The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of changing hands in what could become the most expensive sports franchise transaction ever recorded, with a price tag of roughly $12.5 billion (about £9.25 billion). The buyer is Josh Kushner, a prominent venture‑capitalist who recently found himself at the heart of FIFA’s discussions about a new commercial framework for the world’s biggest football tournament. Kushner is not acting alone. He is teaming up with former Disney chairman and chief executive Bob Iger, the media executive who guided Disney through a period of rapid expansion and later oversaw the acquisition of major entertainment assets.
Together, Kushner and Iger intend to acquire the NBA team from Mark Walter, a co‑owner of Chelsea Football Club and a long‑time investor in Los Angeles sports properties. The information comes from Sky Sports News, which reports that the two have reached a definitive agreement to purchase the Lakers. Walter’s involvement with the Lakers began in 2021 when he bought a 27 percent share of the franchise.
Over the next year he increased his holding dramatically, taking control of roughly 85 percent of the club. At the time of his initial purchase, the price he paid set a new benchmark for NBA team valuations at around £7.4 billion. The new deal, if it closes, would represent a substantial upside for Walter, delivering a return that eclipses the original purchase price by a significant margin.
In a joint statement released to Sky Sports News, Kushner and Iger expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity. "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," they said. The pair also paid tribute to the previous owners, Jerry and Jeanie Buss, noting the respect they have for the Buss family's leadership and vision.
"Our long‑term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles," they added. The Buss family historically held a 15 percent stake in the Lakers, a portion of the ownership that has been integral to the franchise’s identity and community ties. It remains unclear whether that minority interest will be transferred to Kushner and Iger as part of the overall transaction, or whether the Buss family will retain a small share of the club after the sale. Any change of ownership in the NBA must be approved by the league’s Board of Governors, a body composed of team owners who vote on major business decisions.
The board’s sign‑off is expected to come after a thorough review of the buyers’ financial credentials and their commitment to the league’s standards. The timing of the approval process coincides with a broader period of scrutiny for Kushner’s investment activities.
Just a month prior, his firm Thrive Capital was thrust into the spotlight when it became involved in a proposal to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup commercial rights, a move that sparked debate about the intersection of private capital and global sport. Josh Kushner’s background provides additional context for his interest in the Lakers.
He is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump. While the family name has been associated with real‑estate development and political influence, Josh has carved out a reputation as a technology‑focused investor, backing a range of start‑ups in fintech, health‑tech, and media.
His partnership with Bob Iger, who stepped down as Disney CEO earlier this year after a storied career that included the acquisition of Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, signals a blend of Silicon Valley savvy and traditional media expertise. The potential acquisition also raises questions about the future direction of the Lakers franchise.
Under the Buss family, the team has enjoyed periods of both on‑court success—multiple championships in the 2000s and 2010s—and off‑court growth, including the development of the state‑of‑the‑art SoFi Stadium and the expansion of the Lakers’ global brand. Kushner and Iger have hinted that they intend to maintain the high standards set by their predecessors while exploring new revenue streams, such as digital fan experiences, international market expansion, and innovative sponsorship models that could leverage Iger’s deep connections in entertainment.
Beyond the Lakers, Mark Walter continues to hold a significant role in Los Angeles sports. He co‑owns the LA Dodgers alongside Todd Boehly, a partnership that has already seen the Dodgers secure a World Series title in 2020.
Walter’s diversified portfolio across major league baseball, the NBA, and European soccer underscores his status as a major figure in the sports‑investment landscape. For fans wondering when they can watch NBA games on Sky Sports, the network continues to broadcast live coverage of the regular season and playoffs. Viewers without a traditional Sky subscription can still access the channel through the NOW streaming service, which offers contract‑free viewing options. The platform provides high‑definition streams, in‑game analysis, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content, ensuring that supporters can follow the Lakers’ journey regardless of the outcome of the ownership change.
In summary, the prospective sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger represents a landmark moment in sports business, potentially setting a new precedent for franchise valuations. The transaction would not only reward Mark Walter for his earlier investment but also introduce a new ownership duo with complementary expertise in technology, media, and entertainment. Their stated commitment to honoring the legacy of the Buss family while pursuing ambitious growth strategies suggests that the Lakers could embark on another era of competitive excellence and commercial innovation, all while remaining a beloved institution for the city of Los Angeles and basketball fans worldwide.