By the Cosmos Franchise Sales Team | June 25, 2025
Photo by Kyle Richards on Unsplash
The sports world was rocked last week with news that the Buss family has agreed to sell a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to investor Mark Walter — at a reported $10 billion valuation, the highest ever for a U.S. sports franchise.
Walter, already a part-owner of the Lakers and the longtime controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, will now become the primary steward of one of the NBA’s most iconic brands. Jeanie Buss will remain in her role as team governor for the foreseeable future, while the Buss family retains a minority stake.
The number is staggering — and yet, not entirely surprising.
Over the last decade, franchise valuations across all levels of sport have soared. The Mavericks sold for $3.5 billion in 2023. The Boston Celtics sale, currently awaiting approval, is reported at $6.1 billion. In the NHL, expansion teams have fetched $650 million or more. Even outside the Big Four, growth is evident — from Major League Soccer to women’s sports leagues and junior hockey.
On paper, many sports franchises operate close to break-even or even at a loss. So why the intense interest — and the ever-growing price tags?
The answer lies in long-term asset value. Unlike most businesses, sports franchises are limited in supply but high in demand. There are only so many teams in each league — and acquiring one provides access to a rare blend of media rights, real estate development, civic influence, and global brand power.
Teams like the Lakers, acquired by Jerry Buss for $67.5 million in 1979, have delivered decades of appreciation, becoming generational assets. Even investors who enter at today’s high prices often view sports ownership as a mix of trophy asset and long-term wealth strategy.
Mark Walter, now set to lead the Lakers, is no stranger to this approach. His group purchased the Dodgers for $2 billion in 2012 — a number once considered inflated. Today, that looks like a bargain.
While billion-dollar sales grab headlines, they also spotlight the ripple effect at every level of the sports ecosystem. Rising valuations in the NBA and NFL often fuel interest in more accessible opportunities: Junior hockey clubs, minor league baseball teams, or regional franchises in emerging leagues.
These properties offer ownership potential at a fraction of the cost, often with strong community ties and room for operational growth. And as media technology improves and niche leagues find their footing, the long-term upside is increasingly attractive to private buyers, family offices, and investor groups.
Source:
Portions of this article reference reporting from ESPN’s June 18 story, “Buss family to sell Lakers to Mark Walter for $10B valuation.”
Interested in Team Ownership?
At Cosmos Sports & Entertainment, we specialize in helping clients buy and sell franchises in junior hockey, minor pro sports, and emerging leagues across North America. If you’re exploring ownership opportunities, we can help guide the way. Contact us to learn more.
Our team of experts are ready to help you with your Sports & Entertainment needs
