Jeanie Buss, a prominent figure in the world of sports, has made a significant mark as the President and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. With a net worth estimated at $700 million as of 2024, her financial success is closely tied to her family’s legacy and her own accomplishments in the sports industry.
Buss inherited her wealth from her father, Jerry Buss, who was the former owner of the Lakers and a successful businessman. Upon his passing in 2013, Jeanie and her five siblings inherited a 66% stake in the Lakers, with each sibling holding an 11% share. In 2017, Jeanie was granted full control over the team’s operations, solidifying her position as the primary decision-maker for the franchise. The Lakers are currently valued at approximately $6.5 billion, making each sibling’s stake worth around $715 million.
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jeanie Marie Buss was born on September 26, 1961, in Santa Monica, California. Growing up in a family deeply involved in sports and business, she was exposed to the world of athletics from a young age. Her father, Jerry Buss, began acquiring sports teams in the 1960s, including the Lakers, which would later become one of the most successful franchises in NBA history.
At just 19 years old, Jeanie took her first step into the sports management world as the general manager of the Los Angeles Strings, a professional tennis team owned by her father. This early experience laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in sports management. She later owned the Los Angeles Blades, a roller hockey team, and served as the president of the Great Western Forum, the Lakers’ home arena at the time.
### Rise to Prominence
Jeanie Buss’s career trajectory took a significant turn after her father’s death in 2013. She became the president of the Lakers and was appointed as the team’s representative on the NBA Board of Governors. Her leadership style and business acumen quickly became evident as she navigated the complexities of running a major sports franchise.
In 2020, Jeanie made history by becoming the first female controlling owner to lead her team to an NBA championship. This achievement not only solidified her position in the sports world but also served as a testament to her dedication and hard work. Under her leadership, the Lakers have continued to thrive, further enhancing her reputation as a formidable force in the industry.
### Business Ventures and Achievements
In addition to her role with the Lakers, Jeanie Buss is also the co-owner and promoter of Women of Wrestling (WOW), a professional wrestling promotion that highlights female athletes. Her involvement in WOW reflects her commitment to empowering women in sports and providing them with a platform to showcase their talents.
Buss’s contributions to the sports industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she won a Sports Emmy Award as the executive producer of “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers,” a documentary series that chronicles the history of the Lakers and the impact of her father’s legacy.
### Personal Life and Real Estate Investments
Jeanie Buss’s personal life has also garnered attention. She was previously married to professional volleyball player Steve Timmons, but the couple divorced after three years. She later dated Phil Jackson, the former head coach of the Lakers, for many years before their split in 2016. In 2023, she married comedian Jay Mohr, further intertwining her personal and professional life.
Buss has made several notable real estate investments over the years. In 2019, she sold her Playa Vista home for $2.575 million, having purchased it just two years prior. In 2020, she acquired a waterfront property in Playa del Rey for $2.6 million, showcasing her taste for luxurious living.
### Jeanie Buss’s Impact on Sports
Jeanie Buss’s influence extends beyond her financial success. She has become a role model for women in sports, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes in a male-dominated industry. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and respect for the players, echoing the values instilled in her by her father.
Buss’s commitment to the Lakers and her vision for the team’s future have positioned her as a key figure in the NBA. She has expressed her desire to keep the Lakers within the Buss family, ensuring that her father’s legacy continues for generations to come.
### Conclusion
Jeanie Buss’s journey from a young girl attending sports meetings with her father to becoming the controlling owner of one of the most successful franchises in sports history is a remarkable story of perseverance and dedication. With a net worth of $700 million and a legacy that continues to grow, Buss is not only a successful businesswoman but also a trailblazer for women in sports.
### FAQs
**What is Jeanie Buss’s net worth?**
Jeanie Buss’s net worth is estimated to be $700 million as of 2024.
**What role does Jeanie Buss hold with the Los Angeles Lakers?**
Jeanie Buss is the President and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.
**How did Jeanie Buss become the controlling owner of the Lakers?**
After her father Jerry Buss passed away in 2013, Jeanie and her siblings inherited a 66% stake in the Lakers. In 2017, she gained full control over the team’s operations.
**What other business ventures is Jeanie Buss involved in?**
In addition to her role with the Lakers, Jeanie Buss is the co-owner and promoter of Women of Wrestling (WOW).
**Has Jeanie Buss received any awards for her work?**
Yes, Jeanie Buss won a Sports Emmy Award in 2023 for her role as the executive producer of “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers.”