The purple and gold faithful might want to brace themselves.
Mark Walter, the billionaire behind the Los Angeles Dodgers’ financial juggernaut, has officially taken control of the Lakers. And while some see Walter’s arrival as a continuation of championship ambition, others can’t help but look at their wallets—and wince.
Because if history tells us anything, it’s this: when Mark Walter takes the reins, the price of being a fan tends to go up.
Let’s rewind. Since Walter became the controlling owner of the Dodgers, the team has enjoyed immense on-field success, multiple National League pennants, and a long-awaited World Series title, and now back-to-back Championships for the first time in 25 years. But along the way, another stat ballooned too—the Fan Cost Index. According to a recent study by Hard Rock Bet, the cost of attending a Dodgers game has soared 58% over the last nine years. That’s nearly double the 31% rise experienced by Lakers fans in the same span.
And now, with Walter crossing over from Chavez Ravine to Crypto.com Arena, some fans fear the same fate awaits their beloved Lakers.
The Cost of Loyalty
The Fan Cost Index (FCI)—a metric that tracks the average price for a family of four to attend a game, factoring in tickets, food, drinks, parking, and merchandise—offers a clearer picture of how ownership philosophies trickle down to the fans. In 2024, the Lakers’ FCI stood at a hefty $771.76, 16th in the NBA but well above the league average of $448.61. Over the past 33 years, that figure has risen by 176%, yet still remains within striking distance of inflation over that same period (120.8%).
The Dodgers, by contrast, have an FCI of $345.37—much lower in raw dollars, but that number has climbed a staggering 364% since 1991, far outpacing inflation. Even in the last nine years alone, the Dodgers’ FCI jumped by 58%, compared to a 26.7% national inflation rate.
Let that sink in.
Walter’s teams may win, but it’s not cheap to witness it in person.
Compared to baseball, NBA tickets have historically been pricier and more exclusive. The NBA has seen the smallest league-wide FCI increase over the last decade—just 2%—but that’s misleading for a team like the Lakers. Star-studded, tradition-rich, and always in the title conversation, L.A.’s basketball team commands a premium. Their average FCI is second only to the Golden State Warriors.
And now, with Walter’s business-minded stewardship looming, the Lakers may be poised to join the Dodgers in the race up the pricing ladder.
“There’s a reason the Dodgers are ranked 106th across the Big Four sports in terms of fan cost generosity,” said one industry insider. “Walter knows how to maximize revenue streams, and he’s unapologetic about it. If you want to see stars in L.A., you’re going to pay star prices.”
It’s not just about tickets. The price of hot dogs, nachos, jerseys—even those classic foam fingers—has been inching upward across all major leagues. The broader economic picture plays a role, sure. Inflation, supply chain hiccups, and rising labor costs all factor in. But certain owners, according to the data, have managed to keep prices in line with inflation—or even below it.
Walter? Not so much.
From a pure numbers perspective, his track record places him among the least fan-friendly owners in terms of cost containment. And as he transitions from MLB to NBA ownership, there’s little reason to believe that philosophy will suddenly change.
Of course, there’s another side to the story.
Under Walter’s ownership, the Dodgers transformed into a model franchise—elite facilities, cutting-edge analytics, massive player payroll, and a commitment to contending every single year. For fans, paying more has come with the reward of excellence. If the Lakers receive the same treatment—a re-investment in front-office infrastructure, more spending power in free agency, and championship-caliber teams—some fans may decide the price is worth it.
But in a city that already pays more for gas, groceries, and rent than almost anywhere else, patience may wear thin if the Lakers aren’t winning big while charging big.
What Happens Next?
The question now is whether Walter brings his Dodgers blueprint to the hardwood.
Will we see $20 beers at Crypto? Will the price of a courtside seat inch closer to a down payment on a house? Or, conversely, could Walter surprise everyone and keep prices steady—perhaps even easing into the transition with a fan-first approach?
Only time will tell. But Lakers fans would be wise to keep an eye on their wallets.
Because if Mark Walter’s playbook stays the same, the cost of purple and gold might soon come with a platinum price tag.
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Source: NBC Los Angeles