Latest news with #Walter
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sporticast 460: A New King of Los Angeles?
On the latest Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Kurt Badenhausen dive deep into Mark Walter's record-shattering $10 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Lakers. They discuss how the Lakers could be worth so much given their current revenue—and also why NBA team valuations have exploded over the last decade, even as a number of franchises have gone up for sale. This is a 'once every 50 years' type exchange for one of the U.S.'s most well-known sports properties, Kurt says. Advertisement More from They also look at the transaction from Walter's perspective. He now owns two of the 10 most valuable franchises in the world—the Lakers and the Los Angeles Dodgers—a short time after being a relative unknown among industry insiders. Scott then makes a prediction about how long it will be before we see another $10 billion transaction in sports. There is also discussion of the $10 billion Walter's TWG Global holding company recently received from Mubadala Capital, an investment arm of Mubadala Investment Company, the sovereign wealth fund based in the United Arab Emirates, and what that transaction portends for Walter's next move. Afterwards, Kurt shares the latest on the potential sale of the Tampa Bay Rays, after breaking the news that Jacksonville, Fla., developer Patrick Zalupski has agreed to buy the team for roughly $1.7 billion. However, that is far from the end of the story, which also includes the potential for MLB expansion, as Kurt explains. The deal comes amid intrigue surrounding the sale of other baseball teams too. (You can subscribe to Sporticast through Apple, Google, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever else you get your podcasts.) Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakers rumors: How new owner will be ‘valuable resource' for LeBron James
The post Lakers rumors: How new owner will be 'valuable resource' for LeBron James appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Los Angeles Lakers officially changed hands on Wednesday, with the Buss family selling its majority stake in the franchise to billionaire investor Mark Walter in a record-breaking $10 billion deal. The transition not only marks a new era for the historic franchise but may also have long-term implications for LeBron James as he looks toward his post-playing career. Advertisement According to a report from ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Dave McMenamin, Walter could serve as a 'valuable resource' for James, who has publicly expressed his ambition to own an NBA team once his playing days are over. 'While James' decision is still pending, a source close to James suggested that Walter could be a valuable resource for James as he pursues his post-playing career goal of one day owning an NBA franchise, too,' the ESPN report noted. Walter, who also owns Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers, is no stranger to success in professional sports. Since acquiring the Dodgers in 2012, Walter has helped turn the franchise into one of baseball's most consistently dominant clubs, culminating in a World Series title last October. His business acumen and leadership within high-profile sports franchises make him a notable figure in league circles—one whose mentorship could prove instrumental to James' off-court aspirations. Walter's arrival aligns with Lakers' key offseason and LeBron's future James, 40, completed his 22nd NBA season this spring and holds a $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season. While he has yet to announce whether he will return for a 23rd year, his interest in franchise ownership has been clear for some time. In past interviews, he has stated his desire to own a future NBA team — most notably in Las Vegas should the league pursue expansion. Advertisement Walter's takeover of the Lakers arrives at a key moment for the organization. The team was eliminated in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs and is entering an offseason of uncertainty and potential retooling. The midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade with the Mavericks reshaped the franchise's core, and the Lakers are expected to be aggressive in the summer market to build a championship-caliber roster around Doncic and, potentially, James. The ownership change also signals a shift in leadership philosophy, with Walter bringing a track record of modernized operations and financial investment that could align with James' own ambitions. As James eyes life beyond the court, forming a relationship with one of the most influential owners in American sports could be a strategic step toward his long-term goals. With the sale finalized and the offseason underway, all eyes now turn to James' pending decision and how Walter's presence could influence both the short-term direction of the Lakers and the next chapter of James' legacy. Related: Colin Cowherd hits Luka Doncic with warning after Lakers sale Related: Lakers rumors: Nick Wright predicts Austin Reaves' trade value after Desmond Bane deal
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Colin Cowherd hits Luka Doncic with warning after Lakers sale
