Creative DirectorTALE OF THE SALE: Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and TWG Global, acquired majority control of the Lakers from the Buss family in June 2025 at a $10 billion valuation — itself a record at the time. The NBA’s Board of Governors approved that deal in October 2025. Less than fourteen months later, Walter is exiting at a reported $12.5 billion, pocketing a $2.5 billion nominal gain on the most expensive franchise transaction in history. The team has not changed. The business has not changed. What has changed is that Walter is under a federal investigation — one involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and what appears to be a growing FBI interest — into whether $16 billion in policyholder funds held by his two insurance companies were deployed into Walter’s own affiliated businesses without the required disclosures. And the buyers — Kushner’s Thrive Eternal vehicle and its Iger-fronted media credentials — had spent the last six weeks as the leading bidder for a Las Vegas NBA expansion franchise before pivoting, abruptly, to make an aggressive offer for an existing team instead.

4D ChestDoubt the Knicks (Dolans), Cowboys (Jerry Jones & Family) or the Yankees (Steinbrenners) will ever sell but those will be at gargantuan prices.

FAFOKushners got long money. Lakers appreciated 25% in one year. Yankees and Cowboys can probably sell for $15 billion each.

Casino KingGuy who bought the Lakers in October 2025 for $10 billion just pocketed an amazing $2.5 billion profit in 10 months. Where else can you get 25% profit in 10 months?? Incredible.