When Jeanie Buss sold a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers in June 2025 to billionaire Mark Walter, all eyes turned to the new boss of the NBA’s most iconic franchise. But alongside Mark’s name, another equally powerful figure deserves attention—his wife, Kimbra Walter. Often operating behind the scenes, Kimbra is more than just a billionaire’s partner. She’s a philanthropist, lawyer, arts patron, and strategic visionary in her own right.
Let’s take a closer look at who Kimbra Walter is and how her role will likely shape the Lakers’ future under new ownership.
A Quiet Force with a Loud Impact
Kimbra Walter isn’t a celebrity name, but her work touches countless lives. An attorney by training, Kimbra is deeply invested in philanthropy and social progress. While her husband built Guggenheim Partners into a $300 billion global financial firm, Kimbra quietly built an empire of compassion.
She co-leads the Walter Family Foundation, focusing on high-impact initiatives like climate conservation, education, and community upliftment. Her work includes supporting organizations like OneGoal and The Academy Group, which are devoted to underserved youth. She also backs environmental conservation programs, helping protect millions of acres of natural land globally.
She is also one of the driving forces behind the Dodgers Foundation, an arm of the Los Angeles Dodgers that has committed millions to youth baseball programs and education initiatives across Southern California.
In 2023, she and Mark pledged $100 million for LA wildfire recovery and $5.5 million for advancing women’s sports. These contributions earned them the Billie Jean King Leadership Award, placing Kimbra firmly in the spotlight as a changemaker.
Early Life and Education
Although Kimbra Walter prefers privacy, what’s known about her reflects a sharp intellect and disciplined career path. She pursued law and practiced as an attorney before stepping into larger leadership and philanthropic roles. Her legal training sharpened her ability to analyze, negotiate, and advocate—all of which come into play in her current work.
Kimbra is believed to be in her late 50s, although her exact birthdate isn’t publicly confirmed. She lives with Mark Walter in Chicago, where they’ve spent years balancing their careers and causes.
Family and Private Life
The Walters have kept their family life low-profile. They are known to value privacy over publicity, and there is no confirmed public record of children. However, both Mark and Kimbra have made it clear that their wealth is a means to drive positive change, particularly for future generations—whether that’s through education, climate reform, or sports empowerment.
They live a quiet but intentional life, balancing high-stakes business with grounded values. Kimbra is also a trustee at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, adding another layer to her dedication to conservation and education.
Net Worth and Financial Influence
As of 2025, Mark Walter’s estimated net worth sits at around $5.5 billion. This figure reflects his position as CEO of TWG Global and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners. Kimbra, through her shared ventures, philanthropic foundations, and trustee positions, plays a key role in where this wealth flows.
While she may not be involved in corporate boardrooms daily, her influence is felt in every major move. Together, the Walters reflect a new model of power couple—one that balances profit with purpose.
The Lakers Deal: A New Chapter Begins
In a deal that stunned NBA fans and sports investors alike, Jeanie Buss sold a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter in June 2025 for a record $10 billion. While Jeanie retains a 15% stake and continues as team governor, the real power now rests with TWG Global—and by extension, the Walters.
This wasn’t Mark’s first move into sports. He already owned the Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA’s Sparks, and Cadillac Formula One Team. In fact, he secured a stake in the Lakers in 2021 with a right of first refusal. When the opportunity came, he seized it. But anyone thinking this was just Mark’s play needs to think again. Kimbra’s role is not behind the scenes—she helps steer the entire ship.
Her presence ensures the Lakers’ future isn’t just about championships and ticket sales. It’s about inclusive growth, community outreach, and sustainable sports culture. With her track record, don’t be surprised if the Lakers become a model franchise off the court as much as they are on it.
The Woman Behind the Empire
Kimbra Walter is often called the heart of the Walter empire, and that’s no exaggeration. From environmental pledges to mentoring programs, she is crafting a legacy that goes beyond checks and logos. Her calm yet commanding presence, legal acumen, and philanthropic vision make her an indispensable part of every venture the Walters take on.
In many ways, her journey mirrors the transition we’re seeing at the Lakers—quiet strength, thoughtful leadership, and a bold sense of direction.
Why She Matters Now More Than Ever
Jeanie Buss held the Lakers with pride, honoring her father Dr. Jerry Buss’ legacy. With Kimbra and Mark now holding the reins, the franchise moves into a new era—one that might focus just as much on social impact as on titles.
If Kimbra’s past is anything to go by, the Lakers will not only continue to be a winning team but also a franchise rooted in values, community, and purpose.
As Magic Johnson said, “Dr. Buss would be proud.” And so would anyone who understands the true power of pairing sports with heart.
