Jeanie Buss stands as one of the most influential figures in the world of sports management. As the President and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, she has been instrumental in steering the franchise through periods of triumph and challenge. With a net worth of approximately $700 million, Buss has not only continued her father Jerry Buss’s legacy but also solidified her own position as a trailblazer in the sports industry.
Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeanie Marie Buss |
| Date of Birth | September 26, 1961 |
| Current Role | President and Controlling Owner of the Los Angeles Lakers |
| Net Worth | Approximately $700 million |
| Lakers Ownership Stake | 11% of the Lakers; full control over team decisions |
| Notable Achievements | Winner of 2023 Sports Emmy Award for “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers” |
| Other Ventures | Co-owner and promoter of Women of Wrestling (WOW) |
| Education | Degree in Business from the University of Southern California |
| Previous Roles | General Manager of the Los Angeles Strings; Owner of the Los Angeles Blades; President of the Great Western Forum |
| Family | Daughter of Jerry Buss; has five siblings |
| Marital Status | Married to Jay Mohr (2023); previously married to Steve Timmons (1990-1993) |
| Significant Relationships | Formerly engaged to Phil Jackson (1999-2016) |
| Real Estate | Owns multiple properties in the Los Angeles area, including a waterfront residence in Playa del Rey |
| Notable Challenges | Legal battle for control of the Lakers with her brother Johnny Buss in 2017 |
A Legacy Inherited: The Buss Family and the Lakers
Born on September 26, 1961, in Santa Monica, California, Jeanie Marie Buss grew up amid the rise of her father’s business empire. Jerry Buss, a real estate mogul and the iconic owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, played a pivotal role in shaping Jeanie’s future. From a young age, she was exposed to the inner workings of sports management, often attending meetings with her father and learning firsthand the complexities of running a successful sports franchise.
When Jerry Buss passed away in 2013, his 66% controlling stake in the Lakers was divided equally among his six children, granting each of them an 11% share of the team. By 2017, Jeanie Buss had assumed full control over all business and operational decisions for the Lakers. While her siblings retained their ownership stakes, they entrusted her with the authority to lead the franchise, recognizing her deep knowledge and passion for the team.
Given the Lakers’ estimated current valuation of $6.5 billion, each 11% stake is worth approximately $715 million. This valuation underscores the financial acumen and strategic vision that Jeanie Buss brings to her role.
Building Her Career: From Tennis Teams to NBA Leadership
Jeanie Buss’s career began in earnest at the age of 19 when she was appointed general manager of the Los Angeles Strings, a professional tennis team. Her management skills quickly became evident, and she went on to become the owner of the Los Angeles Blades, a roller hockey team. From there, she was named president of the Great Western Forum, the Lakers’ home arena at the time.
Her experience managing various sports teams and venues prepared her for her eventual role with the Lakers, where she initially served as vice president. After the passing of her father, Jeanie’s leadership and vision became increasingly central to the Lakers’ operations. In a bold move to refocus the team’s direction, she made significant changes, including the dismissal of her brother Jim Buss, who had been serving as Vice President of Basketball Operations, and General Manager Mitch Kupchak. These decisions marked her commitment to rebuilding the Lakers into a championship-caliber team.
In addition to her work with the Lakers, Jeanie Buss is also the co-owner and promoter of Women of Wrestling (WOW), highlighting her dedication to promoting women’s sports and expanding her influence within the broader sports landscape.
Triumphs and Challenges: Asserting Control Over the Lakers
Jeanie Buss’s leadership was not without its challenges. In 2017, a public dispute arose when her brother Johnny Buss attempted to take control of the Lakers. This power struggle resulted in a legal battle, but Jeanie emerged victorious, securing her role as the team’s ultimate decision-maker. This conflict not only solidified her position but also demonstrated her tenacity and commitment to the Lakers’ future.
Under her leadership, the Lakers continued to thrive, and Jeanie’s efforts were recognized in 2023 when she won a Sports Emmy Award as the executive producer of the documentary “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers,” which delves into the history and impact of the franchise.
Personal Life: Marriages, Relationships, and Real Estate Ventures
Jeanie Buss’s personal life has also drawn significant public interest. She married professional volleyball player Steve Timmons in 1990, but the couple divorced three years later, with Jeanie citing her focus on her career as a contributing factor. She later began a long-term relationship with Phil Jackson, the legendary former head coach of the Lakers. Although they never married, the couple was together for many years before announcing their amicable split in 2016.
In 2017, Buss began dating comedian Jay Mohr, and they announced their engagement in December 2022. The couple married in Malibu in September 2023, further intertwining her life with the entertainment industry.
Jeanie has also made headlines for her ventures in real estate. She sold her Playa Vista home in 2019 for $2.575 million, having purchased it two years earlier. Although the final sale price was slightly lower than initially listed, the property featured several enhancements she made to appeal to potential buyers. In 2020, she purchased a new waterfront residence in Playa del Rey for $2.6 million, marking her first investment in a waterfront property.
A Force in Sports and Business
Jeanie Buss’s journey from the daughter of a sports mogul to the controlling owner of one of the most valuable franchises in professional sports is a story of ambition, resilience, and strategic vision. She continues to shape the Lakers’ future while expanding her influence across the sports world, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and growth. As she navigates the complexities of sports ownership, Jeanie Buss remains a formidable figure in the sports and entertainment industries.
