Jeanie Buss has carved out a unique space in the world of sports as the first woman to own an NBA championship team, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to victory in 2020. As the controlling owner and president of the Lakers, Buss has guided the team with a steady hand, showcasing a blend of business acumen and a deep understanding of sports management inherited from her father, Jerry Buss, who was a legendary figure in the NBA until his death in 2013.
Key Details about Jeanie Buss
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeanie Marie Buss |
| Current Role | Controlling Owner and President, Los Angeles Lakers |
| Other Ventures | Co-owner of Women of Wrestling; Executive Producer of Hulu’s “Legacy” documentary |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Business, University of Southern California (USC), Marshall School of Business |
| Notable Achievement | First woman to own an NBA championship team; Oversaw Lakers’ 17th NBA title in 2020 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $500 million |
| Major Awards | Forbes’ Top 10 Most Powerful Women in U.S. Sports (2018) |
| Past Management Roles | General Manager, Los Angeles Strings; Manager, Los Angeles Blades |
| Personal Life | Engaged to Jay Mohr; resides in Los Angeles, CA |
| Business Philosophy | Focus on keeping the team and players at the center of the organization |
| Future Goals | Maintain ownership of the Lakers; continue to empower women in sports |
Leadership and Legacy in the Lakers Organization
Jeanie Buss, who commands an estimated net worth of $500 million, gained control of the Lakers in 2017 following a public legal battle with her brothers Jim and Johnny Buss. The court settlement ensured she would retain controlling ownership for the rest of her life. Under her leadership, Buss has overseen every aspect of the Lakers’ operations, from basketball decisions to marketing and media partnerships. She represents the team on the NBA Board of Governors and serves on the NBA Advisory and Finance Committee, reaffirming her influence within the league.
Unlike many who might seek to place themselves at the center of their organizations, Buss is determined to keep the focus on the team and its players. She has openly refuted claims that the Lakers’ operations are driven by star player LeBron James or his management agency, Klutch Sports. “I am the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers,” she emphasized in a 2022 interview with the Los Angeles Times. “I’m held accountable for every decision that’s made here.”
A Journey from Tennis to Basketball
Buss’s journey into sports management began long before her current tenure with the Lakers. At 19, she was appointed the general manager of the Los Angeles Strings, a professional tennis team owned by her father. This early experience taught her valuable lessons in sports operations, and she managed to lead the team to two league titles before it dissolved in 1993.
She also served as the manager of the Los Angeles Blades, a roller hockey team, where she earned high praise for her strategic approach and leadership skills in a male-dominated environment. The NHL’s liaison to the Roller Hockey International league, Ken Yaffe, recognized her tenacity and understanding of how to develop a second-tier sport from the ground up.
Expanding Her Portfolio Beyond Basketball
Beyond basketball, Buss co-owns Women of Wrestling, a women’s professional wrestling promotion that aims to empower female athletes and entertain audiences with dynamic performances. Inspired by her love of comic book heroines and the spirit of legends like Billie Jean King, Buss has expressed admiration for the athletes’ strength and perseverance.
She has also ventured into media and entertainment, producing the Hulu documentary “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers,” which chronicles the history of the Lakers under Jerry Buss’s ownership and explores the familial power dynamics that unfolded after his passing. Additionally, she is collaborating with Mindy Kaling to develop a comedy series inspired by her experience managing the Lakers, blending sports and family drama.
A Business Education and Commitment to the Buss Legacy
A graduate of the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, Buss has combined her formal education with the hands-on experience she gained from shadowing her father. Her commitment to education and business has been central to her career, earning her recognition among the top 10 most powerful women in U.S. sports by Forbes in 2018.
In her personal life, Buss continues to reside in Los Angeles, maintaining a close connection to the city that has been synonymous with the Lakers’ legacy. Despite criticism and challenges, she remains resolute in her decision not to sell the Lakers, viewing ownership not merely as an investment but as a fulfillment of her father’s vision and a promise to keep the team within the family.
Buss’ Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Jeanie Buss is committed to furthering the Lakers’ legacy and her own as a pioneering figure in sports ownership. She remains focused on ensuring the Lakers’ success both on and off the court while advocating for a larger role for women in sports management and ownership. Winning the 2020 NBA championship stands as a testament to her leadership, proving that she has not only upheld her father’s legacy but has also made her own mark in the history of the sport.
