Mark Walter approved as majority owner of Lakers, closes on sale - ESPN

Billionaire businessman Mark Walter was unanimously approved as the new majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers by the NBA Board of Governors on Thursday.

Walter then immediately closed on the sale of the franchise from the Buss family at a $10 billion valuation, sources told ESPN.

«The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic franchises in all of sports, defined by a history of excellence and the relentless pursuit of greatness,» Walter said in a statement. «Few teams carry the legacy and global influence of the Lakers, and it's a privilege to work alongside Jeanie Buss as we maintain that excellence and set the standard for success in this new era, both on and off the court.»

Walter now has one the most valuable collection of professional sports franchises in the world. His TWG Global investment group is the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will play Game 6 of the World Series Friday night in Toronto. The group also owns the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, tennis' Billie Jean King Cup, the Cadillac Formula 1 team and the Professional Women's Hockey League. He is a part owner of Chelsea F.C. of the English Premier League.

The Buss family will retain a minority ownership stake in the team of more than 15%, allowing current Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss to remain in her role for at least the next five years. She will oversee day-to-day operations «for the foreseeable future,» the team said.

«Over the past decade, I have come to know Mark well — first as a businessman, then as a friend and now as a colleague,» Buss said in her statement. «He has demonstrated time and time again his commitment to bringing championships to Los Angeles, and, on behalf of Lakers fans everywhere, I am beyond excited about what