History of Jeanie Buss in Timeline

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.

September 26, 1961: Jeanie Buss is Born

Jeanie Marie Buss was born on September 26, 1961.

1972: Buss' Parents Divorce

Jeanie Buss's parents divorced in 1972.

1978: World TeamTennis Folds

World TeamTennis folded in 1978.

1979: Magic Johnson's Lakers Career Begins

Magic Johnson's career with the Lakers began in 1979.

1981: Jeanie Buss Becomes General Manager of the Los Angeles Strings

TeamTennis, formerly World TeamTennis, was revived, and Jerry Buss appointed 19-year-old Jeanie as general manager of the Los Angeles Strings in 1981.

1990: Buss Marries Steve Timmons

Jeanie Buss married volleyball player Steve Timmons in 1990.

1991: Magic Johnson Retires (First Time)

Magic Johnson retired from the Lakers for the first time in 1991.

1993: Buss Buys Los Angeles Blades Roller Hockey Team

Jeanie Buss bought the Los Angeles Blades professional roller hockey team in 1993 after the Strings folded.

May 1995: Buss Poses for Playboy

Jeanie Buss posed nude in the May 1995 issue of Playboy.

1995: Buss Becomes Alternate Governor on the NBA Board of Governors

Buss served as the Alternate Governor on the NBA Board of Governors starting in 1995.

1996: Magic Johnson Returns Briefly to the Lakers

Magic Johnson briefly returned to play for the Lakers in 1996.

December 1999: Buss and Jackson Begin Dating

Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson began dating in December 1999.

1999: Buss Becomes Executive Vice President of Business Operations for the Lakers

Buss was named executive vice president of business operations for the Lakers in 1999.

2005: Buss Named One of the Top 20 Most Influential Women in Sports

Buss was named one of the Top 20 Most Influential Women in Sports by Sporting News in 2005.

2005: Jim Buss Promoted to VP of Player Personnel

Jim Buss, Jeanie's brother, was promoted to vice president of player personnel for the Lakers in 2005.

2011: Buss Recognized as a Powerful Woman in Sports Management

Buss was recognized by Forbes and ESPN as a powerful woman in sports management in 2011.

2013: Jerry Buss Passes Away, Jeanie Buss Takes Over

In 2013, after her father, Jerry Buss, passed away, Jeanie Buss took over as the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers.

2013: Buss and Jackson Get Engaged

Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson got engaged in 2013.

2013: Jeanie Buss Becomes President of the Lakers

Jeanie Buss became president of the Lakers in the 2013-2014 season.

December 27, 2016: Buss and Jackson End Engagement

Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson announced the end of their engagement on December 27, 2016.

February 21, 2017: Kupchak Fired, Jim Buss Resigns, Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka Hired

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.

2017: Buss and Mohr Begin Dating

Jeanie Buss and Jay Mohr reportedly began dating in 2017.

December 2018: Buss Connects with Secret Sibling

In December 2018, Buss connected with a secret sibling named Lee, who had been given up for adoption.

2020: Lakers Win NBA Championship Under Jeanie Buss

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.