The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to undergo a historic ownership transition, with a proposed sale price of roughly $12.5 billion (about £9.25 billion), a figure that would eclipse any previous franchise deal in the NBA’s modern era. The buyer identified for this landmark transaction is venture‑capitalist Josh Kushner, a figure who recently found himself at the centre of discussions surrounding FIFA’s new commercial framework. According to sources at Sky Sports News, Kushner will partner with former Disney chief executive Bob Iger to acquire the storied franchise from Mark Walter, who currently co‑owns the team through his involvement with Chelsea Football Club. Walter, who entered the Lakers’ ownership group only a year ago, originally paid a then‑record £7.4 billion for the franchise, and the new offer promises him a substantial return on that investment.
In a joint statement released to the media, Kushner and Iger expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity, emphasizing their lifelong passion for the NBA and their respect for the Lakers’ legacy. “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. They also paid tribute to the Buss family, acknowledging the contributions of former owners Jerry and Jeanie Buss.
“We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of [former Lakers owners] Jerry and Jeanie Buss,” the statement read. “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.” Mark Walter’s involvement with the Lakers extends beyond this single deal. He initially acquired a 27 percent stake in the team back in 2021 and subsequently increased his holding to 85 percent last year, positioning himself as the dominant shareholder. Walter also maintains a minority interest in the Los Angeles Dodgers, a partnership he shares with fellow investor Todd Boehly.
The Buss family, which historically retained a 15 percent share of the Lakers, may also be part of the transaction, although it remains unclear whether their stake will be transferred to the Kushner‑Iger consortium as part of the sale. The proposed acquisition will need to clear the NBA’s Board of Governors, the league’s governing body that must approve any change in ownership. This procedural hurdle is standard for major franchise sales and ensures that new owners meet the league’s financial and ethical standards. The timing of the deal is notable, coming just weeks after Kushner’s investment firm, Thrive Capital, found itself entangled in a separate high‑profile negotiation involving a potential stake sale in the FIFA World Cup commercial rights.
Josh Kushner’s background adds another layer of intrigue to the story. He is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former U.S.
President Donald Trump. While Josh has carved out his own reputation as a successful tech‑focused investor, his family connections have often drawn additional media attention.
Bob Iger, on the other hand, stepped down as chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company earlier this year after a long and highly influential tenure that saw Disney expand its portfolio of content and streaming services dramatically. Iger’s experience in managing large entertainment properties is likely to be seen as a valuable asset in steering the Lakers through the evolving landscape of sports media, sponsorship, and global fan engagement.
The Lakers themselves are one of the most recognizable brands in global sport, boasting a championship pedigree that includes 17 NBA titles and a roster of legendary players ranging from Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Their home arena, Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center), sits in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and serves as a cultural hub for concerts, award shows, and other high‑profile events.
The franchise’s value is driven not only by on‑court performance but also by its expansive merchandising empire, lucrative television contracts, and a fan base that stretches across continents. Looking ahead, the new ownership group will likely focus on several strategic priorities. First, maintaining competitive excellence on the court remains paramount; this means investing in player development, scouting, and possibly leveraging analytics to gain a competitive edge.
Second, expanding the Lakers’ digital footprint will be crucial, especially as younger audiences gravitate toward streaming platforms and social media. Iger’s background in media could accelerate partnerships with streaming services, while Kushner’s tech‑savvy approach might inspire innovative fan‑engagement tools such as augmented‑reality experiences or blockchain‑based collectibles. Third, the owners will need to navigate the broader economic environment, which includes rising player salaries, evolving collective bargaining agreements, and the ongoing impact of global events on travel and scheduling.
The NBA’s recent push toward international growth—through exhibition games in Europe, Asia, and Africa—offers additional revenue streams, and a forward‑thinking ownership team could position the Lakers as a flagship franchise in those markets. Finally, community involvement will remain a cornerstone of the Lakers’ identity.
The team has long been involved in charitable initiatives across Los Angeles, supporting youth programs, education, and health initiatives. Maintaining and expanding these efforts will help preserve the franchise’s deep ties to the city and its diverse fan base. In summary, the prospective sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger represents a monumental moment in sports business, combining a record‑setting purchase price with a partnership that blends venture‑capital acumen and entertainment industry expertise.
If approved by the NBA Board of Governors, the deal will not only deliver a sizable profit to Mark Walter but also set the stage for a new era of strategic growth, on‑court ambition, and global brand expansion for one of the world’s most celebrated sports franchises.