The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic franchises in professional sports history, have been valued at a jaw-dropping $10 billion in a potential ownership sale that’s shaking the business of basketball to its core. This valuation—reported by Bloomberg in June 2025—marks one of the highest ever for a sports team globally and positions the Lakers not just as a dominant force on the court but a cultural and commercial powerhouse. Though there is no confirmed buyer yet, sources close to the matter suggest that minority stakes could be up for grabs, with billionaire investors eyeing a piece of the purple and gold legacy. The move comes amid a growing trend of record-breaking franchise valuations, following recent mega-sales like the Washington Commanders ($6.05B) and the Phoenix Suns ($4B). But the Lakers? They're in a league of their own.
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Founded in 1947, the Lakers have grown far beyond basketball. They're a brand, a lifestyle, and a legacy. With 17 NBA championships and household-name legends like Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and now LeBron James tied to its story, the franchise blends sports history with Hollywood appeal. Their home base, the Crypto.com Arena, has become a mecca for celebrity sightings and court-side business meetings.
But why is the team worth ten billion dollars?
It’s not just basketball. It’s about global media rights, sponsorships, branding, digital reach, and a loyal fan base that stretches from Los Angeles to Lagos. The Lakers boast a massive international following, particularly in Asia and Africa, thanks to decades of winning culture and the globalization of the NBA. Moreover, the Lakers are sitting in the heart of one of the world’s largest media markets — Los Angeles. That access to entertainment deals, brand partnerships, and elite talent both on and off the court fuels the team’s financial fire. According to sports business analysts, any future deal—whether partial or full—will likely spark further valuations across other franchises, redefining the worth of legacy teams in today’s market. With LeBron James still active and the arrival of rising stars like Bronny James, the franchise isn’t just relying on nostalgia. It’s investing in the future. Reports also suggest that the Lakers are considering new ventures in digital content, Web3 fan engagement, and even augmented reality viewing experiences — innovation that will only further inflate their value.
As the NBA itself eyes expansion and new international markets, owning a piece of the Lakers isn't just a sports investment — it's a statement of influence in media, tech, and global culture. What’s most telling is how this $10B valuation reaffirms the shift in the sports investment landscape. Hedge funds, tech giants, and foreign investors are now looking at sports teams as blue-chip assets, recession-resistant and culturally embedded. The Lakers, with their championship history and business savvy, are a trophy in more ways than one. In the coming weeks, the sports world will be watching closely to see if Jeanie Buss and the Buss family make a bold move to sell a minority or majority stake. One thing is certain: this potential sale, even if partial, could rewrite the economics of ownership in American sports.
