Los Angeles has a new king of sports—and he’s been hiding in plain sight. Mark Walter, the ultra-private billionaire behind Guggenheim Partners and principal owner of the Dodgers, is officially set to become the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers in a historic $10 billion deal that could reshape the future of the city’s sports scene.
With this move, Walter now holds sway over the Dodgers, the Lakers, Chelsea FC, and the WNBA’s Sparks—cementing his place as one of the most powerful figures in global sports.
The quiet owner with a $6.1B net worth
Walter’s ascent began not on the court or the diamond, but on Wall Street. As CEO and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners, which manages over $300 billion in assets, Walter built a fortune by staying out of the spotlight and playing the long game.
His net worth, estimated at $6.1 billion, reflects decades of smart, long-term investments. But unlike celebrity owners, Walter prefers to lead quietly, prioritizing governance, sustainability, and impact over headlines.
From Dodgers dynasty to Lakers legacy
In 2012, Walter made headlines with the $2 billion purchase of the Dodgers. Since then, the team has reached the World Series four times and become a model of front-office success. Now, with the Lakers valued at over $7 billion, he’s making a similar long-term bet on basketball.
Walter and his business partner, Todd Boehly, previously acquired a 27% stake in the Lakers in 2021. The full takeover now awaits NBA Board of Governors approval—but it would mark the end of the Buss family’s four-decade control of the franchise, with Jeanie Buss expected to remain as team governor.
What this means for Los Angeles
As the owner of both the Dodgers and Lakers, Walter has unprecedented influence in Los Angeles sports—and potentially, the power to unify two of the most iconic brands in the world.
The implications go beyond ticket sales or championships: Walter’s vision may include collaborative fan experiences, cross-brand media strategies, and community initiatives like LA Rises, the $100 million wildfire recovery fund he helped launch.
More than anything, it’s a sign that the business of sports is evolving—and Los Angeles is at the center of it.