The Buss family name has been synonymous with the Los Angeles Lakers for nearly half a century. But following the blockbuster $10 billion sale of the franchise to Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Warner in June, the next generation of the Buss family is carving out its own path in sports.
This week, Joey Buss (41) and Jesse Buss (37) officially announced the launch of Buss Sports Capital, a new investment firm focused on partnerships and acquisitions across the global sports landscape.
Both brothers still hold roles with the Lakers — Joey as alternate governor and VP of research and development, and Jesse as assistant general manager — until the ownership transition is finalized. Their older sister, Jeanie Buss, remains team governor for now.
Speaking to ESPN, Joey Buss framed the new venture as forward-looking:
“Our vision is to really go after strategic investments and good partners — specifically sports-related investments. Buss Sports Capital is not going to compete with our interests in the Lakers or the NBA. This is our first step towards where the future of sports is headed.”
Why This Matters
The launch of Buss Sports Capital signals a new era for one of basketball’s most famous families. With a wealth of front-office experience, global networks, and deep knowledge of sports operations, the Buss brothers are well-positioned to enter the sports investment boom currently reshaping the industry.
Expect them to look at:
- Franchises beyond basketball — from MLS to global football clubs.
- Sports tech and analytics companies — aligning with Joey’s background in R&D.
- Media, entertainment, and lifestyle ventures — leveraging the Lakers’ global brand experience.
This move reflects a wider trend in sports: the shift from ownership to portfolio investing. Families, athletes, and institutional investors alike are increasingly launching funds to diversify across leagues, geographies, and adjacent industries.
For the Buss brothers, it’s about future-proofing their legacy. Instead of anchoring themselves to one team, they’re building a platform to participate in where sport is growing — tech, global football, esports, and fan engagement platforms.
If executed well, Buss Sports Capital could evolve into a boutique powerhouse, blending insider basketball knowledge with an investor’s eye for scalable growth.
What’s Next?
The Lakers’ sale might have closed a chapter, but Buss Sports Capital is the start of a new story — one that could see the Buss name influencing sports far beyond Los Angeles.
The Buss brothers’ move isn’t just about capital — it’s about vision. Where else will the next wave of sports investment come from? That’s the question forward-thinking investors are asking right now.
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