Maria Sharapova Sells $25M Manhattan Beach Home to Luka Doncic

When I first read that Maria Sharapova’s Manhattan Beach home sold for $25 million to Luka Dončić, I felt the story was about more than just a price tag. This was an off-market, late-August closing that quietly set a new record for the Hill Section — and it suddenly makes you rethink where luxury money flows in coastal L.A.

Public records (and the coverage that followed) show a few sharp details: the 8,600-square-foot Sanctuary was built after Sharapova bought the lot in 2012, KAA Design shaped its Japanese-Scandi-meets-California aesthetic, and the house comes loaded with showpiece amenities — a two-lane bowling alley, resort pool, multiple balconies and expansive glass that blurs indoors with ocean air.

The buyer shows up as a trust tied to Dončić’s business manager, and the sale nudges past last year’s $24.5M Strand trade to make a statement about the Hill Section’s rising clout.

If you’re curious about the design choices, the deal mechanics, and what this means for both Sharapova and Dončić — and for Manhattan Beach real estate — read on. I’ll walk you through the facts, the gaps other coverage misses, and the practical takeaways worth knowing.

Inside the Record-Breaking Deal

The Robb Report was among the first to confirm the transaction — Luka Dončić quietly secured Maria Sharapova’s Manhattan Beach home in an off-market deal valued at $25 million. Unlike most celebrity listings that flood Zillow and the LA Times’ Hot Property column, this one never hit the open market. Instead, a trust tied to Dončić’s business manager, Lara Beth Seager, closed the purchase in late August.

What makes this deal headline-worthy is the record it set. Manhattan Beach’s Hill Section has historically trailed The Strand — those oceanfront, walk-onto-the-sand properties dominate local price records. But Dončić’s purchase edges out last year’s $24.5 million Strand sale, proving buyers are now willing to pay “oceanfront money” for privacy, elevation, and prestige a few blocks back.

That shift matters. If you follow luxury real estate trends, this deal signals a new benchmark. The Hill Section isn’t just desirable — it’s now record-breaking territory.

Sharapova isn’t alone in reshaping her property portfolio — stars like Jason Schwartzman recently put his cozy L.A. bungalow on the market, showing how even smaller deals can signal lifestyle shifts.

The Property at a Glance

Let’s pause on the basics, because these numbers matter. The Sanctuary spans 8,600 square feet across three levels, with five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. The lot itself covers roughly a quarter acre in one of the city’s most exclusive enclaves.

Amenities read like a luxury hotel brochure: a two-lane bowling alley, resort-style swimming pool, outdoor pavilion with dining and lounge spaces, and multiple balconies that open to California sunsets. It’s the kind of setup where you could easily imagine Dončić hosting teammates or Sharapova’s circle of A-list friends.

Location-wise, the Hill Section is known for privacy and elevation — you don’t get sand on your doorstep, but you do get sweeping views without the beach crowds. For a celebrity athlete, that trade-off can be priceless.

We’ve seen a similar trend before, when Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel listed their Manhattan penthouse for $40 million — another sign that celebrity moves often reset local market expectations.

Architectural Vision — The Sanctuary

Sharapova didn’t just buy a house — she built one. After purchasing the lot in 2012 for $4.1 million, she partnered with KAA Design to create what she called The Sanctuary. The design blends Japanese restraint, Scandinavian minimalism, and breezy California modernism.

Think raw concrete walls, black metal-framed windows, and entire walls of glass that dissolve the line between indoors and outdoors. Completed in 2015, the home is modern without feeling cold — a deliberate balance that reflects Sharapova’s own taste.

Architectural Digest once highlighted how she was deeply involved in the design process, even choosing materials herself. That level of input makes the home feel personal — less like a generic spec build, more like a creative collaboration.

From Lot to Landmark — Sharapova’s Journey

Sharapova’s connection to the property stretches back over a decade. She spotted the lot in 2012, invested $4.1 million, and then spent three years bringing her vision to life. When construction wrapped in 2015, she finally had a California base that reflected her values: calm, private, rooted in design.

But life changes. With a young son and fiancé Alexander Gilkes, her focus shifted more toward Europe and Santa Barbara. In recent years, she picked up an $11.5M estate in Montecito and a $9M ranch in Summerland. By the time this sale closed, the Manhattan Beach home had become less a sanctuary and more an asset ready to be cashed out.

To me, that’s the real arc: what starts as a dream build often evolves into part of a bigger real estate strategy.

Why Luka Dončić Made the Move?

So why would an NBA superstar pay top dollar for a house away from the sand? Context matters. Dončić just signed a three-year, $165 million extension after being traded to the Lakers — and if you’re committing to LA, you’re going to want a base that matches your lifestyle.

