Los Angeles Lakers Sold for a Record $12.5 Billion to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger
The Los Angeles Lakers are changing hands once again in a historic deal that resets the financial ceiling for North American sports franchises. Entrepreneur Joshua Kushner and former Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger have agreed to purchase the storied NBA franchise for $12.5 billion, according to widespread reporting confirmed by Le Soir and Eurosport. This transaction establishes a new record, arriving just a year after billionaire Mark Walter acquired the team for approximately $10 billion.
A Rapid Turnaround at the Top of the Purple and Gold
The sudden sale marks a succession of ownership shifts for one of basketball’s most recognizable brands. The Buss family guided the Lakers since 1979, building the iconic “Showtime” era of the 1980s and securing 17 championship banners. Jeanie Buss ultimately passed the baton in June 2025 to Mark Walter, head of TWG Global and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, as detailed by Le Soir.
Walter’s tenure proved surprisingly brief. His single season at the helm ended with a Western Conference semifinal playoff exit against Oklahoma City.
Meet the New Ownership Group
The incoming ownership duo brings a blend of venture capital influence and media industry heavyweight status. Joshua Kushner, founder of the Thrive Eternal fund and brother of Jared Kushner, partners with 75-year-old media veteran Bob Iger. Iger previously led Disney from 2005 to 2020 and returned for a subsequent stint running the entertainment conglomerate between 2022 and 2026. Iger also holds a stake in the Los Angeles-based women’s professional soccer club Angel City FC.
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Regulatory Hurdle and Financial Precedent
While the agreement is firmly in place, the transaction remains subject to formal evaluation. The sale requires clearance from the NBA’s board of governors, a process that could take several weeks. When finalized, the $12.5 billion valuation cements a staggering inflation in professional sports team values, elevating the Lakers even further above historical acquisition metrics.
As the league reviews the paperwork, the franchise prepares to write its next chapter under new stewardship. Drop a comment below—how do you see this high-profile ownership team shaping the future of the purple and gold?
