💰 DAMN, THAT'S A RIDICULOUS SUM! Magic Johnson's Stoke City: LA Lakers Sold for an Earth-Shattering $10 Billion 🚀
Multi-billion-dollar sports transaction allegedly fixed securely.
Did ya hear that, fans? The bloody LA Lakers - yep, the legendary basketball squad with legends like LeBron James and Luka Doncic - have just been snatched up for an absurd $10 billion! That's right, mate! Billion with a 'b'! Las Vegas billionaire, Mark Walter, is the man behind this historic deal, outdoing even the Boston Celtics' previous record of $6.1 billion[1][2].
Walter's tongues might be a bit loose with cash, but who can blame him, eh? The bloke's been throwing money around like confetti since he and his mates nabbed the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers for a whopping $2.15 billion back in 2009. Now, he's got the Lakers, too, and with stars like James scooping up a cool $52.6 million and Doncic earning $46 million in the new season, Walter ain't shy about spending a pretty penny[3].
But, Walter ain't no careless spender, no sir! He's the CEO of Guggenheim Partners, a finance powerhouse managing a cool $325 billion in assets. And with the Lakers giving Japanese megastar Shohei Ohtani a 10-year deal worth $700 million in 2023 and dropping $103 million on luxury tax in 2024, you can bet your bottom dollar Walter ain't short on funds[3].
So, is it too much money for a sports team? According to Walter himself, "I'm not trying to save a dollar. I'd rather say we have a great team and maybe spend a little too much." Sounds like this fella knows a good investment when he sees one[3].
Now, you might wonder where the Buss family fits into all this. They've owned the Lakers since 1979, but after Jerry Buss's death in 2013, they split into six feuding siblings, with Jeanie (63) retaining the crucial role of club CEO. Walter's reportedly worked out a deal with Jeanie to sell his 26% stake in the Lakers to the Buss family trust[1][2]. But it ain't all sunshine. Two of the six siblings were reportedly against the sale[1][2].
And it's worth mentioning that Walter's sports ventures don't stop with the Lakers. He's also a co-owner of the LA Sparks (women's basketball), the LA Kings (ice hockey), and the new Formula 1 team, Cadillac. Even holds a season ticket for the Chicago Cubs, the Dodgers' rival[3].
So, there ya have it, folks! The LA Lakers sold for a staggering $10 billion, setting a new record for professional sports team deals. Pour yourself a pint, 'cause that's worth celebrating!
References:
- LA Lakers Sold for Record $10 Billion
- Lakers Bought by Guggenheim Group for $10 Billion
- Walter Acquires Full Ownership of LA Lakers for $10 Billion
In light of the LA Lakers being sold for a record-breaking $10 billion, it's clear that sports, particularly basketball and the NBA, continue to be major financial investments in the USA. This acquisition further solidifies Mark Walter's influence in the sports world, as he already owns the LA Dodgers and has investments in other teams like the LA Sparks and LA Kings.
