What is Jeanie Buss' Net Worth?
Jeanie Buss is an American sports executive who boasts a net worth of $700 million. She is the daughter of the late Los Angeles Lakers owner, Jerry Buss, and currently serves as the President and controlling owner of the team.
Jeanie and her five siblings inherited Jerry's 66% stake in the Lakers upon his death in 2013. In 2017, her siblings granted her 100% control over Lakers' decisions, even though they each retain equal 11% stakes in the franchise. With the team's current valuation at $6.5 billion, each 11% stake is worth approximately $715 million.
Jeanie's career in sports began at age 19 when she became the general manager of the Los Angeles Strings, a professional tennis team. She later owned a roller hockey team called the Los Angeles Blades and became the president of the Great Western Forum. After her father's passing, she took on the role of vice president of the Lakers. She is also the co-owner and promoter of Women of Wrestling (WOW). In 2023, Jeanie won a Sports Emmy Award as the executive producer of "Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers."
Lakers Ownership Stake
Upon Jerry Buss' death in 2013, his six children inherited a family trust that owns 66% of the Lakers, meaning each child holds around an 11% stake. Given the late 2022 valuation of the Phoenix Suns at $4 billion, a conservative estimate places the Lakers' worth at $6.5 billion. This makes each child's 11% stake approximately $750 million.
Other Lakers owners include:
- Mark Walter and Todd Boehly: 26%. They co-founded Guggenheim Partners and Eldridge, respectively, and bought their 27% stake from AEG founder Phil Anschutz.
- Ed Roski: 8%. A billionaire real estate developer, Roski purchased his stake in the Lakers in 1998.
In 2017, Jeanie's brother Johnny attempted to gain control of the Lakers from her. However, the attempted coup ended with Jeanie solidifying her control over the team. She now has full authority over all Lakers decisions for the family and represents the team on the NBA's Board of Governors.
Early Life and Family
Jeanie Marie Buss was born on September 26, 1961, in Santa Monica, California. Raised alongside three siblings by Joann and Jerry Buss, Jeanie was young when her father found success in real estate. His initial investment in a West Los Angeles apartment building in the 1960s sparked a series of profitable ventures. Jerry and his partner Frank Mariani eventually formed Mariani-Buss Associates, a real estate investment firm.
Following her parents' divorce, Jeanie maintained a strong relationship with her father, who bought multiple sports teams, including the Los Angeles Strings, the Los Angeles Kings, and the Los Angeles Lakers. At age 14, she attended World Team Tennis meetings with Jerry and at 17, she moved in with him full-time.
Although Jerry sold his controlling interest in the Kings, he retained ownership of the Lakers, purchasing The Forum for $67.5 million. Under his leadership, the Lakers won ten championships and assembled an all-star squad featuring James Worthy, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant. Jerry played a pivotal role in transforming the Lakers into a franchise worth $1 billion.
Career
Simultaneously learning business and sports management from her father, Jeanie attended the University of Southern California, graduating with honors in business. During her college years, Jerry appointed her as the manager of the Los Angeles Strings at age 19.
She later owned the Los Angeles Blades and served as president of the Great Western Forum. Jeanie's business acumen impressed Jerry, who intended for her to manage the Lakers' business side while her brother Jim handled sports decisions. By 2005, she was recognized as one of the most influential women in sports. Following her father’s passing in 2013, Jeanie fired General Manager Mitch Kupchak and her brother Jim, who was VP of Basketball Operations.
(Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Personal Life
Jeanie married professional volleyball player Steve Timmons in 1990, but they divorced three years later, citing her career prioritization as the cause. She then dated former Lakers head coach Phil Jackson from late 1999 until their split in 2016. In 2017, Jeanie began dating comedian Jay Mohr; the couple got engaged in December 2022 and married in Malibu in September 2023.
Jeanie posed nude for Playboy magazine in 1995.
Vince Bucci/Getty Images
Real Estate
In 2019, Jeanie sold her home in Playa Vista for $2.575 million after purchasing it for $2.45 million in 2017. Despite listing it for $225,000 more, she accepted a lower offer. Jeanie had made updates to the property, including neutral paint and modern fixtures. The home spans nearly 3,200 square feet and features a flagstone patio, French doors, and a three-car garage.
Jeanie reportedly owns another property in Playa Vista, a four-bedroom condo purchased in 2018. In 2020, she acquired a new waterfront property in Playa del Rey for $2.6 million. This residence, located a few miles from Los Angeles International Airport, includes a pool, spa, and gym, spanning 2,200 square feet within a gated community.
