It started on the West Coast, where Jeanie Buss stunned Lakers fans by finalizing the sale of her controlling stake. Reports detailed a deal worth billions, transferring majority ownership to a private investment group while Buss kept a minority share. It marked the end of an era in Los Angeles, one defined by championship glory and family leadership. Now, it seems she is walking a path similar to Wyc Grousbeck, who last year agreed to sell the Boston Celtics for a record $6.1 billion to Bill Chisholm.

The Grousbeck family had led the Celtics since buying the franchise in 2002 for $360 million. When the sale was first announced, the plan was for Grousbeck to stay on as governor and CEO through 2028. Fans took comfort in that arrangement, viewing it as a way to maintain stability. But this wasn’t just a business move; it was the start of a major leadership transformation that would ripple through the organization.

Taking to X, Shams Charania wrote, “Wyc Grousbeck will no longer stay on as governor as part of the Boston Celtics’ $6.1 billion sale to Bill Chisholm, sources tell me and @ramonashelburne. Plan had been for Grousbeck to remain through 2028. Chisholm assumes governor title and the transfer will be finalized soon.”

It’s a bold move from the Celtics, something that the fans didn’t see coming. Wyc, who oversaw two NBA championships during his tenure, is going to have to step down from his position, according to the report.

Adding to the confirmation, Adam Himmelsbach tweeted, “According to a league source, Bill Chisholm will become lead governor when his purchase of the Celtics is soon finalized, but Wyc Grousbeck will remain as alternate governor and CEO through 2028.”  Many fans see this as a bold but risky decision. Handing Chisholm the governor role immediately signals ambition, but it also risks unsettling team culture during a fragile season.

While decisive leadership can energize a franchise, timing matters, and right now, Boston is already juggling too many uncertainties. Could this fast-tracked shift push the Celtics forward, or tip the balance in the wrong direction?

So while Jeanie herself hasn’t parted with the ownership for now, this could be seen as a potential glimpse into her future with the franchise as well. And Mark Walter’s track record with the Dodgers only further proves his mettle at handling an organization. That might be the reason why Jeanie got dragged into the Celtics drama by the fans.

How Jeanie Buss got pulled into Boston’s ownership drama

The conversation around Wyc Grousbeck’s sudden exit as governor quickly turned into something else entirely: an open call for change in Los Angeles. Many fans have grown tired of Jeanie Buss’ leadership, and they didn’t hold back. One comment read, “Mark Cuban and Wyc Grousbeck both said during the sale of their team they would stay on to help transition into new ownership both stayed on less than a year Jeanie Buss count your days.” For some, the Celtics’ shake-up felt like the perfect blueprint for what they want in L.A.

Some reactions questioned whether her tenure could face the same fate. “Will be interesting to see if this plays out similarly for the Lakers/Jeanie,” one fan wrote. The implication was clear: when ownership changes happen elsewhere, it fuels hope among critics that their own franchise might follow suit. While the sale has yet to be finalized, as per the reports, Jeannie is supposed to continue her role as the governor. But this move from the Celtics raises questions about Buss’ future with the franchise as well.

Others delivered their criticism with a mix of humor and warning. “When I get this noti about Jeanie in June 2026,” a post read, accompanied by a GIF of Magic Johnson smiling. While it seemed like a joke, it was a pointed jab at the idea of her eventual departure being a cause for celebration.

A few fans didn’t bother dressing it up at all. “Jeanie next,” one comment bluntly stated. No explanations, no qualifiers, just a flat prediction that mirrored the frustration brewing within a segment of the Lakers’ fanbase. Someone even had a suggestion for the future owner. The fan wrote, “Mark Walter pay attention…”. 

It’s a clear message to Walter: the fans want Buss out of the franchise leadership. Will she end up facing the same situation as Grousbeck? Only time will tell.