The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in professional basketball, are on the verge of being transferred to a new ownership group in a transaction that would set a new benchmark for sports team valuations. The deal, reported to be worth approximately $12.5 billion (about £9.25 billion), would see venture‑capitalist Josh Kushner acquire the club. Kushner, who recently made headlines for his involvement in FIFA’s proposed commercial overhaul, is teaming up with former Disney chief executive Bob Iger to complete the purchase.
According to sources at Sky Sports News, Kushner and Iger intend to buy the Lakers from Mark Walter, a co‑owner of Chelsea Football Club who currently holds a controlling interest in the NBA team. Walter’s entry into the Lakers’ ownership structure began in 2021 when he purchased a 27 percent stake, and he subsequently expanded his holding to roughly 85 percent last year. At the time of that acquisition, the purchase price of £7.4 billion set a record for a sports franchise, but the new offer would eclipse that figure by a substantial margin, promising Walter a sizable return on his investment.
In a joint statement released to the media, Kushner and Iger expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity, emphasizing their lifelong fandom of the NBA and their respect for the legacy of the Lakers. "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 pair said.
They also paid tribute to the Buss family, who have guided the organization for decades, stating, "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." The Buss family historically retained a 15 percent share of the club, and it remains unclear whether that portion will also be transferred to the incoming owners or remain with the Buss family as a minority stake. The exact composition of the final ownership structure will be clarified once the transaction is completed and approved.
Any sale of an NBA franchise must receive the blessing of the league’s Board of Governors, a body composed of the owners of the 30 teams. Their approval is a standard procedural step designed to ensure that new owners meet the league’s financial and operational standards. Assuming the board gives its consent, the deal could close within the next few months, marking a historic moment for both the Lakers and the broader sports‑ownership landscape. Mark Walter’s involvement in the Lakers is part of a broader portfolio of sports investments.
In addition to his stake in the NBA team, Walter co‑owns the Los Angeles Dodgers alongside Todd Boehly, another prominent figure in the world of sports finance. This diversified approach to sports ownership reflects a growing trend among wealthy investors to assemble multi‑sport conglomerates, leveraging synergies across teams, media rights, and merchandising. Josh Kushner’s background is rooted in venture capital and technology‑focused investments.
He founded Thrive Capital, a firm that has backed numerous high‑growth startups and has become a notable player on Wall Street. His recent prominence in the global sports arena stems from his role in a proposed restructuring of FIFA’s commercial operations, which would have reshaped the financial flows of the world’s most popular sport. While that plan has yet to be implemented, Kushner’s involvement signals his ambition to influence major sports enterprises beyond the United States. Bob Iger, meanwhile, brings decades of experience in media and entertainment.
As the former chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, Iger oversaw the acquisition of major assets such as Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, and he played a pivotal role in the launch of Disney+. His expertise in branding, content creation, and global distribution could prove invaluable for the Lakers as they seek to expand their reach in an increasingly digital and international market.
The potential sale also arrives at a time when the NBA is expanding its global footprint. The league has been investing heavily in international broadcasting deals, digital platforms, and grassroots programs to grow the sport’s popularity outside North America. With Iger’s media acumen and Kushner’s venture‑capital network, the Lakers could become a flagship example of how traditional sports franchises adapt to a new era of streaming, social media engagement, and cross‑border fan experiences.
Beyond the business implications, the transaction carries personal connections that have attracted public interest. Josh Kushner’s older brother, Jared Kushner, is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former President Donald Trump, linking the deal indirectly to a high‑profile political family. While the Lakers transaction is purely a business matter, the familial ties have added an extra layer of media scrutiny. For fans of the Lakers and NBA enthusiasts in the United Kingdom, the sale raises questions about how the team’s games will be broadcast.
Sky Sports, a major sports broadcaster in the UK, currently holds rights to air NBA regular‑season and playoff games. Viewers can watch live action through the Sky Sports channel, or they can opt for the streaming service NOW, which offers contract‑free access to the same content. The new ownership may explore additional partnerships or digital platforms to enhance the viewing experience for a global audience.
In summary, the proposed £9 billion acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger represents a landmark moment in sports business history. It underscores the escalating valuations of elite franchises, the convergence of technology, media, and traditional sports, and the growing appetite among investors to own iconic cultural institutions. Should the NBA Board of Governors approve the deal, the Lakers will embark on a new chapter under the stewardship of two individuals whose backgrounds span venture capital, entertainment, and a lifelong passion for basketball.
The implications for the team’s competitive ambitions, fan engagement strategies, and global brand positioning will unfold over the coming years, offering a compelling case study of how legacy sports entities evolve in the 21st‑century marketplace.