The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of being transferred to a new ownership group in what is being billed as the most expensive franchise transaction in sports history. The deal, valued at roughly $12.5 billion (about £9.25 billion), will see venture‑capitalist Josh Kushner take control of the storied NBA club. Kushner, who recently played a pivotal role in shaping FIFA’s proposed commercial model, is partnering with former Disney chief executive Bob Iger to acquire the team from Mark Walter, a co‑owner of Chelsea Football Club, according to sources at Sky Sports News. Mark Walter entered the Lakers’ ownership picture just a year ago, when he purchased a majority stake for a then‑record £7.4 billion.
His rapid exit, less than twelve months later, suggests that the investment has already yielded a substantial profit, underscoring the escalating valuation of premier sports assets in the global market. In a joint statement released to Sky Sports News, Kushner and Iger expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity, emphasizing their lifelong fandom of the NBA and their reverence for the Lakers brand. "As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world," the statement read. The new owners also paid tribute to the Buss family, who have guided the organization for decades.
"We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of former Lakers owners Jerry and Jeanie Buss," they added, signaling an intention to preserve the legacy while charting a new strategic direction. The declaration went on to outline a long‑term vision: to build on the solid foundation laid by past owners, to field a team that competes at the highest possible level, and to serve not only the franchise’s global fan base but also the broader Los Angeles community.
This commitment reflects a growing trend among wealthy investors to view sports franchises as both cultural institutions and vehicles for civic engagement. Mark Walter’s involvement with the Lakers is part of a broader portfolio that includes a stake in the Los Angeles Dodgers, held alongside Todd Boehly.
Walter initially acquired a 27 percent interest in the Lakers in 2021 and subsequently increased his holding to 85 percent in the previous year, effectively becoming the primary decision‑maker. The Buss family, which retained a 15 percent share, has not publicly confirmed whether their portion will be transferred to Kushner and Iger as part of the transaction, leaving a small degree of uncertainty about the final ownership breakdown. Any change of hands in the NBA requires the blessing of the league’s Board of Governors. The approval process will likely examine the financial robustness of the buyers, their compliance with league rules, and the potential impact on competitive balance.
The timing of the proposed sale is notable, arriving just weeks after Kushner’s investment firm, Thrive Capital, found itself at the center of a separate high‑profile negotiation involving a stake in the FIFA World Cup commercial rights. That parallel development highlights Kushner’s deepening involvement in the sports‑media ecosystem. Josh Kushner is not a newcomer to high‑stakes deals.
He is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former President Donald Trump. While the family name carries political connotations, Josh has carved out a reputation in venture capital, focusing on technology, media, and now, professional sports.
His partner in the Lakers purchase, Bob Iger, stepped down as CEO of The Walt Disney Company earlier this year after a long tenure that saw Disney acquire major entertainment assets and expand its global footprint. Iger’s experience in media distribution, content creation, and brand management is expected to complement Kushner’s financial acumen. The acquisition, if finalized, would mark a historic moment not only for the Lakers but also for the broader sports business landscape.
It underscores how the valuation of elite franchises has surged, driven by lucrative broadcasting contracts, global merchandising, and the growing appetite for live sports content across streaming platforms. Analysts predict that the deal could set a new benchmark for future transactions involving other NBA teams, European football clubs, and major league franchises. For fans eager to follow the Lakers’ upcoming season, the team’s games will continue to be broadcast on Sky Sports, with options to stream without a contract via the NOW service.
The league’s schedule, including regular‑season matchups and the playoffs, will be available across multiple platforms, ensuring that the global audience can stay connected to the action regardless of ownership changes. In summary, the prospective sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger represents a confluence of financial ambition, media expertise, and sports passion. With a price tag that eclipses previous records, the transaction highlights the escalating commercial value of premier sports properties. As the NBA Board of Governors reviews the proposal, stakeholders—from longtime fans to corporate partners—will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds for one of the world’s most beloved basketball franchises.