Walmart heir Lukas Walton and his wife, Samantha Walton, have acquired a minority stake in the Chicago Bulls and the United Center, as announced by the team on June 26, 2026 [1]. The transaction involved the purchase of existing stakes from limited partners and does not provide the Waltons with a path to controlling ownership, according to the team's statement [1]. While the exact size and valuation of the stake were not officially disclosed, a person familiar with the matter told CNBC that the Waltons' stake in the team and arena is 10%, though this individual was not authorized to speak publicly on the details [1].
The Reinsdorf family remains the controlling owner of the Chicago Bulls, with Jerry Reinsdorf having purchased the team for $16.2 million in 1985. The franchise is now valued at approximately $6.45 billion, making it the fifth-most valuable NBA team according to CNBC's most recent valuations [1]. Ownership of the United Center, where the Bulls and NHL's Blackhawks play, is split between the Wirtz and Reinsdorf families, who will continue to hold the controlling interest in both the arena and the $7 billion 1901 Project redevelopment on Chicago's West Side [1].
The Bulls, historically one of the NBA's most successful franchises with six championships during the Michael Jordan era, have struggled in recent years and have not made the playoffs since the 2021-2022 season [1]. Lukas Walton, the 39-year-old grandson of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is a Chicago resident with a reported net worth of roughly $45 billion according to Forbes [1]. In a statement, the Waltons expressed their dedication to Chicago's future and admiration for the vision behind the 1901 Project, emphasizing their support for the United Center's continued positive impact on the city's West Side [1].
Lukas Walton's uncle, Rob Walton, previously purchased the NFL's Denver Broncos in 2022 and also owns a stake in MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks, highlighting the family's growing involvement in major U.S. sports franchises [1].
CONCLUSION
Lukas Walton's acquisition of a 10% minority stake in the Chicago Bulls and United Center marks a significant investment by the Walton family in Chicago sports and real estate. While the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families retain controlling interests, the Waltons' involvement signals confidence in the franchise's long-term value and the broader redevelopment of Chicago's West Side.