Los Angeles, California – Mark Walter is poised to take ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers after finalizing an unprecedented deal valued at around $10 billion. This transaction represents the largest sale of a sports franchise in the United States, as reported by industry sources.
Walter, 65, is a prominent businessman whose net worth is estimated at $12.5 billion, according to financial indices. He leads Guggenheim Partners, a financial services firm with over $325 billion in assets under management. This significant acquisition marks a high point in his already notable portfolio of sports investments.
Having built a reputation in sports ownership, Walter serves as the primary owner and chairman of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Under his leadership, the Dodgers secured World Series titles in 2020 and 2024, solidifying their role as a dominant franchise within Major League Baseball.
In addition to the Dodgers, Walter’s sports interests span several teams and leagues. He has played a crucial role in the ownership group of the Los Angeles Sparks since 2014, partnering with renowned figures such as Magic Johnson. Furthermore, he is a principal member of a consortium that acquired Chelsea FC in 2022, which followed the controversial exit of former owner Roman Abramovich.
Walter’s commitment to expanding the sports landscape includes his involvement in the newly formed Professional Women’s Hockey League, which features the “Walter Cup,” named in honor of him and his wife, Kimbra. Additionally, he is a part-owner of the Cadillac Formula 1 team, set to launch its competitive operations in 2026.
Raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Walter has established a strong philanthropic presence alongside his business ventures. He contributes to a variety of charitable organizations, including the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and LA Rises, a project focused on forest fire recovery initiatives that he co-founded with Johnson and entertainment executive Casey Wasserman.
His academic credentials include a degree from Creighton University, followed by a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University. Walter’s trajectory from law to high finance and sports ownership reflects a blend of astute business acumen and a passion for community involvement.
As Walter prepares to lead one of the most storied franchises in sports, fans are eager to see how his expertise will influence the future of the Lakers. His investment in the team represents not only a financial commitment but also a promise to elevate the legendary franchise’s legacy.