Buss Family Ownership Structure of the Lakers
The Buss family controls the Los Angeles Lakers through a combination of direct holdings and a family trust. Dr. Jerry Buss, the original controlling owner, passed away in 2013, and ownership transitioned to his six children. The family maintains a controlling interest in the franchise through a revocable trust, which simplifies succession and preserves voting control. The trust structure allows the family to manage the team without frequent public disclosures of exact individual splits. The Lakers are a privately held entity, so precise ownership percentages are not required to be disclosed publicly like a publicly traded company. For background on the Buss family's business history, see this Forbes profile on the Buss family.
Controlling Interest and Voting Power
While exact percentage splits among the Buss siblings are not public, the family trust holds a clear majority of the voting interest. This majority gives the family effective control over major decisions, including the sale of the team. The trust structure means that no single sibling can unilaterally force a sale or major transaction. The controlling interest is the key reason the Lakers have remained under the Buss name for years after Dr. Buss's death. The trust's terms are private, but its role as the primary shareholder is well documented in league filings and business reports.
Latest Public Data on the Lakers' Valuation and Ownership
The most recent public valuations place the Los Angeles Lakers among the most valuable sports franchises in the world. Forbes has consistently ranked the Lakers at or near the top of its NBA franchise valuations, reflecting the team's revenue and market size. The franchise's value is directly tied to the Buss family's controlling stake, even though the team is not publicly traded. The latest Forbes valuation of the Lakers is available in their annual sports franchise rankings, which reference the Buss family's ownership structure. For the most recent valuation details, see this Forbes NBA franchise valuation report.
Revenue Streams and Franchise Value
The Lakers generate revenue from media rights, ticket sales, and local sponsorships, which supports the high franchise valuation. The Buss family's ownership stake benefits from these revenue streams without the pressure of public market expectations. The team's financial structure is typical of a privately held sports franchise, where the controlling family sets the long-term strategy. The lack of a public equity offering means the Buss family's ownership percentage does not fluctuate with stock market movements. The franchise's value is a key asset in the family's overall wealth and estate planning.
Comparison With Other Sports Franchise Ownership Models
Unlike teams with public equity stakes or external investors with board seats, the Lakers remain under the direct control of the Buss family trust. This model is similar to other privately held franchises where a single family or a small group of investors holds the majority. The Buss family structure contrasts with models where ownership is spread among many shareholders or where a private equity firm holds a stake. The family's control ensures continuity in branding, management, and long-term strategy. For a broader look at sports franchise ownership structures, see this Forbes analysis of sports ownership.
Succession Planning and Future Ownership
The Buss family trust is designed to