Unveiling the Lakers' Ownership: A Deep Dive into the Team's Stakeholders
Hello, sports enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the exciting world of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic and successful basketball franchises in the NBA. We're going to take a closer look at the Lakers ownership percentages and explore who the major stakeholders are behind this legendary team. So, grab your popcorn and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and lakers ownership percentages.
The Buss Family Dynasty: The Lakers' Majority Owners
You can't talk about the Lakers' ownership without mentioning the Buss family. The late Dr. Jerry Buss, a real estate magnate, purchased the Lakers in 1979 for a mere $67.5 million. Under his leadership, the Lakers became a global brand, winning 10 NBA championships and turning into a cash cow.
Jeanie Buss: The Current Face of the Lakers
Jeanie Buss, Dr. Buss's daughter, is now the controlling owner and president of the Lakers. She inherited a 66% stake in the team upon her father's passing in 2013. Jeanie has continued her father's legacy, making strategic moves to keep the Lakers competitive and relevant. She's also the first woman to serve as the governor of an NBA team, breaking barriers in the sports industry.
Jim Buss: The Other Buss in the Lakers' Ownership
Jeanie's brother, Jim Buss, initially owned a 13% stake in the Lakers. However, in 2017, he sold his shares to his sister, Jeanie, and his other siblings. Jim's involvement in the Lakers' operations has been minimal since then.
The Other Lakers' Owners: A Diverse Group of Investors
Apart from the Buss family, the Lakers' ownership also includes a diverse group of investors. Here are a few notable ones:
Phil Knight and the Swoosh: Nike's Involvement in the Lakers
Nike co-founder Phil Knight owns a 1% stake in the Lakers. This might seem small, but considering the Lakers' global reach and Nike's branding prowess, it's a smart investment. The Lakers have been wearing Nike gear since 2012, further cementing the partnership between the two powerhouses.
Patrick Soon-Shiong: The Lakers' Tech-Savvy Owner
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a billionaire and founder of NantWorks, owns a 4% stake in the Lakers. He's also the owner of the Los Angeles Times, making him quite the influential figure in the city. Soon-Shiong's tech background has brought a new perspective to the Lakers' ownership, with a focus on innovation and data-driven decision-making.
Magic Johnson: The Lakers' Legend and Part-Owner
Earvin "Magic" Johnson, the Lakers' legendary point guard and two-time Hall of Famer, owns a 0.08% stake in the team. Magic's investment in the Lakers is more than just financial; he's also been a part of the team's front office, serving as the president of basketball operations from 2017 to 2019.
The Lakers' Valuation: A Billion-Dollar Franchise
The Lakers' ownership percentages might seem like a complex web, but one thing is clear: the Lakers are a valuable franchise. According to Forbes, the Lakers are the most valuable NBA team, worth a staggering $4.6 billion as of 2020. This valuation is a testament to the Lakers' global brand, their history of success, and their ability to attract top talent.
The Lakers' Future: What's Next for the Purple and Gold?
With the Buss family at the helm and a diverse group of investors backing them, the Lakers' future looks bright. The team is committed to winning championships, innovating, and giving back to the community. As fans, we can't wait to see what the next chapter holds for this iconic franchise.
That's all for today, folks! We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the Lakers ownership percentages and the team's stakeholders. Stay tuned for more exciting content, and as always, go Lakers!