Jeanie Buss Net Worth, How Much Money Does Los Angeles President Have?

Jeanie Buss, aged 62, is best known as the president and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. Her leadership has significantly shaped the team’s modern success. Buss, who has never married, was previously in a long-term relationship with former Lakers coach Phil Jackson. She is not known to have children. As of 2024, Jeanie Buss’s estimated net worth stands at $700 million, driven by her pivotal role in managing one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises and other successful ventures.

Early Beginnings

Born in 1961 in Santa Monica, California, Jeanie Buss was introduced to the business of sports at a young age by her father, Jerry Buss, who owned the Los Angeles Lakers. At just 19, she was appointed the general manager of the Los Angeles Strings, a professional tennis team, which kickstarted her career in sports management. Though tennis wasn’t basketball, it allowed Buss to begin understanding the dynamics of managing a sports franchise.

Her career then transitioned to overseeing the Great Western Forum, the Lakers’ home arena at the time. These early experiences were instrumental in honing her business acumen, and by the 1990s, Buss was deeply involved in the operations of the Lakers. She proved her mettle, eventually being named the executive vice president of business operations, which cemented her place within the organization.

Lakers’ Presidency

Following the death of her father in 2013, Buss took on the mantle of president of the Los Angeles Lakers. Her leadership was not just a symbolic title; she faced the enormous challenge of maintaining and growing the legacy her father had built. Under her stewardship, the Lakers navigated through multiple challenges and ultimately triumphed, winning the NBA Championship in 2020.

Buss’s ability to handle both the business and sporting aspects of the team has contributed to the continued financial success of the franchise. The Lakers’ market value has seen a steady rise, with the team now valued at around $5.9 billion, and Buss’s shareholding plays a significant role in her wealth accumulation.

Wealth Breakdown

Lakers Ownership

A significant portion of Jeanie Buss’s wealth stems from her ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers. She holds a 66% stake in the team, making her one of the most influential figures in the NBA. The Lakers’ valuation of approximately $5.9 billion places her stake at around $3.9 billion. While this wealth is largely tied to the team and isn’t fully liquid, it forms the largest portion of her net worth.

Real Estate Investments

In addition to her stake in the Lakers, Buss has made strategic investments in real estate, following in the footsteps of her father, who was also a prominent real estate investor. Her portfolio includes both residential and commercial properties across California and other states. Though the precise value of her real estate holdings remains private, they are estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars, contributing significantly to her overall wealth.

Business Ventures

Beyond her involvement with the Lakers, Jeanie Buss has diversified her income streams through various business ventures. She has invested in a number of startups, particularly those in tech and sports-related industries. While these ventures don’t compare to her Lakers stake in terms of scale, they provide additional revenue streams and show her continued engagement in innovative business opportunities.

Salary and Endorsements

As the president of the Lakers, Buss earns a substantial salary. While the exact figure is not publicly available, estimates suggest her annual earnings from this role range between $10 million and $15 million. In addition, Buss benefits from endorsements and media appearances, further adding to her financial portfolio. Her work in promoting the Lakers, as well as her public persona, makes her a sought-after figure in both the sports and business worlds.

Personal Life

Jeanie Buss has kept much of her personal life private, but her long-term relationship with Phil Jackson, a former Lakers coach and one of the most respected figures in basketball, brought her personal and professional life into the spotlight. Though the couple parted ways in 2016, they remain close. Buss has no children and has not remarried since the split. Her focus remains largely on her role with the Lakers and other business endeavors.

Lifestyle Choices

Despite her immense wealth, Buss leads a relatively low-profile lifestyle. She owns several luxury properties, particularly in the Los Angeles area, but prefers to keep her personal life understated. She is an avid traveler and can often be seen attending high-profile events, but she is known for balancing her public and private lives with poise.

Her role as a female leader in a male-dominated industry has earned her respect, and she continues to inspire young women aspiring to break into sports management and business. Buss’s leadership style, characterized by her deep understanding of the Lakers organization and her drive to uphold her father’s legacy, has been pivotal in keeping the Lakers at the forefront of the NBA.

Future Prospects

Jeanie Buss’s influence in the NBA and the broader sports industry is undeniable. As the Lakers continue to be one of the most valuable sports franchises globally, her role in shaping the team’s future remains critical. The value of the team continues to grow, and with it, Buss’s wealth. She is poised to remain a key figure in the world of basketball and sports management for years to come.

Jeanie Buss’s journey from a young woman learning the ropes of sports management to becoming one of the most powerful figures in the NBA is remarkable. Her wealth, estimated at $700 million in 2024, is a testament to her leadership and her role in maintaining the legacy of the Los Angeles Lakers. With smart investments in real estate, business ventures, and her continued involvement in the Lakers, Buss’s financial success will likely continue to soar.