Mark Walter, a name perhaps unfamiliar to many sports fans, wields significant influence across numerous major global teams. Recently recognized by Sports Illustrated as one of sport’s most influential figures, his portfolio encompasses baseball, basketball, Formula 1, football, tennis, and hockey.
His empire is poised for further expansion.
Walter is set to become the majority owner of the iconic Los Angeles Lakers in a record-breaking deal reportedly valued at $10 billion.
But who is this influential figure?
A 65-year-old American businessman, Walter boasts a net worth of $6.1 billion, according to Forbes., external He serves as CEO of Guggenheim Partners, a privately held global investment firm managing over $340 billion in assets.
Hailing from Chicago, Walter holds degrees in accounting from Creighton University and law from Northwestern University. He transitioned into finance, establishing a company that later integrated into Guggenheim Partners. He’s also the founder and CEO of TWG Global, a holding company with diverse interests.
According to the Milken Institute,, external TWG’s portfolio spans financial services, renewable energy, sports, media, entertainment, art, eco-tourism, and agriculture. Walter, his wife, and child dedicate a significant portion of their wealth to social justice initiatives.
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His sports holdings are extensive. He became the controlling owner of the LA Dodgers in 2012 (World Series champions in 2020 and 2024), acquired the LA Sparks in 2014 with Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and holds stakes in the Cadillac F1 team (joining F1 in 2026), Andretti Global, Chelsea, and Strasbourg.
He was part of the consortium purchasing Chelsea for £2.5 billion in 2022, alongside Boehly, who also co-owns the Dodgers and Sparks and has a Lakers stake. TWG also owns a share of the Billie Jean King Cup and the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
While influential, Walter maintains a low profile, rarely granting interviews. He has stated a preference for working quietly and attributes success to consistent effort, not transformative moments.
Regarding his sports investments, he emphasizes the potential for social change and positive community impact.
BBC football reporter Nizaar Kinsella highlights Walter’s close ties to Boehly in the Chelsea ownership group, describing him as a key, yet less visible, partner.
Sports finance expert Kieran Maguire analyzes Walter’s Lakers investment as a statement purchase, reflecting the rarity and escalating value of sports franchises, more of a prestige asset than a high-return investment.
Magic Johnson, a business partner, emphasizes Walter’s trustworthiness and shared vision, assuring the continued legacy of the Lakers franchise under his ownership, succeeding the Buss family.