[Saba Sports News] According to US media reports, Mark Walter, the new owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, is under investigation by federal authorities, which are examining whether certain businesses within his corporate empire have committed financial irregularities. Federal prosecutors and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are conducting the probe, looking into whether two insurance companies under Guggenheim Partners, linked to Walter, failed to fully disclose certain private credit investments that effectively served as financial support for other affiliated entities within his financial network. The two insurers received grand jury subpoenas back in February this year. The investigation remains ongoing, and no criminal charges have been filed to date. Reports state that Walter controls the aforementioned insurance firms via TWG Global and also holds an equity stake in Guggenheim Partners. In 2025, Walter completed the acquisition of a majority stake in the Lakers in a deal valuing the franchise at $10 billion, setting a new record for North American professional sports transactions. He first purchased a minority share of the Lakers in 2021 with a locked-in right of first refusal for future acquisition. Following the deal, the Buss family retained a small portion of the ownership. Jeanie Buss will remain the team’s governor for at least five years with full authority over day-to-day basketball operations, while Walter holds majority controlling ownership of the franchise.
Mark Walter is a well-known figure in the financial sector, while sports fans recognize him as one of the most influential owners in professional sports. Besides the Los Angeles Lakers, Walter also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Sparks. Additionally, he holds stakes in Chelsea Football Club, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and numerous other sports industry assets.