Is Jerry Buss Still Alive
Jerry Buss is not alive. He died on February 18, 2013, at age 80 in Los Angeles, California. The cause of death was kidney failure, as reported by multiple news outlets and family statements at the time. His death ended a long career as a businessman, investor, and sports executive. Public records, obituaries, and company filings confirm that Jerry Buss passed away in 2013 and has not been seen in public or active in business since then.
Despite persistent online searches and rumors, no credible evidence shows Jerry Buss alive after 2013. Official death records, court filings, and statements from his family and companies consistently state he is deceased. Searches for “Jerry Buss alive” return only historical references, archives, and legacy coverage. No recent interviews, public appearances, or new business actions tied to Jerry Buss have been reported by reliable sources.
Jerry Buss Net Worth and Estate
Jerry Buss built most of his wealth through real estate investments and later through ownership stakes in sports and entertainment. At the time of his death, his estate was valued at several billion dollars, with major assets tied to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Forum, and other properties. His will and trust placed his six children as primary beneficiaries, with instructions to manage and eventually transfer the sports and real estate holdings. The estate continues to be managed by trustees and family members, and court documents show ongoing administration of his assets.
The Jerry Buss estate remains active in managing the Lakers and other holdings under the direction of his children, particularly Jeanie Buss, who became controlling owner of the Lakers after his death. Forbes and other business outlets have tracked the valuation of the Lakers and related entities, noting that the franchise is now worth billions and is controlled by the Buss family trust. The estate’s structure keeps the assets largely within the family while following the terms set by Jerry Buss before he died.
Jerry Buss Legacy in Business and Sports
Jerry Buss changed the sports business model by treating teams as part of a broader entertainment and real estate empire. He is best known for owning the Los Angeles Lakers, but he also held stakes in other sports franchises and the historic Forum venue. His approach focused on long-term brand value, media rights, and venue revenue, which helped raise the commercial profile of the Lakers and the NBA. Today, the Lakers remain one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world, a direct result of the foundation he built.
The Jerry Buss legacy is also visible in how sports teams are valued and managed, with a focus on entertainment, branding, and asset diversification. His influence is studied in business and sports management contexts, and his estate continues to shape the Lakers’ operations and strategy. For more background on his career and business approach, you can review the Lakers ownership history page, and for current franchise valuation data, you can check the latest Forbes NBA valuations report.