The NBA world was stunned by a move. The Buss family announced they would sell their majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers—the $10 billion deal hands control to Mark Walter, CEO and Chairman of TWG Global. But Jeanie Buss is not walking away from the team her family has owned since 1979.
Even without majority ownership, Buss will stay closely involved with the Lakers. As reported by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, she will remain team governor and continue to handle the day-to-day operations. This management was reportedly agreed upon before the sale, ensuring Buss’ leadership remains intact.
This will be different than Cuban and the Mavericks sale. This is guaranteed, and has always been part of the set up since Walter brought the minority stake in 2021 and got first right of refusal. They’ve built a strong relationship over the last decade. https://t.co/u72bVUHw9k
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 18, 2025
The situation quickly drew comparisons to Mark Cuban’s sale of the Dallas Mavericks last year. Cuban initially planned to retain control over basketball operations after selling the team, but that never materialized. Since then, the Mavericks traded away Luca Doncic, a move Cuban later said he would not have allowed under his watch.
Jeanie Buss Deal Stands Tall In Lakers’ Future
Unlike Cuban, Jeanie Buss negotiated her ongoing influence into the sale from the start. Walter has been a minority of the Lakers since 2021, and sources say Buss’s continued role was a condition of any potential transaction. That key distinction sets her deal apart.
Where Cuban saw his influence fade post-sale, Buss is likely to remain front and center. Her continued role as team governor gives her the authority to shape the Lakers’ vision, something Cuban ultimately lost. The Lakers’ front office, led by general manager Rob Pelinka, will now work under Buss and Walter’s oversight as they try to rebuild around a new franchise centerpiece in Luka Doncic.
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With LeBron James nearing the end of his career and major roster decisions looming, Buss’s hands-on presence could help steer the Lakers through a critical era. For now, the Buss name is not leaving Los Angeles; it’s just adapting.
Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers Expected To Become Even More “Dangerous” Following Record-Breaking Franchise Sale
