Los Angeles Dodgers owner and chairman Mark Walter has offered a definitive response to months of swirling speculation about the future of the franchise, stating firmly that he will not sell the team under any circumstances.
Speaking publicly on the matter for the first time, Walter addressed questions prompted by a series of high-profile asset sales across his business portfolio this summer. The billionaire businessman insisted that his ownership of the iconic baseball club is secure.
“We’re going to keep the team no matter what,” Walter said. “We’re going to be winning for 10 years or more. I think our commitment to do so will be just like it has been in the past. And, you know, we don’t win every year, but we’re going to try to.”
Speculation regarding Walter’s status as Dodgers owner mounted following a series of significant financial moves over the past year. Last year, the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission opened an investigation into affiliated loans made from insurance companies under Walter’s control to other businesses he owns. Weeks after that probe became public in July, Walter sold the Los Angeles Lakers to venture capitalist Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger at a valuation of $12.5 billion, just a year after acquiring a majority stake from the Buss family for $10 billion. In August, Walter and his business partner Todd Boehly—both members of the Guggenheim Baseball Management group that owns the Dodgers—also initiated a process to sell their stakes in Chelsea FC of the English Premier League.
Those transactions coincided with reports that Walter’s Guggenheim Partners investment firm was seeking to raise capital for its insurance operations and address the affiliated loans flagged by regulators. TWG Global, Walter’s holding company, released a statement in late August denying all wrongdoing and confirming his plans to retain the Dodgers.
Addressing the asset sales, Walter maintained that the sale of the Lakers had “nothing to do with the Dodgers at all,” noting he was approached by Kushner with a record-setting offer that he agreed to within 72 hours. He declined to comment on reporting from regarding a potential sale of the WNBA’s Sparks, but reiterated that any such move would not impact his Dodgers ownership. Walter also declined to comment on the ongoing federal investigation into his insurance companies, stating it was not appropriate to discuss while the probe is active.
Despite the distractions surrounding his broader business empire, Walter affirmed his intention to continue backing the Dodgers with the financial resources that have helped set Major League Baseball payroll records in each of the past two seasons. Andrew Friedman, the team’s president of baseball operations, joined the call and praised the owner’s consistent support.
“At every turn since I’ve been with the Dodgers, the financial backing and aggressiveness from Walter has been seemingly unmatched,” Friedman said. “I think all of us being in lockstep on that has contributed to the success we’ve had looking back, and I think keeps us well-positioned for future success.”
The remarks arrive during the offseason following an unsuccessful World Series three-peat bid for the Dodgers, which ended in a sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series. Walter noted that the front office sees no glaring weaknesses requiring immediate attention, though the organization will continue exploring avenues to strengthen the roster.
Looking ahead, Walter faces upcoming involvement in league negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement amid an ongoing labor dispute with the Major League Baseball Players Association that threatens a potential offseason lockout and the start of the 2027 campaign. While the league has pushed for a salary cap, Walter declined to comment on his stance regarding the issue.
Nevertheless, Walter expressed confidence in the franchise’s long-term competitive standing, pointing beyond payroll spending to the organization’s player development and farm system. During Walter’s 15-year tenure as owner, the Dodgers have captured three World Series titles, five National League pennants, and 13 NL West division titles.
“It’s not just spending,” Walter said. “Our farm system is pretty strong, and that and player development are really big things for us. So I think on any playing field, we’ll still be among the elite teams.”
