The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in professional basketball, are on the brink of a landmark transaction that could reshape the economics of sports ownership. According to sources at Sky Sports News, venture capitalist Josh Kushner, who recently played a pivotal role in shaping FIFA's proposed new commercial framework, is poised to acquire the team for an eye‑watering $12.5 billion – roughly £9.25 billion – a figure that would eclipse any previous sale in the history of the NBA. Kushner will not be acting alone. He is joining forces with former Disney chief executive Bob Iger, a seasoned media executive whose tenure at Disney included the acquisition of major entertainment properties and the launch of global streaming platforms.
Together, the pair intend to purchase the Lakers from Mark Walter, a co‑owner of the Premier League club Chelsea and a prominent figure in the U.S. sports investment landscape.
Walter, who originally secured a 27 percent stake in the Lakers back in 2021, expanded his holding to 85 percent last year, paying what was then a record £7.4 billion for the franchise. The proposed deal would represent a substantial return on Walter’s investment in just a short period. While the exact terms have not been disclosed, analysts suggest that the appreciation reflects both the growing global popularity of the NBA and the unique brand equity of the Lakers, whose iconic purple and gold colors are recognized worldwide.
The Lakers have long been synonymous with championship success, celebrity ownership, and a deep connection to the city of Los Angeles, factors that continue to drive their valuation upward. In a joint statement released to Sky Sports News, Kushner and Iger expressed 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. The statement went on to acknowledge the contributions of the Buss family, who previously owned the team.
"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 duo added. The Buss family historically held a 15 percent share of the organization, and it remains unclear whether that portion will be transferred to the new ownership group or retained by the Buss family.
The final ownership structure will be clarified once the NBA Board of Governors grants its approval, a standard procedural step for any change in franchise control. Beyond the headline numbers, the transaction carries broader implications for the sports and entertainment sectors.
Josh Kushner’s firm, Thrive Capital, has been at the center of several high‑profile deals, including a recent proposal to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup commercial rights. This demonstrates Kushner’s growing influence in the intersection of sports, media, and venture capital.
Meanwhile, Bob Iger’s recent departure from Disney after a distinguished career adds another layer of intrigue; his expertise in brand building and content distribution could prove invaluable in expanding the Lakers’ global reach, especially as the NBA continues to push into international markets. Mark Walter’s involvement in the deal is also noteworthy. In addition to his stake in the Lakers, Walter co‑owns the Los Angeles Dodgers alongside Todd Boehly, another prominent investor who has been active in acquiring and managing major sports properties.
Walter’s diversified portfolio underscores a trend among billionaire investors to assemble cross‑sport conglomerates that can leverage synergies across teams, media rights, and merchandising. The potential sale also arrives at a time when the NBA is exploring new revenue streams, including streaming partnerships and enhanced digital fan experiences. With Iger’s background in launching Disney+, the Lakers could benefit from innovative content strategies, such as behind‑the‑scenes documentaries, exclusive player interviews, and immersive virtual reality experiences for fans worldwide.
Kushner’s venture‑capital mindset may further accelerate investments in technology, data analytics, and fan engagement platforms, positioning the Lakers at the forefront of the next wave of sports entertainment. For fans of the Lakers and NBA enthusiasts in the United Kingdom, the question of when the league will be broadcast live on Sky Sports remains topical.
Sky Sports currently offers NBA coverage through its standard packages, and viewers can also stream games without a contract via the NOW platform. The league’s growing popularity in Europe has prompted broadcasters to expand their offerings, and the high‑profile nature of this sale could spur additional coverage and promotional activities. In summary, the prospective acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger marks a historic moment in sports business, setting a new benchmark for franchise valuations.
The deal reflects the escalating financial power of venture capital and media executives in the sports arena, while also promising fresh strategic direction for a team with a rich legacy. Pending NBA Board of Governors approval, the transaction could close within the coming months, ushering in a new era for the Lakers, their devoted fan base, and the broader landscape of professional basketball.