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LA Lakers Sold for $10B

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LA Lakers Sold for $10B

The LA Lakers sold for $10 billion in a record-breaking deal, setting a new high for the most expensive sports franchise transaction in U.S. history.

As one of the most storied franchises in professional sports, this moment marks a historic power shift—both financially and culturally.

The buyer is Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Walter had held a 27% minority stake in the Lakers since 2021 and, on June 18, 2025, exercised his right of first refusal to acquire a controlling interest.

This historic deal marks the end of an era for the Buss family, who purchased the team in 1979 for $67.5 million. Although they will retain a minority stake of approximately 15%, the franchise will now operate under new majority ownership, with Jeanie Buss continuing in her role as team governor.

But beyond the headlines, this moment offers powerful insights into ownership, brand value, and long-term wealth—especially for Black entrepreneurs and investors.

Why the LA Lakers’ $10 Billion Sale Matters

The LA Lakers’ valuation isn’t solely based on athletic performance. It reflects the strength of the brand, global media rights, real estate assets, and cultural relevance.

From $67.5 million to $10 billion in less than 50 years, the franchise exemplifies how holding culturally significant assets can generate exponential returns.

For Black founders, creators, and capital allocators, the message is clear: income builds security, but ownership builds wealth.

The Ongoing Ownership Gap in Pro Sports

Despite making up more than 70 percent of NBA players, there are currently no Black majority owners in the league. Michael Jordan, the only one in league history, sold his controlling stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023.

This disparity highlights how power in sports—and across many industries—remains concentrated. The LA Lakers sale underscores just how inaccessible majority ownership remains without intentional coordination and institutional backing.

Five Lessons from the Lakers Deal for Black Entrepreneurs and Investors

1. Brand equity drives valuation
The Lakers are valuable not just because they win, but because their brand has global resonance. Whether you’re building a service business, startup, or media company, brand equity is a strategic asset.

2. Diversify revenue streams
The team generates income through media rights, ticket sales, sponsorships, real estate partnerships, merchandise, and more. Black-owned businesses should adopt similar multi-channel strategies.

3. Legacy over liquidity
The Buss family held the Lakers for nearly five decades. That long-term perspective enabled strategic growth and leverage. Black capital must prioritize legacy-minded strategies over quick exits.

4. Media is a multiplier
The NBA’s next media deal is projected to exceed $75 billion. Visibility, narrative control, and content ownership can significantly influence valuation. Every business should treat storytelling as a core function. At Shoppe Black, we help craft narratives that build authority and drive results.

5. Ownership requires collective capital
Very few individuals can write a $10 billion check—but coalitions can. Syndicated ownership and collaborative investing—especially among Black fund managers, athletes, and institutions—are key to breaking barriers.

What Comes Next

Could a Black-led group acquire a franchise at this level? Yes—but not without long-term planning, access to capital, and strategic coordination.

It will require more investment syndicates, greater visibility for emerging investors, and stronger institutional relationships aligned around a common goal: ownership.

by Tony O. Lawson

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College Basketball Rankings: Coaches Poll Top 25 updated after Week 8

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The USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll Top 25 has been refreshed following the eighth week of the season. It was a bit of a light week due to Christmas, but some showdowns still took place amid the holiday celebrations, resulting in some movement throughout the Top 25.

With conference play picking up this coming weekend, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of the season, where the rankings will fluctuate week-in and week-out. While this past week was packed with tune-up games and not a ton of riveting action, that won’t be the case from now until April.

Regardless, the Coaches Poll Top 25 is certain to see plenty of movement. For now, here’s how things stack up after Week 8. This week’s updated rankings are below.

Michigan enjoyed a full week off and enters the week undefeated at 11–0. The Wolverines return to action with home games against McNeese State on Monday and USC on Friday.

Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg has been the engine, stuffing the stat sheet with 15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Michigan will look to stay perfect as conference play looms.

Arizona
Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Arizona rolled past Bethune 107–71 last Monday to improve to 12–0 on the season. The Wildcats host South Dakota State before traveling to Utah for a road test on Saturday.

Freshman guard Brayden Burries has emerged as a steady scorer, averaging 14.0 points per game. Arizona’s depth and tempo continue to overwhelm opponents early in the season.

Iowa State remained perfect at 12–0 after an off week. The Cyclones host Houston Christian on Monday and West Virginia on Friday.

