard.
Comparing NBA Giants: Celtics Sale vs Lakers
Some have compared this to a rumored Celtics sale in recent years. While no official Celtics sale price has been disclosed, analysts agree that the Lakers sale dwarfs any similar transaction. It raises the bar for what elite NBA teams are worth.
Just like how much did Jerry Buss buy the Lakers for in 1979 ($67.5 million), the return on investment is staggering—and historic.
Legacy and the Future: Lakers, Dodgers, and Mark Walter’s Empire
Mark Walter’s Dodgers are now champions and perennial contenders. Mark Walter’s Lakers could follow the same trajectory, especially with rising stars and strategic leadership.
If history is any guide, Walter’s strategy will include:
Long-term player development
Global brand expansion
Data-driven front office management
Community engagement and philanthropy
Just as Mark Walters Dodgers became a symbol of modern ownership excellence, the Lakers could become the NBA’s new standard-bearer.
Final Thoughts: The Billionaire Behind the Curtain
So, who owns the Lakers now? Officially, still Jeanie Buss for the moment. But functionally, the reins have passed to Mark Walter, the quiet financier who has built an empire stretching from Dodger Stadium to the Crypto.com Arena.
With stakes in the LA Dodgers, Lakers, and TWG Global’s other holdings, Mark Walter is redefining how sports ownership works. He is not just a billionaire; he is a visionary transforming teams into global media powerhouses.
If you’re still asking, “Who is Mark Walter?” — just watch the next Lakers game. You’ll be watching the empire he’s quietly built.
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