The Bass Family Expands Their Sports Empire: Two Brothers Launch Investment Firm Seeking New Ventures After Selling the Lakers

On September 25th Beijing time, as reported by Shams and McMenamin, sources revealed to ESPN that the Bass brothers are expanding their ventures beyond the Los Angeles Lakers into professional sports. Joey Bass, the Lakers’ alternate governor and VP of R&D, together with Jesse Bass, the assistant GM, will jointly establish a new firm named "Bass Sports Capital." This new investment entity aims to pursue acquisition opportunities and partnerships across the global sports industry.

Brothers Deeply Rooted in the Lakers, Continuing the Family’s Sports Legacy

Joey, 41, and Jesse, 37, have both risen through various key roles within the Lakers organization. Their late father, Jerry Buss, purchased the Lakers in 1979, and after Dr. Buss passed away in 2013, team ownership was transferred to his children via a trust fund.

In June this year, the Bass family agreed to sell controlling interest in the Lakers at a $10 billion valuation to Mark Walter, who is also the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and CEO and chairman of the CWG Global Group. Sources indicate the deal is expected to receive formal NBA board approval in the coming months.

Despite the change in controlling ownership, sources confirm that Joey and Jesse will remain with the Lakers after the transaction closes; their sister Jeanie Bass will also continue as a key team governor for the foreseeable future, ensuring stability in the Lakers’ core management structure.

Focusing on Global Sports Investments Without Conflicting with Lakers Interests

“Our vision is to concentrate on identifying strategic investment opportunities and quality partnerships—especially within the sports sector,” Joey Bass told ESPN. “Bass Sports Capital will not conflict with our interests in the Lakers or the NBA. This is our first step toward expanding our sports footprint and exploring growth opportunities—particularly those where our expertise can add extra value, which excites us greatly.”

Sources reveal that Bass Sports Capital has partnered with CAA Evolution, the sports investment division of the innovative talent agency, which will lead deal processes; concurrently, EM Securities will serve as the firm’s banking partner, providing financial support.

Lakers Experience Lays the Foundation, Aiming to Build a Family Legacy

Joey and Jesse have both built extensive sports operations experience with the Lakers, focusing primarily on talent scouting and development: Joey served as president and CEO of the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers; Jesse, as head of the Lakers’ scouting department, has been deeply involved in NBA draft work for years and is a key figure in the team’s rookie selection system.

“I look forward to working alongside my brother Joey for the next 50 years and hope this enterprise can be passed down to future generations,” Jesse Bass shared in an interview. “This is exactly what our father wanted to see.”