In a landmark week for the Los Angeles Lakers and the broader sports business world, the Buss family—synonymous with the Lakers for nearly half a century—has taken bold new steps that are reshaping both the NBA franchise and the landscape of global sports investment. On September 26, 2025, Joey and Jesse Buss, key executives within the Lakers organization, officially announced the launch of Buss Sports Capital, a sports investment firm aimed at pursuing acquisitions, partnerships, and innovative ventures across the global sports ecosystem.
This announcement comes at a time of sweeping change for the Lakers. As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the franchise is not only welcoming Luka Doncic as its new superstar but also finalizing a record-breaking sale of the team. The Buss family, led by Jeanie Buss as president and primary governor, agreed earlier this year to sell its majority stake in the Lakers to billionaire Mark Walter at a staggering $10 billion valuation—a figure that could climb to $12 billion once the deal is fully ratified, according to The Athletic and ESPN. Despite the sale, Jeanie will remain the Lakers' primary governor, while Joey and Jesse will continue in their respective roles: alternate governor and vice president of research and development for Joey, and assistant general manager for Jesse.
The Buss family’s connection to the Lakers dates back to 1979, when Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the franchise. Under his stewardship, the Lakers became more than just a basketball powerhouse—they became a global cultural phenomenon, amassing championships, star power, and a devoted fan base. Since Dr. Buss’s passing in 2013, his children have carried the torch with distinction. "Dr. Jerry Buss would be proud of how his children have managed the franchise in his stead, making good on his original investment in the team," noted Lakers Nation.
Now, with the sale to Mark Walter imminent, the next chapter for the Buss siblings is unfolding. Buss Sports Capital is set to operate independently of the Lakers, and is not expected to impact the team’s operations or the family’s remaining ownership stake, according to SportsPro. The firm’s mission is ambitious: to identify and seize opportunities in the rapidly expanding sports investment sector, which is projected to surpass $600 billion globally by 2025. Joey and Jesse, seasoned by years of high-level decision-making and championship pursuits with the Lakers, are confident their expertise will set them apart. "We are thrilled to launch Buss Sports Capital and embark on this exciting new chapter,” said Joey Buss in a statement. “Jesse and I are grateful to have honed our championship-level expertise with the premier team of the NBA, from high-level business decisions to leading the NBA Draft and development program for the Lakers. We will draw from my diverse and comprehensive role with the Lakers and Jesse’s expertise and track record as Assistant GM of the Lakers to apply our knowledge and experience to attract new partners and drive value for future investments and acquisitions."
Buss Sports Capital’s strategy is modern and global in scope. The firm will partner with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Evolution to lead the transaction process for investments, while EM Securities will serve as its banking partner. According to SportsPro, the firm intends to focus on emerging markets such as esports—an industry projected to hit $3.5 billion by 2025—athlete entrepreneurship, and technologies that enhance fan engagement, including augmented and virtual reality. "By combining our deep industry knowledge with CAA Evolution’s transactional expertise and EM Securities’ financial acumen, we are uniquely equipped to deliver exceptional opportunities in the global sports market," Joey Buss added.
Jesse Buss echoed his brother’s excitement, emphasizing the family’s ongoing legacy in sports. "I look forward to working with my brother Joey to further cement the Buss family name in sports," he said. The firm is expected to explore both domestic and international investments, with an eye toward innovative sectors that are rapidly redefining the sports experience for fans and athletes alike.
Industry experts have responded enthusiastically to the news. The Buss brothers’ deep industry knowledge, robust network of contacts, and proven track record with the Lakers are seen as major assets as they enter the competitive world of sports investment. Their partnership with CAA Evolution and EM Securities signals a commitment to professional rigor and global reach. Many observers anticipate Buss Sports Capital will seek collaborations with other established sports entities and tech companies, potentially revolutionizing areas such as sports analytics, fan engagement, and athlete branding.
Meanwhile, the Lakers themselves are entering a new era. Luka Doncic, fresh off a stellar performance at EuroBasket 2025, is set to become the new face of the franchise. The front office, recognizing Doncic’s star power and global appeal, has reportedly adjusted its strategy to support a championship run. Jeanie Buss, who will remain as the team’s primary governor after the sale to Mark Walter is finalized, is enthusiastic about Doncic’s role. She believes he is the ideal representation of Lakers basketball on the world stage—a sentiment that resonates with both fans and the NBA’s international ambitions.
Despite the monumental sale, Joey and Jesse Buss will stay actively involved with the Lakers. According to ESPN, "Both brothers will remain with the Lakers after the sale is finalized, with their older sister, Jeanie Buss, continuing to serve as the primary team governor for the foreseeable future." Their continued presence ensures continuity and honors the legacy of their father, Dr. Jerry Buss, who transformed the Lakers into the iconic franchise it is today.
The record-setting $10 billion sale of the Lakers, which included a recent NBA championship under the Buss family’s stewardship, marks a fitting culmination to their era of ownership. Yet, as they turn their attention to Buss Sports Capital, the Buss siblings are not merely resting on past laurels. They are leveraging decades of experience, hard-won expertise, and a keen eye for innovation to help shape the future of the sports industry at large.
With the Lakers poised for a new chapter under Mark Walter and Luka Doncic, and Buss Sports Capital ready to make its mark on the global stage, the Buss family’s influence on sports—both on and off the court—shows no signs of fading. As Joey and Jesse Buss step confidently into the world of sports investment, the industry will be watching to see just how far their championship pedigree can take them.
In this moment of transition, both the Lakers and the broader sports world stand to benefit from the Buss family’s enduring vision, relentless drive, and unmistakable flair for innovation.