Junior forward Milan Momcilovic leads the team at 18.3 points per game. Iowa State’s balance continues to separate it from most of the field.

UConn had the week off and remains one of the nation’s most complete teams at 12–1. The Huskies head to Xavier on Wednesday before hosting Marquette on Sunday.

Junior guard Solo Ball leads the backcourt with 15.4 points per game. This week offers a strong measuring stick against Big East competition.

Purdue
Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Purdue stayed idle last week but remains firmly entrenched near the top of the Coaches Poll with an 11–1 record. The Boilermakers face a tricky week with a home matchup against Kent State on Monday before heading to Wisconsin on Saturday.

Senior forward Trey Kaufman-Renn continues to anchor the frontcourt, averaging a double-double at 13.9 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Purdue’s ability to maintain consistency through a two-game week will be closely watched.

Duke remained idle last week and sits at 11–1 entering a two-game stretch. The Blue Devils host Georgia Tech on Wednesday before traveling to Florida State on Saturday.

Freshman phenom Cameron Boozer has been dominant, averaging 23.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Duke will be tested defensively as ACC play intensifies.

Gonzaga extended its winning streak with a victory over Pepperdine on Sunday and sits at 13–1. The Bulldogs play three times this week, traveling to San Diego before hosting Seattle U and LMU.

Junior forward Braden Huff leads the way with 19.1 points per game. Gonzaga’s depth will be tested during the busy stretch.

Houston
John Jones-Imagn Images

Houston enters the week at 11–1 after a quiet stretch. The Cougars host Middle Tennessee State on Monday before heading to Cincinnati on Saturday.

Senior guard Emanuel Sharp continues to pace the offense with 17.9 points per game. Houston’s defensive pressure remains its calling card heading into conference play.

Michigan State enjoyed a week off and sits at 11–1 on the season. The Spartans host Cornell on Monday before traveling to Nebraska on Friday.

Senior forward Jaxon Kohler has been a force inside, averaging 13.9 points and 10.3 rebounds. Michigan State will look to sharpen its execution away from home.

BYU cruised past Eastern Washington 109–81 last Monday to improve to 12–1. The Cougars face a lone test this week with a road trip to Kansas State on Saturday.

Freshman star AJ Dybantsa has lived up to the hype, averaging 23.1 points per game. BYU’s offense remains one of the most explosive in the country.

11. Vanderbilt
12. North Carolina
13-T. Nebraska
13-T.
Louisville (+1)
15. Alabama
16. Texas Tech
17. Kansas
18. Arkansas
19. Illinois
20. Tennessee
21. Virginia
22. Florida
23. Iowa
24. Georgia
25. St. John’s

Dropped Out: No. 25 USC

Others Receiving Votes: Kentucky 35; USC 25; Utah State 14; Auburn 7; Saint Louis 6; Clemson 6; Seton Hall 5; Oklahoma State 5; Yale 4; UCLA 4; Saint Mary’s 4; LSU 3; California 2; Villanova 1; Miami (OH) 1; Indiana 1



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Petrino’s Friend Found a Workaround to Pay Taylen Green That’s Now Prohibited by NCAA

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Petrino’s Friend Found a Workaround to Pay Taylen Green That’s Now Prohibited by NCAA
photo credit: Craven Whitlow

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When Bobby Petrino returned to Arkansas after the 2023 season, his first task was finding a new quarterback.

In this era of college football, that also meant funding a new quarterback. For that, the former head coach leaned on his old friend Frank Fletcher.

The Little Rock-based businessman stepped up and footed a large chunk of the bill for Taylen Green, the talented signal caller Petrino identified to run his offense for the Razorbacks.

It hasn’t only been a transactional relationship, though. Over the last two years, Fletcher has been mindful of Green’s life after sports. Rather than simply handing the star quarterback a boatload of cash, he offered something few college athletes receive: personal relationship and mentorship.

“I had a wonderful two years with Taylen Green,” Fletcher said during Monday’s edition of Morning Mayhem on 103.7 The Buzz. “I was lucky that I happened to back a player that was that nice a kid and [had] great parents. I’ve learned a lot from him. I’m teaching him everything I know, and he wants to learn.”

Fletcher helped Green navigate the financial market by giving the QB1 homework, making him chart a series of stocks over a few months – something that could prove even more important after his subpar finish to the 2025 season likely impacted his pro prospects.