Jeanie Buss, an American sports executive, boasts a net worth of $700 million. As the daughter of the late Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss, Jeanie has carved out her legacy as the President and controlling owner of the Lakers. Her journey in the sports industry began at a young age and has been marked by significant achievements and challenges.
Early Life and Education
Jeanie Marie Buss was born on September 26, 1961, in Santa Monica, California. Raised alongside her three siblings by parents Joann and Jerry Buss, Jeanie was exposed to the world of business and sports from a young age. Her father, Jerry Buss, began investing in real estate during the 1960s, eventually forming Mariani-Buss Associates, a successful real estate investment company. Jerry’s ventures into sports team ownership in Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles Strings, the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, and the Los Angeles Lakers, played a pivotal role in shaping Jeanie’s future.
Early Career: From Tennis to Roller Hockey
At the age of 14, Jeanie started attending World Team Tennis meetings with her father, gaining early exposure to sports management. By 19, she was the general manager of the Los Angeles Strings, a professional tennis team. Her tenure with the Strings provided valuable experience, leading her to become the owner of the Los Angeles Blades, a roller hockey team. Jeanie then served as the president of the Great Western Forum, the Lakers’ stadium at the time, showcasing her business acumen and leadership skills.
Taking Control of the Lakers
Following her father’s passing in 2013, Jeanie and her five siblings inherited Jerry’s 66% stake in the Lakers. Each sibling owns an equal 11% stake, currently valued at around $715 million given the team’s $6.5 billion valuation. In 2017, after a tumultuous family dispute, Jeanie gained 100% control over the Lakers’ decisions. She now represents the team on the NBA’s Board of Governors and has become a prominent figure in the sports world.
Leadership and Achievements with the Lakers
Under Jeanie’s leadership, the Lakers have continued to thrive. She has overseen critical decisions, including the firing of General Manager Mitch Kupchak and her brother Jim Buss, who served as VP of Basketball Operations. These moves were aimed at steering the team back to its winning ways. Jeanie’s influence extends beyond the basketball court, as evidenced by her role as the executive producer of “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers,” which won a 2023 Sports Emmy Award.
Jeanie Buss and Women of Wrestling
In addition to her responsibilities with the Lakers, Jeanie is the co-owner and promoter of Women of Wrestling (WOW). This venture reflects her commitment to promoting and supporting women’s sports, further establishing her as a versatile and influential sports executive.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jeanie Buss’s personal life has been as eventful as her professional career. She married professional volleyball player Steve Timmons in 1990, but the couple divorced three years later, citing Jeanie’s career focus as a contributing factor. In late 1999, Jeanie began dating Phil Jackson, the former head coach of the Lakers. Although they never married, their relationship lasted until 2016. In 2017, Jeanie started dating comedian Jay Mohr, and the couple announced their engagement in December 2022. They married in Malibu in September 2023.
Real Estate Investments
Jeanie Buss has made several notable real estate investments over the years. In 2019, she sold her home in Playa Vista for $2.575 million, a property she had purchased in 2017 for $2.45 million. The house, spanning nearly 3,200 square feet, was upgraded with neutral paint and modern fixtures before being put back on the market. In 2020, Jeanie acquired a new property in the Playa del Rey neighborhood of Los Angeles for $2.6 million. This waterfront residence, located within the gated Breakers complex, features a pool, a spa, and a gym, offering luxurious living just a few miles from Los Angeles International Airport.
Legacy and Impact
Jeanie Buss’s journey from managing a tennis team at 19 to becoming the controlling owner of one of the most storied franchises in sports history is a testament to her resilience, intelligence, and passion for sports. Her leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the Lakers’ status as a premier NBA team. Jeanie’s efforts in promoting women’s sports and her involvement in various ventures highlight her versatility and commitment to making a positive impact in the sports industry.
Conclusion
Jeanie Buss stands as a powerful figure in the sports world, navigating the complexities of team ownership and management with grace and determination. Her net worth of $700 million reflects her successful career, but her influence extends far beyond financial metrics. As she continues to lead the Lakers and promote women’s sports, Jeanie Buss’s legacy as a pioneering sports executive is firmly established.
