Jeanie Buss
Owner of Los Angeles Lakers, first female owner of major North American sports team
Jeanie Buss (born September 24, 1961) is an American sports executive and the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, making her the first female owner of a major North American sports franchise. She grew up in the Lakers organization under her father Jerry Buss, one of the most influential sports moguls of the 20th century. After earning her Ph.D. in sports management, Jeanie worked her way through various executive roles with the Lakers, managing the team's operations and negotiations. She inherited the franchise following her father's death in 2013 and has continued the Lakers' legacy as one of basketball's most storied franchises. Under her ownership, the Lakers have won a championship (2020) and remained competitive in the highly competitive NBA. Her leadership in professional sports has broken significant gender barriers and established her as a pioneering figure in business and athletics, demonstrating that sports franchises can thrive under female leadership.
Business & Industry
American
1961
Thinking about the name
Jeanie
French origin
“A cheerful diminutive of Jean, popular in English-speaking countries from the 19th century onward. Jeanie has a playful, spirited quality—perhaps best remembered through the genie character 'Jeannie' in popular culture. The name strikes a balance between friendly approachability and vintage elegance, suggesting both warmth and a touch of magic.”