“They were bought with Middle East money” – Brian Windhorst on how Mark Walter funded the $10 billion purchase of the Lakers
During a recent appearance on the Sedano & Kap morning show on ESPN LA, Brian Windhorst highlighted an important component of its sales. Los Angeles Lakers‘ majority stake was given to businessman Mark Walter last June.
Although Walter is linked to the sale of the Lakers, according to Windhorst, it is worth noting that holding company TWG Global received a $10 billion investment from Mubadala Capital in April 2025 as part of a $15 billion equity raise. Windy says this actually tells us where the money to finance the Lakers’ purchase came from.
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“Lakers were bought with Middle Eastern money” in question Windhorst. “Mark Walter’s group had recently received $10 billion from Abu Dhabi… And three months later he bought the Lakers for $10 billion.”
Mubadala is state owned
Mubadala Capital is the asset management subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company. The latter is one of Abu Dhabi’s three sovereign wealth funds, along with ADIA and ABQ. These three exist to transform the Emirate’s oil money into portfolios that will diversify the state’s revenue streams and optimize return on investment.
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By investing in TWG Capital, Mubadala gained ownership of the LA Sparks, Chelsea FC, the Cadillac Formula 1 team, the Women’s Professional Hockey League and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Meanwhile, TWG – or should we say Walter – gained the financial strength to invest further.
“Partnering with Mubadala Capital allows us to access extraordinary investment opportunities that require both visionary insight and significant resources. This collaboration combines the right expertise and capital to invest in ideas that have the potential to shape the future.”drew attention Walter’s partner.
Related: “I don’t think my father would be happy” – Jeanie Buss’ sister, Dr. Says he won’t let Jerry Buss fire all his brothers from the Lakers
Walter was a minority owner first
Walter was already part of the Lakers’ ownership group before the Buss family foundation took a majority stake in the Lakers, when he and Todd Boehly became the largest minority owner by purchasing 27 percent of the franchise from billionaire Phil Anschutz in 2021.
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With the addition of the Buss family’s shares, it is estimated that Walter will now own 78-80 percent of the team and will have the right to first purchase Buss’ remaining shares if they wish in the future.
“Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most successful and admired teams in sports history” walter in question in a press release last June. “I have seen the organization grow under Jeanie’s leadership and couldn’t be more excited to partner with her and the entire management team. I am committed to supporting the iconic status of the franchise by continuing to bring culture, community and entertainment together with Lakers fans.”
Interestingly enough, the Lakers favorite team Mubadala managing director and chief executive officer Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak. And it might have been easier for Mubadala to invest $10 billion in TWG if Walter had told him that he planned to acquire Lake Show through a capital raise.
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Related: Jerry Buss designs a foundation that secures his family’s wealth for generations without selling the Lakers
This story was first published by . Basketball Network First appeared on January 23, 2026 Out of Court section. Add Basketball Network at: Preferred Source by clicking here.
