Business Daily What makes a basketball team worth $10bn?
Nov 27, 2025
In this discussion, sports economist Andrew Zimbalist, valuations reporter Kurt Badenhausen, Lakers Nation's Trevor Lane, and accounting expert Christina Filippou delve into the staggering $10 billion sale of the Lakers. They explore how scarcity of franchises enhances valuation, the impact of lucrative broadcast deals, and private equity's role in inflating team prices. Lane highlights the rich legacy of the Buss family ownership, while Filippou contrasts the stability of US sports franchises with the risks in European leagues, providing insights into the evolving landscape of sports finance.
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Fans Felt Bittersweet About The Sale
- Fans reacted with mixed emotions when the Buss family announced the sale after 45 years of ownership.
- Trevor Lane said many supporters felt bittersweet because the family had been synonymous with Lakers success.
Superstars Built A Generational Brand
- The Lakers' sustained global fanbase stems from multi-generational support and superstar players.
- Trevor Lane highlights icons like Kobe, Magic and LeBron as drivers of long-term brand strength.
Experienced Buyers Create Synergy Value
- Mark Walter and Guggenheim bring cross-sport experience to exploit synergies across assets.
- Andrew Zimbalist notes their existing Dodgers stake and sports portfolio help extract more value from the Lakers.