Jeanie Buss is a prominent figure in American sports, notably known for her leadership within the Los Angeles Lakers organization. As the controlling owner and president, she holds the highest position of authority within the Lakers franchise. Buss's influence extends beyond basketball, as she also plays a significant role in Women of Wrestling (WOW), where she serves as co-owner and promoter. Her involvement in WOW demonstrates her commitment to promoting women's sports and entertainment. Buss's career has solidified her place as a powerful and respected figure in the world of professional sports.
Jeanie Marie Buss was born on September 26, 1961.
Jeanie Buss's parents divorced in 1972.
World TeamTennis folded in 1978.
Magic Johnson's career with the Lakers began in 1979.
TeamTennis, formerly World TeamTennis, was revived, and Jerry Buss appointed 19-year-old Jeanie as general manager of the Los Angeles Strings in 1981.
Jeanie Buss married volleyball player Steve Timmons in 1990.
Magic Johnson retired from the Lakers for the first time in 1991.
Jeanie Buss bought the Los Angeles Blades professional roller hockey team in 1993 after the Strings folded.
Jeanie Buss posed nude in the May 1995 issue of Playboy.
Buss served as the Alternate Governor on the NBA Board of Governors starting in 1995.
Magic Johnson briefly returned to play for the Lakers in 1996.
Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson began dating in December 1999.
Buss was named executive vice president of business operations for the Lakers in 1999.
Jim Buss, Jeanie's brother, was promoted to vice president of player personnel for the Lakers in 2005.
Buss was named one of the Top 20 Most Influential Women in Sports by Sporting News in 2005.
Buss was recognized by Forbes and ESPN as a powerful woman in sports management in 2011.
In 2013, after her father, Jerry Buss, passed away, Jeanie Buss took over as the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson got engaged in 2013.
Jeanie Buss became president of the Lakers in the 2013-2014 season.
Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson announced the end of their engagement on December 27, 2016.
On February 21, 2017, Buss fired Mitch Kupchak, accepted Jim Buss's resignation, and hired Magic Johnson as President of Basketball Operations and Rob Pelinka as General Manager.
Jeanie Buss and Jay Mohr reportedly began dating in 2017.
In December 2018, Buss connected with a secret sibling named Lee, who had been given up for adoption.
In 2020, the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Championship under Jeanie Buss's leadership, making her the first female controlling owner to achieve this.
Jeanie Buss announced her relationship with Jay Mohr in September 2021.
On October 6, 2021, ViacomCBS announced a distribution deal for WOW-Women Of Wrestling.
Jeanie Buss and Jay Mohr publicly announced their engagement on December 21, 2022.
Jeanie Buss and Jay Mohr married in a private ceremony on September 3, 2023.