Jeanie Marie Buss is a highly successful American sports executive, best known as the owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association.
She is also the co-owner and promoter of the American women’s professional wrestling promotion, Women of Wrestling. Her impressive career in the sport has brought her widespread recognition and respect.
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- Full name: Jeanie Marie Buss
- Stage Name: Jeanie Buss
- Date of birth: September 26, 1961
- Age: 62 years old
- Place of birth: Santa Monica, California
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: American sports executive
- Height: 1.7 m
- Parents: Jerry Buss and JoAnn Mueller
- Siblings: Jim Buss, Janie Buss and Johnny Buss
- Spouse: Jay Mohr (married 2023), Steve Timmons (married 1990–1993)
- Children: None
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $700 million
Early life and education
Jeanie Marie Buss was born on September 26, 1961 in Santa Monica, California. She was raised by her parents, Jerry Buss and JoAnn Mueller, along with her three siblings, Jim Buss, Janie Buss, and Johnny Buss.
Buss attended the University of Southern California (USC), where she studied business and graduated with honors. Her education and upbringing played a major role in shaping her successful career in sports.
Career
Jeanie Marie Buss has had a remarkable career as a sports executive, with a track record of success and impressive leadership skills.
Her early involvement in the family business, taking on the role of general manager of Los Angeles Strings at the age of 19, provided her with valuable experience and training.
Since then, she has purchased the Los Angeles Blades and served as president of the Great Western Forum, demonstrating her strong entrepreneurial spirit and leadership abilities.
Buss currently serves as owner and chairman of the Los Angeles Lakers, cementing her position as one of the most influential and successful executives in the sports world.
She took on a key role in the organization in 1999 when her father, Jerry Buss, appointed her as executive vice president of business operations. This allowed her to gain valuable knowledge and experience in running a prestigious NBA franchise.
After her father passed away in 2013, Jeanie Buss emerged as a key figure in the Lakers organization and eventually became owner and executive chairman.
Under her leadership, the Lakers have achieved great success, including winning another NBA championship in 2020, making her the first female owner to achieve this feat.
Buss also expanded her reach beyond basketball, co-owning and promoting the Women of Wrestling (WOW) promotion. Her legacy in the sports industry will continue to inspire future generations of female leaders.
Awards and Recognition
- Six-time NBA champion: Five championships came during her time on the Lakers’ board (2000-2002, 2009, 2010) and one as controlling owner (2020).
- 2023 NBA Cup Champion: As owner of the Lakers.
- 2020 LA Sports Awards – Sports Executive of the Year: This award recognizes excellence in sports leadership in the Los Angeles area.
- Business Champion Award (City of El Segundo): This award honors her contributions to the business development of the Lakers and the city.
- TJ Martell Foundation – Vanguard Award: This award recognizes her business leadership, although it may not be as widely known as the others.
- Sports Emmy for Outstanding Documentary: This nomination isn’t for her, but for her documentary series that looks at the Lakers organization.
Social Media
- Instagram: @JeanieBuss
- Facebook: Jeanie Buss
- Twitter: @JeanieBuss
Personal life
Jeanie Marie Buss is known for her successful career as CEO and co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, but her personal life is also a subject of interest to many.
She was previously married to volleyball player Steve Timmons for three years, but their relationship ended in divorce.
Buss then began a long-term relationship with Lakers coach Phil Jackson, which lasted from 1999 to 2016. Despite getting engaged in 2012, the couple eventually decided to split due to distance and other challenges.
However, Buss has stated that they remained in touch about Lakers business even after their split. Most recently, Buss went public with her relationship with comedian Jay Mohr in September 2021.
The couple got engaged in December 2022 and had a private wedding ceremony in Malibu in September 2023.
Net asset value
Jeanie Marie Buss is the owner and chairman of the Los Angeles Lakers, a professional basketball team in the NBA. She is a very successful sports executive, with a net worth of $700 million.
Buss is recognized for her leadership and business acumen, making her a prominent figure in the sports industry.
