Mark Walter is making headlines once again. The billionaire investor and sports mogul is now set to become the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that ends nearly half a century of Buss family leadership. With this bold acquisition, Walter cements his growing influence in the world of professional sports. But who exactly is Mark Walter? What is his net worth, and how did he rise to this level of success?
Let’s explore everything about Mark Walter’s financial journey, business ventures, personal background, and what his new role with the Lakers means for the franchise.
A Billionaire’s Journey to the Top
Mark Walter was born in 1960 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That puts him at 65 years old in 2025. From a modest Midwestern upbringing, Walter carved a path through law and finance to become one of the most influential sports owners in the United States.
After completing his undergraduate studies at Creighton University, Walter earned his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law. With a background in law and a strong eye for finance, he co-founded Guggenheim Partners in 2000. What started as a financial services firm grew into a global powerhouse managing more than $300 billion in assets.
Walter’s personal net worth is currently estimated at $5.5 billion, according to recent business and finance reports in 2025. Much of this wealth is derived from his leadership at Guggenheim and his investments through TWG Global, the diversified holding company he now leads.
Ownership in the Sports World
Mark Walter isn’t new to sports ownership. In fact, he’s quietly become one of the most active and influential figures in sports investing.
He is the principal owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a Major League Baseball team he helped acquire in 2012 for over $2 billion. That deal marked a new chapter for the Dodgers and brought them back to championship-winning form.
He later became part owner of the Los Angeles Sparks, a WNBA team, and expanded his portfolio with the Billie Jean King Cup and Professional Women’s Hockey League. In motorsports, he holds ownership in the Cadillac Formula One team, showcasing his interest in a variety of sports sectors.
Walter also purchased a minority stake in the Lakers in 2021, which gave him a right of first refusal if the Buss family ever chose to sell. Now, in June 2025, that clause becomes reality.
Taking Over the Los Angeles Lakers
The Buss family has controlled the Lakers since 1979, when Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the team along with the Los Angeles Kings and The Forum from Jack Kent Cooke for $67.5 million. Over the next several decades, the team won 11 NBA championships and became a cultural and global icon.
After Jerry Buss passed in 2013, his children inherited control, with Jeanie Buss emerging as the face of the ownership. She became team president and has led the franchise through ups and downs in the modern NBA era.
In a surprising move in 2025, Jeanie agreed to sell a majority stake to Mark Walter for a record-breaking $10 billion. She will continue as the Lakers’ governor and retain a 15% stake, ensuring the Buss legacy stays alive even as a new chapter begins.
This marks the largest sale in professional sports history, and it’s a huge leap for Walter. It’s also the end of the longest-running ownership in NBA history—the Buss family’s 46-year reign.
Why the Lakers Matter to Mark Walter
Mark Walter’s strategy isn’t about just owning teams. It’s about rebuilding institutions and bringing them into the future with financial muscle and strong governance.
With the Lakers, he inherits a legacy team—one of the most valuable sports franchises on the planet. But he also gets the challenge of continuing the excellence expected from a team with 17 NBA Finals appearances and a loyal global fan base.
Walter’s reputation for methodical but impactful leadership suggests that he won’t make flashy decisions but will instead focus on long-term planning, talent investment, and branding.
Fans can expect greater synergy with the Dodgers and Sparks, maybe even cross-sport community events and youth outreach programs. His leadership has always had a community-driven edge, supported in no small part by his wife, Kimbra Walter, who co-leads their family’s philanthropic initiatives.
Family and Personal Life
Mark Walter is married to Kimbra Walter, a former attorney and a prominent philanthropist in her own right. She plays an important role in the Walter Family Foundation and Dodgers Foundation, helping direct millions toward education, youth programs, women’s sports, and environmental causes.
The couple lives in Chicago and keeps a relatively low public profile, preferring to let their work speak for itself. They have been involved in efforts ranging from LA wildfire recovery to visual arts support and zoo conservation.
Although the Walters do not often appear in tabloid coverage, their collective vision for socially conscious ownership makes them standout figures in the world of billionaire investors.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
While Jeanie Buss stays on in her leadership role, the power now shifts to Walter. The NBA landscape is evolving, and so are the expectations from team owners. With rising media rights deals, player salaries, and global expansion opportunities, the Lakers need a visionary at the helm.
In Mark Walter, they’ve got someone who’s not just thinking about this season—but the next twenty years. Backed by deep financial resources and a track record of sports success, Walter could redefine what ownership looks like in the modern NBA.