The post Colin Cowherd hits Luka Doncic with warning after Lakers sale appeared first on ClutchPoints. Luka Doncic witnessed a historic sale unfold in the sports world Wednesday. His Los Angeles Lakers will no longer be in the hands of the Buss family. Jeanie Buss sold the team for $10 billion — but Colin Cowherd issued a warning to Doncic after. Advertisement The national radio personality for Fox Sports 1 and L.A. resident chimed in on the sale Thursday. Mark Walter now leads the Lakers ownership group moving forward. There's a new aura of curiosity and excitement for the Lakers post-Buss family. But Cowherd warned Doncic what he's really getting himself into with Walter at the helm. By bringing up a high-profile move Walter pulled with his other team the Los Angeles Dodgers. 'That ownership group and the front office moved off Cody Bellinger, a National League MVP, and Corey Seager, a World Series MVP,' Cowherd reminded. 'If [Luka Doncic] doesn't get in shape, if Luka doesn't defend at a higher level, they'll move off him. They will hold Luka accountable.' Doncic has dealt with weight and conditioning issues by his critics. He proved to impact the Lakers in the short time he played with the team after the mega February trade. The Minnesota Timberwolves still eliminated the Lakers and Doncic right away in the first round of the NBA playoffs. But Cowherd believes the new ownership won't have much patience if Doncic doesn't produce. Luka Doncic reacts to Lakers sale Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Doncic joined in reacting to the stunning franchise sale. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his response. Advertisement 'The Lakers are an amazing organization. I'm looking forward to meeting Mark and excited about the future,' Doncic began. 'I am also grateful to Jeanie and the Buss family for welcoming me to LA, and I'm happy that Jeanie will continue to be involved. I look forward to working with both of them to win championships!' Walter watched the Dodgers capture the 2024 World Series title. He earned a strong endorsement from Magic Johnson. Doncic, meanwhile, will become one of the Lakers leading the new movement under Walter. But as Cowherd noted, Walter has helped move out beloved Dodgers players who he felt weren't performing to championship standards inside Chavez Ravine. Related: Lakers rumors: How new owner will be 'valuable resource' for LeBron James Related: Lakers rumors: Nick Wright predicts Austin Reaves' trade value after Desmond Bane deal
The Hindu
a day ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
New Zealand squad for T20 Tri-series: Full list of players and key inclusions
Devon Conway has been omitted from new Black Caps head coach Rob Walter's first squad, which will play a Twenty20 tri-series against host Zimbabwe and South Africa next month in Zimbabwe. The veteran batsman is one of several leading players who have turned down central contacts with New Zealand Cricket to play in professional T20 leagues overseas. Conway last played for New Zealand in June of last year, in its last group match at the T20 World Cup. Former captain Kane Williamson made himself unavailable while playing for Middlesex in England's county championship. Auckland batter Bevon Jacobs is the only uncapped player in the 15-man squad named by Walter on Friday. The 23-year-old Jacobs was a member of the New Zealand squad that played Sri Lanka in December but did not play a game. ALSO READ: South Africa announces squad for T20 Tri-series vs New Zealand, Zimbabwe Fast bowler Adam Milne has been recalled for the first time since November after performing well in Major League Cricket in the United States. Batters Finn Allen and Tim Seifert also return to the squad which will be captained by Mitchell Santner. Allen recently hit a world-record 19 sixes in an innings of 151 for the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket. 'We've got a really strong squad for this tour and I'm looking forward to getting the team together and getting into the work,' Walter said. 'We've got some good experience in the side and it's nice to be able to welcome back a few of the players who missed the March series against Pakistan because of the Indian Premier League. The tri-series will be played from July 14-26 in Harare. New Zealand squad Mitch Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi Tri-series schedule July 14 - Zimbabwe v South Africa July 16 - South Africa v New Zealand July 18 - Zimbabwe v New Zealand July 20 - Zimbabwe v South Africa July 22 - New Zealand v South Africa July 24 - Zimbabwe v New Zealand July 26 - Final *All games will be played at the Harare Sports Club.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Walter Scott, co-founder of R&B group 'The Whispers', dies at 81
Walter Scott, co-founder of the renowned R&B group The Whispers, has passed away at the age of 81. His death was confirmed by family and friends, marking the end of a musical legacy that helped define soul and R&B from the 1960s onward. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Walter and his twin brother Wallace 'Scotty' Scott relocated to Los Angeles in 1959. The brothers began singing while attending Jordan High School, and in 1964, they formed The Whispers, a group that would become one of R&B's most enduring acts. The Whispers achieved mainstream success in the late 1970s and 1980s with a series of gold and platinum records. Their most celebrated hits include 'And the Beat Goes On,' 'Rock Steady,' 'It's a Love Thing,' 'Lady,' 'Love is Where You Find It,' and 'Love at Its Best.' In a 2017 interview with the L.A. Sentinel, Walter reflected on their breakthrough: 'We knew by 1981, we didn't think of it as made it, we thought of it as the validation from our peers and fans that they liked us.' Scotty added, 'From that point on, up until 1988 everything we recorded was either gold or platinum.' Walter and Scotty remained active performers well into their later years. In 2023, they headlined the Taste of Soul Family Festival, continuing to bring their classic sound to new generations of fans.
