Joey, Jesse Buss pursuing NBA Europe ownership: Sources

Buss Sports Capital, a business venture launched by Joey and Jesse Buss following the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers, is actively pursuing NBA Europe franchises in multiple markets, sources briefed on their plans told The Athletic.

The group has placed multiple bids for ownership in the developing league, including in London; Manchester, England; and Lyon, France. The sources, granted anonymity so they could speak freely about ownership strategies, said that a venture by Lakers star Luka Dončić and former Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson Jr. in Italy could also be a possibility.

Joey and Jesse Buss, the youngest sons of former Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss, have been looking for a pathway back into significant ownership in pro sports after the Lakers were sold to financier Mark Walter for a record $10 billion valuation last summer. As part of that deal, Jeanie Buss, their sister, retained the franchise’s governorship for at least five years.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver, speaking at a news conference Tuesday in Las Vegas, said NBA Europe is expected to make decisions regarding bids in the upcoming weeks, and the league is set to launch in October 2027.

The Athletic reported Tuesday that Buss Sports Capital is also interested in an ownership stake in Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres as part of the group led by José Feliciano and Kwanza Jones.

The moves in MLB and NBA Europe come after the Buss brothers were relieved of their duties with the Lakers last fall. Joey Buss had been the CEO and president of the G League’s South Bay Lakers while Jesse Buss was the team’s scouting director. They remain minority owners of the Lakers.

League sources said they expected the decision following the sale of the Lakers to Walter. Shortly after the deal, the brothers formed Buss Sports Capital to continue in sports ownership.