Original Purchase Price and Ownership Structure
Jerry Buss acquired the Los Angeles Lakers, the Forum, and a large stake in the Lakers parent company in 1979 for a reported total of about $67.5 million, with the NBA franchise itself valued at roughly $16 million at the time of the transaction Forbes NBA valuations. The deal was structured through Buss's company, Buss Investment Group, which later became the controlling entity behind Lakers ownership, and the purchase included the team, the historic Inglewood arena, and a significant share of the team's business operations. Over the following decades, Buss expanded the Lakers brand through arena upgrades, media partnerships, and player acquisitions, turning the franchise into one of the most valuable sports properties in North America.
After Jerry Buss passed away in 2013, his controlling ownership interest passed to his six children through a family trust, with Dr. Jeanie Buss emerging as the controlling owner and chairperson of the Lakers Forbes NBA valuations. The trust structure preserved the original Buss purchase framework while allowing the family to pursue major capital upgrades, new media deals, and stadium district development around Crypto.com Arena, reinforcing the franchise's long-term revenue base and global brand positioning.
Current Lakers Valuation and Financial Standing
Latest Forbes and Public Estimates
As of the most recent Forbes NBA team valuations, the Los Angeles Lakers are estimated to be worth around $6.4 billion, making the franchise one of the most valuable sports teams in the world Forbes NBA valuations. This valuation reflects the team's revenue from national media deals, local broadcasting rights, ticket sales, arena concessions, and merchandise, as well as the appreciation of the original Buss family investment over more than four decades.
The Lakers' current financial standing places the franchise among the top-ranked NBA teams by value, with revenue streams bolstered by a new $760 million local media rights agreement with Spectrum SportsNet and ongoing naming-rights and sponsorship partnerships tied to Crypto.com Arena Forbes NBA valuations. The franchise's balance sheet benefits from low debt relative to its asset base, strong cash flow from the arena district, and a global merchandise and licensing footprint that extends well beyond the Los Angeles market.
Key Financial Drivers Behind the Lakers' Value
Media Rights and Revenue Sharing
The Lakers' value is heavily influenced by the NBA's national media deals with ESPN, TNT, and Amazon Prime Video, which distribute billions of dollars in annual rights fees across all franchises Forbes NBA valuations. In addition, the team's local TV contract with Spectrum SportsNet provides a significant and stable revenue stream, while the league's revenue-sharing model ensures that even high-revenue franchises like the Lakers receive additional distributions from the league's overall media and sponsorship income.