The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of a landmark transaction that could set a new benchmark for sports franchise valuations. Venture capitalist Josh Kushner, best known for his involvement in the ambitious commercial overhaul proposed for FIFA, is slated to acquire the storied NBA team for an eye‑popping $12.5 billion, which translates to roughly £9.25 billion. Alongside Kushner, former Disney chief executive Bob Iger is also slated to join the purchase, according to information obtained by Sky Sports News. Kushner and Iger are expected to buy the Lakers from Mark Walter, who currently co‑owns the club through his partnership with Chelsea Football Club.
Walter entered the Lakers’ ownership picture just a year ago, when he paid what was then a record‑breaking £7.4 billion for the franchise. That purchase, which represented a massive leap in valuation for any professional sports team, now appears to be yielding a substantial profit for Walter, who is poised to reap a sizable return on his investment. In a joint statement delivered to Sky Sports News, Kushner and Iger expressed their enthusiasm and sense of responsibility.
"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. The pair 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." They went on to outline a long‑term vision for the club, emphasizing a commitment to build upon the foundation laid by the Buss family, to compete at the highest possible level, and to serve not only the team itself but also its passionate fan base and the broader Los Angeles community.
Their remarks signal an intention to preserve the Lakers' storied legacy while also seeking fresh opportunities for growth, both on and off the court. Mark Walter’s involvement with the Lakers is part of a broader sports portfolio that includes a stake in the Los Angeles Dodgers, which he co‑owns with Todd Boehly. Walter originally acquired a 27 percent share of the Lakers in 2021, before expanding his ownership to an 85 percent controlling interest last year.
The Buss family, which historically held a 15 percent stake, has not publicly confirmed whether that portion will also be transferred to Kushner and Iger as part of the deal, leaving some uncertainty about the final ownership breakdown. The proposed acquisition will need to be ratified by the NBA Board of Governors, the league’s governing body that must approve any change in team ownership. This step is standard procedure for high‑profile transactions and ensures that the new owners meet the league’s financial and operational criteria.
The timing of the deal is notable, arriving just a month after Kushner’s investment firm, Thrive Capital, found itself at the center of a separate, high‑stakes negotiation involving a potential stake sale in the FIFA World Cup commercial rights. Josh Kushner’s background extends beyond venture capital and sports. He is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former U.S.
President Donald Trump. This family connection has frequently placed the Kushners in the public eye, linking them to both business and political spheres. Meanwhile, Bob Iger, who stepped down as chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company earlier this year, brings a wealth of experience in media, entertainment, and brand management—expertise that could prove valuable in expanding the Lakers’ global footprint.
The Lakers, with their 17 NBA championships and a roster of legendary players ranging from Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, have long been a cultural touchstone not only for Los Angeles but for basketball fans worldwide. Their brand is synonymous with excellence, glamour, and a deep connection to the entertainment industry that surrounds them. The incoming owners have expressed a desire to honor that heritage while also exploring new revenue streams, such as digital media initiatives, international fan engagement programs, and innovative arena experiences.
If the deal closes, it will mark the most expensive sale of a sports franchise in history, eclipsing previous records set by teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Knicks. The transaction also reflects a broader trend of escalating valuations in professional sports, driven by lucrative broadcasting contracts, global merchandising, and the growing appetite for live entertainment in an increasingly digital age. For Lakers supporters, the news brings a mixture of excitement and curiosity. Fans will be watching closely to see how Kushner and Iger plan to balance the demands of competitive success with the commercial opportunities that come with owning a globally recognized brand.
Their commitment to "serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles" suggests a holistic approach that could see investments in community outreach, youth basketball programs, and partnerships with local businesses. The broader sports community is also taking note, as the deal could set a precedent for future high‑value transactions. Analysts predict that as media rights continue to soar and as teams expand their digital footprints, the ceiling for franchise valuations will keep rising.
The Lakers’ sale could therefore be a bellwether for the next generation of ownership structures, where tech‑savvy investors and seasoned entertainment executives collaborate to shape the future of sports. In the meantime, fans can continue to follow the Lakers’ on‑court performance, with the NBA regular season and playoffs available for live streaming on Sky Sports.
Those without a traditional Sky subscription can still access the games through the NOW streaming platform, which offers contract‑free viewing options. As the ownership transition unfolds, the Lakers remain a central storyline in the world of basketball, poised to write the next chapter of their illustrious history under new stewardship.