The Los Angeles Lakers franchise is on the brink of an extraordinary ownership change that could set a new benchmark for sports team valuations. According to reports from Sky Sports News, venture capitalist Josh Kushner, who recently played a pivotal role in shaping FIFA's proposed commercial framework, is poised to acquire the NBA powerhouse for an eye‑watering $12.5 billion, roughly £9.25 billion. This figure would eclipse any previous sale price for a professional sports club, marking a historic moment in the business of athletics.
Kushner is not undertaking the purchase alone. He will join forces with former Disney chief executive Bob Iger, a seasoned media executive who stepped down from Disney earlier this year after a long and influential tenure. Together, they intend to purchase the Lakers from Mark Walter, the co‑owner of Chelsea Football Club and a prominent figure in the Los Angeles sports scene.
Walter, who originally secured a 27 percent stake in the Lakers back in 2021, expanded his holdings to an 85 percent controlling interest last year, paying what was then a record £7.4 billion for the team. The forthcoming deal promises Walter a substantial return on his investment within a relatively short period.
In a joint statement released to Sky Sports News, Kushner and Iger expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity, emphasizing their lifelong passion for basketball and their respect for the franchise's storied 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 previous owners, Jerry and Jeanie Buss, noting the "immense respect" they hold for the Buss family's leadership and vision.
The new owners pledged a long‑term commitment to build on that foundation, to compete at the highest level, and to serve not only the team and its global fan base but also the broader Los Angeles community. The Buss family, which historically retained a 15 percent share of the club, may see its stake transferred as part of the transaction, although the exact details remain unclear. The sale will still need to clear the NBA Board of Governors, the league's governing body that must approve any change in ownership.
This step is standard procedure for high‑profile deals and ensures that the new owners meet the league's financial and operational standards. Mark Walter's involvement in the Lakers is part of a broader portfolio of sports investments.
In addition to his stake in the Lakers, Walter co‑owns the Los Angeles Dodgers alongside Todd Boehly, further cementing his influence in the city's major league sports landscape. His decision to sell the Lakers after a relatively short ownership period suggests a strategic move to capitalize on the rapid appreciation of franchise values in recent years. Josh Kushner's background adds an additional layer of intrigue to the deal.
As the founder of Thrive Capital, he has built a reputation for identifying high‑growth opportunities in technology and media. His recent appearance at the center of a proposed World Cup commercial restructure underscores his deep connections within the global sports and entertainment ecosystem. Moreover, his family ties—being the brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former President Donald Trump—have kept him in the public eye beyond purely business circles. Bob Iger's participation brings a different set of credentials.
Having led The Walt Disney Company for over a decade, Iger oversaw the acquisition of major entertainment assets such as Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, and he played a crucial role in expanding Disney's streaming platforms. His experience navigating the intersection of sports, media rights, and global branding could prove invaluable for the Lakers as they look to maximize revenue streams from broadcasting, merchandising, and digital engagement.
The potential acquisition arrives at a time when the NBA is experiencing unprecedented global growth. International viewership continues to rise, and the league's digital platforms are generating record streaming numbers.
For the Lakers, a club with a rich championship history and a roster that includes some of the most marketable athletes in the sport, the combination of Kushner's venture capital acumen and Iger's media expertise could accelerate the franchise's expansion into new markets, both domestically and abroad. Fans of the Lakers and NBA enthusiasts alike are eager to see how the new ownership will shape the team's future. Questions abound regarding potential investments in player development, arena upgrades, and community outreach programs.
Both Kushner and Iger have signaled that they intend to honor the legacy of the Lakers while also pushing the organization toward innovative, data‑driven strategies that align with modern sports business practices. The broader sports world will be watching closely, as this transaction could set a precedent for future deals involving other major franchises. If the sale proceeds at the reported valuation, it will reinforce the notion that elite sports properties are among the most valuable assets in the global entertainment market.
For those interested in following the Lakers' journey, Sky Sports continues to broadcast NBA games, including regular‑season matchups and playoff action. Viewers can watch live without a contract through the NOW streaming service, ensuring that fans worldwide can stay connected to the excitement of Los Angeles basketball as the team embarks on this new chapter under the stewardship of Josh Kushner and Bob Iger.