The sports world was rocked this week as the Buss family agreed to sell a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to billionaire Mark Walter at a record-setting $10 billion valuation, raising questions about whether other iconic franchises—most notably the Dallas Cowboys—could soon hit the market.
The Lakers sale, which dwarfs the previous record set by the Boston Celtics’ $6.1 billion transaction in March, signals an unprecedented surge in sports franchise valuations, fueled in part by booming media rights deals and the global reach of top brands. Mark Walter, already a major player in sports ownership through the Los Angeles Dodgers and other ventures, will take the reins, while Jeanie Buss retains a minority share and her role as team governor.
The Dallas Cowboys, under the ownership of Jerry Jones since 1989, are widely regarded as the most valuable sports franchise in the world. Forbes and Sportico recently pegged the Cowboys’ value at over $10 billion, surpassing even the Lakers and New York Yankees. Jones, who bought the team for $140 million, has overseen its transformation into a global sports powerhouse, both on and off the field.
Could Jerry Jones Sell? Yes, but it's not happening anytime soon.
The Lakers’ blockbuster deal has sparked speculation among fans and analysts about whether Jones, 82, might consider cashing in on his investment. Social media buzzed with calls for Jones to “break the record” set by the Lakers sale, noting the astronomical return he would see given his original purchase price. As one fan put it, “Come on Jerry, that's a record you know you want."
However, there are currently no indications that Jones is preparing to sell. The Cowboys remain a family-run operation, with Jones’ children holding key executive roles, and Jones himself has shown no public desire to relinquish control. Despite the team’s playoff struggles in recent decades, the Cowboys’ brand remains as strong as ever, and their value continues to climb.
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Industry experts note that the Lakers’ $10 billion sale establishes a new benchmark for franchise valuations, especially for teams with storied histories and massive fan bases. Should Jones ever decide to sell, the Cowboys would likely command a record-shattering price, potentially far exceeding the Lakers’ mark, given the NFL’s financial dominance and the Cowboys’ unique market position.
But for now, speculation remains just that. Jerry Jones appears content to maintain his grip on the Cowboys, even as the sports business landscape shifts around him. If and when he does choose to sell, it would almost certainly rewrite the record books—again.