The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of a historic transaction that could set a new benchmark for sports franchise valuations. Venture capital titan Josh Kushner, who recently found himself at the heart of FIFA's ambitious commercial overhaul, is poised to acquire the storied NBA team for an eye‑watering $12.5 billion, which translates to roughly £9.25 billion.
This figure would eclipse all previous sales in the league and indeed in professional sport worldwide. According to sources at Sky Sports News, Kushner will join forces with former Disney chief executive Bob Iger to complete the purchase from Mark Walter, a co‑owner of the Chelsea football club who currently holds a majority stake in the Lakers.
Walter originally bought the franchise last year for what was then a record‑breaking £7.4 billion, and the proposed deal would deliver him a substantial return on that investment in just a short span of time. Both Kushner and Iger issued a joint statement expressing 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. They also paid tribute to the previous owners, noting, "We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of [former Lakers owners] Jerry and Jeanie Buss.
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 dates back to 2021, when he initially purchased a 27 percent stake in the organization. Over the following year he increased his holding to an 85 percent controlling interest, effectively making him the principal owner. In addition to his Lakers interests, Walter also co‑owns a portion of the Los Angeles Dodgers alongside Todd Boehly, further cementing his status as a major figure in Southern California sports.
The Buss family, which historically held a 15 percent share of the franchise, has not publicly confirmed whether its remaining stake will be part of the transaction. If it is, Kushner and Iger could end up with virtually full ownership, though the exact breakdown will likely be clarified once the NBA Board of Governors reviews and approves the deal. Any sale of an NBA team must receive the blessing of the league’s Board of Governors, a body that evaluates ownership changes for financial stability, market impact, and compliance with league rules. The approval process is expected to move quickly given the high profile of the buyers and the financial magnitude of the deal.
Josh Kushner is best known as the founder of Thrive Capital, a venture‑funding firm that has backed a range of high‑growth technology companies. His involvement in the sports world has expanded in recent months, notably when Thrive Capital became entangled in a proposed sale of a stake in the FIFA World Cup commercial rights. That episode highlighted Kushner’s growing influence at the intersection of sports, media, and finance.
Bob Iger, meanwhile, stepped down as CEO of The Walt Disney Company earlier this year after a long and highly successful tenure that saw the acquisition of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox. His experience in media, branding, and global entertainment is expected to complement Kushner’s financial expertise, creating a partnership that could reshape the Lakers' business model and fan engagement strategy.
Kushner’s family connections also attract attention. His older brother, Jared Kushner, is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, linking the family to a prominent political lineage.
While the political ties are peripheral to the Lakers deal, they often surface in media coverage of any venture involving the Kushner name. The potential sale arrives at a time when the NBA is experiencing a surge in global popularity, driven by international star players, robust streaming platforms, and a renewed focus on social issues that resonate with younger audiences. The Lakers, with their 17 championship banners and a roster that includes high‑profile athletes, sit at the epicenter of that growth. New ownership could leverage cutting‑edge technology, data analytics, and innovative fan‑experience initiatives to further elevate the franchise’s brand.
For fans eager to follow the Lakers’ on‑court performance, the team’s games remain available via Sky Sports, which offers live coverage of both the regular season and the playoffs. Viewers without a traditional Sky subscription can also access the channel through the NOW streaming service, which provides contract‑free viewing options. This flexibility ensures that the Lakers’ global fanbase can stay connected, regardless of their preferred method of consumption.
In summary, the proposed £9.25 billion acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger represents a landmark moment in sports business. It not only underscores the escalating financial value of premier sports franchises but also signals a new era of ownership that blends venture capital acumen with entertainment industry expertise. Should the NBA Board of Governors give its nod, the Lakers will embark on a fresh chapter under the guidance of two seasoned leaders, poised to build on a rich legacy while charting innovative paths for the future.