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 venture‑capitalist Josh Kushner, a figure who recently found himself at the heart of discussions surrounding FIFA’s proposed new commercial framework.
Alongside Kushner, former Disney chief executive Bob Iger is slated to co‑acquire the storied NBA team, according to information obtained by Sky Sports News. Kushner and Iger intend to purchase the Lakers from Mark Walter, a co‑owner of the English football club Chelsea, who originally secured the franchise last year for a then‑record £7.4 billion.
Walter’s investment has apparently appreciated dramatically, and the prospective sale promises him a substantial return on his capital. In a joint statement released to Sky Sports News, the two prospective owners expressed both humility and enthusiasm about 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," the statement read. They went on to acknowledge the contributions of former owners Jerry and Jeanie Buss, noting, "We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of [former Lakers owners] Jerry and Jeanie Buss." The declaration concluded with a forward‑looking promise: "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." This language underscores a dual focus on on‑court success and community engagement, themes that have become increasingly important in modern sports ownership.
Mark Walter’s involvement with the Lakers is part of a broader portfolio of American sports assets. In addition to his stake in the Lakers, Walter co‑owns a portion of the Los Angeles Dodgers alongside Todd Boehly. Walter originally bought a 27 percent share of the Lakers in 2021 and subsequently increased his holding to 85 percent last year, effectively giving him near‑complete control of the franchise. The Buss family, which historically retained a 15 percent interest in the team, has not publicly clarified whether that remaining slice will also be transferred to Kushner and Iger as part of the deal.
The final ownership structure will likely be confirmed once the NBA Board of Governors reviews and approves the transaction, a standard procedural step for any major change in franchise ownership. The timing of this prospective sale is noteworthy for several reasons. It arrives just weeks after Kushner’s investment firm, Thrive Capital, found itself entangled in a high‑profile proposal to sell a minority stake in the FIFA World Cup commercial rights.
The parallel negotiations illustrate how Kushner’s business interests span both American professional sports and global football, positioning him as a trans‑Atlantic sports‑investment figure. Family connections also add a layer of public interest. Josh Kushner’s older brother, Jared Kushner, is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
While the political affiliations of the Kushner family have sparked debate in other arenas, the focus here remains on the business and sporting implications of the Lakers’ ownership transition. Bob Iger’s involvement is equally significant. Iger stepped down as CEO of The Walt Disney Company earlier this year after a long tenure that saw the acquisition of major entertainment properties and the launch of Disney+. His move into sports ownership reflects a broader trend of media executives leveraging their expertise in content, branding, and global distribution to influence the sports entertainment landscape.
For fans, the change in ownership could bring new resources, innovative marketing strategies, and potentially a fresh approach to player acquisition and development. The Lakers, a franchise with 17 NBA championships and a global fan base, have long been a magnet for high‑profile athletes and celebrities. Maintaining competitive excellence while expanding the brand’s reach will likely be top priorities for Kushner and Iger.
The deal also raises questions about the future of NBA broadcasting rights, especially in markets like the United Kingdom where Sky Sports holds the live coverage. Sky Sports continues to promote its contract‑free streaming options, encouraging viewers to watch the NBA regular season and playoffs without a long‑term commitment. The platform also highlights the availability of the NOW streaming service for those who prefer an internet‑based solution. In summary, the prospective £9 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger marks a watershed moment in sports business history.
It underscores the escalating valuations of elite franchises, the growing convergence of media, technology, and sports capital, and the ever‑increasing global appetite for premium basketball content. Should the NBA Board of Governors grant its approval, the Lakers will embark on a new chapter under owners who bring a blend of venture‑capital savvy and entertainment industry experience, all while promising to honor the legacy of the Buss family and to strive for continued success on and off the court.