Jeanie Buss isn’t just a name in the background of NBA headlines—she’s the woman shaping one of the league’s most iconic franchises. As the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jeanie has built a reputation based on smart leadership, sharp instincts, and a deep understanding of sports business. Today, at 63 years old, she stands at the center of one of basketball’s biggest success stories—with a personal net worth estimated at $700 million.
Early Start in Sports
Born on September 26, 1961, in Santa Monica, California, Jeanie Marie Buss was introduced to the world of sports and business early on. Her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, was a real estate mogul and the longtime owner of the Lakers. Growing up around arenas and corporate meetings gave her firsthand exposure to how professional sports operated behind the scenes.
By the time she was 19, Jeanie had already taken her first executive step, becoming the general manager of the Los Angeles Strings, a team in World Team Tennis. She didn’t just hold the position—she thrived in it. Managing a team while still studying business at the University of Southern California, she learned what it takes to build something real in a high-pressure environment.
Building Her Career
After her experience with the Strings, Jeanie didn’t wait around for opportunities—she created them. She went on to own the Los Angeles Blades, a roller hockey team, and eventually took on the role of president of the Great Western Forum, the Lakers’ then-home. Each position added a new layer to her understanding of sports entertainment, venue management, and fan engagement.
It wasn’t just about family connections. Jeanie showed she had the drive and business sense to manage teams, negotiate deals, and handle pressure—skills that would prove crucial when the future of the Lakers would one day be placed in her hands.
The Turning Point: Taking Over the Lakers
Everything changed after the death of Jerry Buss in 2013. He left a 66% majority stake in the Lakers split evenly among his six children. But it was Jeanie who had the experience, trust, and leadership qualities to lead the organization.
By 2017, her siblings formally agreed to hand over full control of the team’s operations to her. It wasn’t just symbolic—Jeanie was now responsible for steering a franchise valued at billions of dollars.
And she didn’t waste time.
Under her leadership, the Lakers made bold moves. Hiring Magic Johnson as President of Basketball Operations in 2017 and later bringing in Rob Pelinka as general manager showed her willingness to make strategic leadership shifts. The big payoff came during the 2019-2020 NBA season, when the Lakers clinched their 17th NBA Championship. It marked a historic moment—not just for the franchise, but for Jeanie personally—as she became the first woman to lead an NBA team to a championship.
Managing Billions
Today, the Los Angeles Lakers are estimated to be worth $6.5 billion. As the team’s controlling owner and president, Jeanie Buss earns over $50 million annually. Her income is largely driven by media rights, global merchandise sales, ticket revenue, sponsorship deals, and a growing presence in sports content production.
Her financial standing reflects not just the Lakers’ legacy but also her ability to adapt and grow in a competitive industry. Beyond basketball, she is also a co-owner and co-founder of Women of Wrestling (WOW), a professional wrestling promotion focused on showcasing female athletes. The brand has seen growth in viewership and revenue, contributing to her overall wealth and influence in broader sports entertainment.
A Personal Life in Public View
While Jeanie has kept her business persona sharp and polished, her personal life has also made headlines over the years. She was married to professional volleyball player Steve Timmons from 1990 to 1993. Later, she entered a long-term relationship with former Lakers head coach Phil Jackson—a pairing that fascinated NBA fans for over a decade.
In September 2023, Jeanie married comedian and actor Jay Mohr, marking a new chapter in her personal journey. Despite the demands of running a sports empire, she has maintained a balance between business and life outside of basketball.
Beyond the Court
Jeanie isn’t just a sports executive—she’s also ventured into media. She earned a 2023 Sports Emmy Award for her role as an executive producer on the documentary series Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers. The series gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the team’s rise and family dynamics, reinforcing her connection not only to the brand but also to its storytelling.
Through her media efforts, she’s helped solidify the Lakers not only as a sports team but as a brand with cultural impact. It’s a smart play that shows she understands that sports today are as much about content as they are about games.
Trailblazer With a Purpose
Jeanie Buss didn’t inherit greatness—she earned her way to it. The legacy her father built gave her the tools, but she did the heavy lifting. From managing small sports teams to leading the Lakers to a title and building a media presence, her career is proof that long-term success requires bold leadership and constant evolution.
As one of the few women in the world with controlling power over a major professional sports team, Jeanie continues to break new ground. Her decisions shape not just the Lakers but how women in sports leadership are viewed across industries.
At 63, she shows no signs of slowing down. Her path is a reminder that when legacy meets ambition, real change can happen—on and off the court.
