Jeanie Buss’s journey into sports began early under the influence of her father, the legendary Lakers owner Jerry Buss. From a young age, Jeanie absorbed the intricacies of sports management, learning from her father’s bold vision when he acquired the Lakers, the NHL’s Kings, and the Great Western Forum in 1979. This formative experience instilled in her a commitment to the Lakers and an entrepreneurial spirit that would define her career.
At just 19, Jeanie became the general manager of the Los Angeles Strings, a professional tennis team, which gave her firsthand experience in managing a sports team. This role was a stepping stone, allowing her to later manage the Forum, Los Angeles’s renowned arena, further honing her business skills. Today, as the President and controlling owner of the Lakers, she has sustained her family’s legacy, leading the team with both a strategic mind and an understanding of what makes the Lakers iconic.
With a net worth estimated at $700 million, much of Jeanie’s wealth stems from her 66% ownership of the Lakers. Yet her financial interests extend beyond basketball. She co-owns the wrestling promotion Women of Wrestling (WOW), supporting women’s opportunities in sports, and co-founded Cincoro Tequila with other NBA owners. Her portfolio also includes real estate investments across California, though she keeps many details of these assets private.
Jeanie’s life isn’t all glamour and luxury; she leads with a focused, almost minimalist approach despite owning multiple high-end properties in Los Angeles. Her dedication to the Lakers often comes at a personal cost. In a recent interview, she admitted that the demands of her career led her to forgo starting a family. Her commitment was tested in 2017, when her brothers attempted to remove her as the controlling owner. However, she stood her ground, reinforcing her role and safeguarding her father’s legacy.
For Jeanie Buss, the Lakers are more than a team—they’re family, legacy, and responsibility. Her accessibility to players and coaches reflects her dedication to the franchise, one that aligns deeply with her father’s vision. Jeanie’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the Lakers as a symbol of excellence in sports.
