**NBA Franchises Change Ownership Amid Expansion Plans in 2025**
The year 2025 marked significant changes in sports ownership and expansion, particularly in the NBA and WNBA. Two of the league’s most prestigious franchises underwent ownership transitions, while the growing popularity of women’s sports led to plans for new teams.
In June, the Buss family entered into a purchase agreement for the Los Angeles Lakers with Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter, valuing the team at approximately $10 billion. This transaction set a record for the highest valuation of a U.S. professional sports team. Although Walter gained majority ownership, the Buss family retained a minority stake, with Jeanie Buss continuing her role on the NBA’s board of governors. The agreement also ensured that Buss would oversee the Lakers’ basketball operations for several years.
In August, the NBA Board of Governors approved an investor group led by Bill Chisholm to acquire a controlling interest in the Boston Celtics for around $6.1 billion. This acquisition followed the Celtics’ historic 18th NBA championship win in 2024, allowing them to surpass the Lakers for the most championships in league history.
In Major League Baseball, real estate mogul Patrick Zalupski led a group that secured a controlling interest in the Tampa Bay Rays for $1.7 billion after owner Stu Sternberg expressed a desire to sell the team. The deal was finalized in September.
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) also saw expansion efforts in 2025. An investment group led by Robert Cohen announced the establishment of a new team in Denver, named the Denver Summit, set to debut in 2026. Another expansion team, the Boston Legacy, will also join the league that year. In November, the NWSL revealed that Atlanta would receive its 17th franchise, scheduled to launch in 2028, with ownership under Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons.
As women’s professional soccer continues to grow in the U.S., the expansion of the NWSL reflects the increasing impact of women’s sports in the country. The developments in both the NBA and NWSL highlight a transformative year in sports ownership and the ongoing evolution of professional leagues.
**FAQ**
*What were the major sports ownership changes in 2025?*
In 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics changed ownership, with the Lakers being valued at $10 billion and the Celtics at $6.1 billion. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Rays were sold for $1.7 billion.