The Sanctuary checks those boxes: privacy, space for recovery and entertainment, and a setup that screams “home for a franchise player.” The bowling alley? Perfect for downtime with teammates. The pavilion? Ideal for hosting in an LA social scene where networking is as important as practice.

And let’s be honest: this isn’t just real estate, it’s brand building. A record-breaking home purchase in Manhattan Beach sends a message — Luka isn’t just in LA to play basketball, he’s here to plant roots and live like a star.

Market Impact — Manhattan Beach Luxury Scene

This sale doesn’t just make headlines because of Luka or Sharapova — it shifts the luxury market map in Manhattan Beach. For decades, the Strand dominated price records, with oceanfront listings trading hands for eye-watering numbers. Now, Dončić’s Hill Section buy proves buyers will pay Strand-level prices for privacy and elevation.

For real estate watchers, that’s huge. It means the Hill Section has effectively “arrived” as a record-setting neighborhood, opening the door for other high-end listings to push pricing boundaries. If you own property here, this deal just made your comp sheet a lot stronger.

Investors and agents are already calling this a watershed moment — because it signals that prestige in Manhattan Beach is no longer tied only to sand.

It mirrors the broader wave we’ve seen, from LeBron’s Brentwood mansion to David Lynch’s Hollywood Hills estate hitting the market at $15 million.

Sharapova’s Expanding Real Estate Portfolio

Sharapova hasn’t exactly stepped out of California real estate — she’s just rebalanced. After nearly a decade tied to Manhattan Beach, she’s now rooted further north in Montecito, where she bought an $11.5 million estate last year. That home sits next to Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, adding another celebrity notch to her neighborhood.

She also owns a $9 million ranch in Summerland, giving her family a mix of rustic privacy and coastal charm. Together, these properties align with her post-tennis life: slower pace, family time, and spaces that feel more European than LA glam.

If you step back, it looks less like she “gave up” on California and more like she’s doubled down on Santa Barbara’s luxury corridor, which has become a magnet for artists, entrepreneurs, and retired stars.

Design & Lifestyle Lessons to Take Away

Even if you’ll never buy a $25 million house, there are ideas here worth stealing.

• Indoor-outdoor flow: The Sanctuary dissolves the barrier between inside and outside — something anyone with a backyard can apply by using sliding doors or expanding windows.
• Minimalism with warmth: Concrete and glass can feel cold, but paired with natural wood and curated furniture, they create calm, livable spaces.
• Lifestyle amenities: No, you don’t need a bowling alley. But you can think about how to design spaces that invite relaxation and play — whether that’s a game room, a small home gym, or a backyard fire pit.

This is where celebrity homes are most useful. They’re not just gossip material; they’re design case studies. Luka and Sharapova’s Sanctuary shows how architecture, lifestyle, and wellness can fuse into one living space — lessons you and I can adapt in our own ways.

By the way, I often share bite-sized celebrity home design ideas and market updates on WhatsApp — it’s a great way to stay inspired between big stories.

The Bigger Picture — Celebrity Real Estate Trends

If you zoom out, Luka’s buy isn’t an isolated story — it’s part of a broader wave. Over the past five years, athletes and entertainers have increasingly flocked to LA’s coastal and hillside enclaves. From LeBron in Brentwood to Serena in Beverly Hills, the trend is clear: a record contract often pairs with a record home.

Manhattan Beach, Montecito, and Beverly Hills each tell a different version of this shift. Manhattan Beach appeals to those who want ocean air without paparazzi swarms. Montecito offers privacy and an almost European calm. Beverly Hills remains the red-carpet staple.

For readers like us, these moves hint at how real estate mirrors career and lifestyle choices. When a superstar like Dončić plants roots here, it raises the profile of the entire neighborhood — and reinforces LA’s status as the ultimate athlete’s playground.

Key Takeaways

Here’s what sticks with me after digging into this deal:

• It’s a record-setter. Dončić’s purchase reshaped Manhattan Beach’s price hierarchy.
• Design matters. Sharapova’s Sanctuary proves luxury today is less about chandeliers and more about light, flow, and balance.
• Celebrity moves shape markets. One star buying in the Hill Section could change comps for years.

And for you? Maybe it’s not about chasing a $25 million estate. Maybe it’s about noticing how lifestyle choices, smart timing, and long-term vision can shape your own home decisions.

What do you think — is this record sale more about Luka’s personal lifestyle upgrade, or about Manhattan Beach stepping onto a bigger stage?

If you enjoy following how celebrities shape luxury real estate markets, check out more of our coverage in the Real Estate & Homeownership section.

Disclaimer: The details in this article are based on publicly available records and reputable media reports. Property values and ownership information may vary as new updates surface. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial or real estate advice.