Who Is Mark Walter, LA Lakers’ New Owner? A Look at His Jaw-Dropping Sports Portfolio That Defies Logic!

Akash Vaishnav

Last updated: June 20, 2025

3 min read

From Midwest roots to business world, How a quiet billionaire took over sports

Image Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Walter is making the headlines in the sporting world after securing the Los Angeles Lakers in a record-shattering deal worth $10 billion. This remains the biggest deal in the history of sports. Despite coming from modest roots, Walter has surpassed many giants in the global sports business with his staggering portfolio.

Who is Mark Walter?

Born on New Year’s Day in 1960, Mark belonged to a middle class family where his father worked in a local concrete block manufacturing plant. His family supported the young boy through and through. Mark Walter completed Bachelor’s in Business with an emphasis on Accounting from Creighton University.

He then pursued legal studies at the Northwestern University School of Law. Combining business and law, Mark Walter set into a journey that would translate into immense success. He founded Guggenheim Partners in 2000 which changed the world of sports forever.

The Buss fam owned 66% of Lakers / Walter’s side owned 27% / Randoms owned 7%.

Walter offered 4.8b for 48% more (10b valuation). Buss fam said yes, kept 18%.

So Walter’s side paid 1.35b in 2021 for 27%, then 4.8b for 48% = 6.15b total for a 75% majority.

It’s not that crazy.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 19, 2025

How Many Teams Does Mark Walter Own?

Mr. Walter’s Guggenheim Partners has been on a roll when it comes to acquiring assets across various leagues. The firm’s footprint spans the globe, managing assets worth a staggering $325 billion. Let’s look at some of the top sporting teams owned by the 65-year-old across the world.

Los Angeles Lakers – Walter’s historic $10 billion acquisition of this NBA giant has placed him at the epicenter of sports news.

Los Angeles Dodgers – Walter has been the primary owner of Los Angeles Dodgers since 2012. His management purchased the MLB side for $2.15 billion.

Chelsea FC and RC Strasbourg – Guggenheim Partners are the co owners of English Premier League side Chelsea and Ligue 1’s RC Strasbourg under the consortium named BlueCo. It is backed by Todd Bohely, Mark Walter, Hansjorg Wuss, and Clearlake Capital.

Los Angeles Sparks – Walter has developed a deep-rooted connection with Los Angeles, through multiple franchise ties and long-term investments. He also owns the Sparks from the WNBA league. He has been a co-owner of the franchise alongside Magic Johnson since 2014.

Other Sports Holding – Professional Women’s Hockey League, Cadillac Formula 1 Team, IndyCar, Formula E, Spire Motorsports (NASCAR), Wayne Taylor Racing, and Walkinshaw Andretti United.

What is Mark Walter’s Net Worth?

Mark Walter’s estimated net worth sits at $12.5 billion in 2025, according to Bloomberg’s most recent valuations. Walter is the CEO of Guggenheim Partners LLP which holds $325 billion worth of assets globally. With the recent purchase of the Los Angeles Lakers for $10 billion from the Buss family, Walter is set to see a spike in his net worth.

Chelsea

Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Sparks

Mark Walter

Akash Vaishnav

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I cover NBA at the Playoffs. I specialize in covering breaking news, Previews, in in-depth analysis (breaking down numbers, complex stats, nuances of the game, and converting them into reader-friendly content). Furthermore, I got into the sports media while looking for an entry into the media industry. I love International Relations, and since entry without majoring in the subject was difficult, I got into sports. Now, while majoring in International Relations on one side, I also like covering sports as part of the journey as a young Journalist.