The Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise synonymous with NBA excellence, are entering a new era—one marked by a record-breaking sale, a shifting family legacy, and bold ventures beyond the basketball court. The Buss family, who have been at the helm since 1979, are once again making headlines, but this time the story stretches far beyond the hardwood of Crypto.com Arena.
For decades, the Buss name has been woven into the very fabric of Lakers lore. Jerry Buss, the legendary patriarch, purchased the team in 1979, setting the stage for a dynasty that would win multiple championships and become a global brand. After Jerry’s passing in 2013, his children inherited the franchise through a family trust, with Jeanie Buss emerging as the team’s primary governor. Under her stewardship, the Lakers reclaimed championship glory in 2020 and remained a financial powerhouse in the league, all while navigating the pitfalls and pressures that come with managing one of sports’ most storied teams.
But the winds of change have swept through Los Angeles. In June 2025, the Buss family agreed to sell their controlling stake in the Lakers to Mark Walter, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and head of TWG Global, in a jaw-dropping deal that valued the franchise at $10 billion. This transaction set a new benchmark as the most expensive sale of a sports franchise in North American history. While the family trust retained a minority stake, fans and analysts alike wondered what would come next for the Buss siblings—especially Jeanie, Joey, and Jesse.
Speculation swirled about whether Jeanie Buss, the NBA’s first female governor, would step aside. However, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Ramona Shelbourne, Jeanie will remain the Lakers’ primary governor “for at least a number of years” as of September 24, 2025. The deal, while monumental, does not spell the end of the Buss era in Los Angeles. In fact, it may be opening a new chapter—one that blends tradition with innovation.
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Joey and Jesse Buss announced the launch of Buss Sports Capital, a new investment firm focused on acquisitions and partnerships across the global sports landscape. “Our vision is to really go after strategic investments and good partners—specifically sports-related investments,” Joey Buss told ESPN. “Buss Sports Capital is not going to compete with our interests in the Lakers or the NBA. This is our first step towards where the future of sports is going to lead us. It is exciting to see what growth opportunities exist—particularly opportunities that we can add value to, given our skill sets.”
The new firm is already making waves. Buss Sports Capital has partnered with CAA Evolution to lead the transaction process and tapped EM Securities as its banking partner. The goal? To leverage the brothers’ decades of experience in talent acquisition, scouting, and team operations, and apply it to a broader sports investment strategy. Joey, 41, has served as the Lakers’ alternate governor, vice president of research and development, and president and CEO of the South Bay Lakers—the team’s G League affiliate. Jesse, 37, is the Lakers’ assistant general manager and director of scouting, renowned for his year-round work in the NBA draft. Their track record includes discovering and developing players like Alex Caruso, Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, and Bronny James, helping the Lakers maintain a competitive edge even as the league evolves.
Despite their new venture, both Joey and Jesse are expected to remain with the Lakers organization after the sale’s finalization. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and Shams Charania confirmed, “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.” The Buss family’s ongoing involvement is seen by many as a stabilizing force for the franchise, blending continuity with new investment and leadership.
“I look forward to working with my brother, Joey, for the next 50 years and hopefully this is something that can live through our children,” Jesse Buss told ESPN. “That’s what our dad would have wanted.” Their late father’s legacy looms large, but his children are determined to honor it—both within the Lakers organization and in their broader sporting ambitions.
Meanwhile, the Lakers themselves are gearing up for another shot at NBA glory. The 2025-2026 regular season tips off on October 21, with a high-profile home opener against the Golden State Warriors. The roster is stacked, featuring two of basketball’s biggest stars: Luka Doncic, who recently signed a $165 million deal to become the franchise’s centerpiece, and LeBron James, who opted into a $52.6 million player option for his 23rd season. James, ever the competitor, is chasing a fifth championship ring, and the Lakers’ front office—now with the financial backing of Mark Walter—appears committed to a “win-now” philosophy.
Walter’s reputation as a hands-off owner with the Dodgers bodes well for the Lakers’ leadership continuity. With Jeanie Buss retaining over 15% ownership and the title of governor, there’s optimism that the family’s influence will persist, even as the franchise adapts to new realities. Of course, the world of professional sports is unpredictable—recent NBA history is littered with examples of post-sale governance changes that caught fans and insiders off guard. But for now, the expectation is that the Buss siblings, especially Jeanie, Joey, and Jesse, will remain deeply involved in shaping the Lakers’ future.
For the Buss brothers, Buss Sports Capital represents more than just a business venture. It’s a chance to extend their family’s impact beyond a single team or league, to play a role in shaping the future of professional sports on a global scale. “This is our first step towards where the future of sports is going to lead us,” Joey Buss emphasized. The firm’s launch underscores the evolving nature of sports ownership and investment, as families with deep roots in the game look to diversify their influence and capitalize on new opportunities.
As the NBA season approaches and the Lakers prepare for another title run, all eyes remain on Los Angeles. Will the blend of old and new—of legacy and innovation—propel the franchise to new heights? Only time will tell, but with the Buss family still in the picture and a new era of leadership underway, the Lakers are poised for yet another compelling chapter in their storied history.
One thing’s for certain: the Buss name isn’t fading from the sports world anytime soon. Whether courtside in Los Angeles or at the helm of new global ventures, their influence continues to shape the game they love.
