The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in professional basketball, are on the cusp of a landmark transaction that could reshape the economics of sports ownership. According to reports from Sky Sports News, venture‑capitalist Josh Kushner, best known for his involvement in the proposed overhaul of FIFA's commercial framework, is preparing to acquire the team for an eye‑popping $12.5 billion – roughly £9.25 billion at current exchange rates. This price would eclipse all previous deals for an NBA club and set a new benchmark for the valuation of elite sports properties. Kushner will not be acting alone.
He is teaming up with former Disney chief executive Bob Iger, the media mogul who guided The Walt Disney Company through a period of rapid growth and strategic acquisitions before stepping down earlier this year. Together, Kushner and Iger intend to purchase the Lakers from Mark Walter, a prominent figure in the world of sports investment who currently co‑owns the franchise alongside his partners at the Chelsea Football Club ownership group. Walter entered the Lakers’ ownership picture only a few years ago. In 2021 he acquired a 27 percent stake in the team, and by the following year he had increased his holding to a commanding 85 percent, effectively making him the principal owner.
At the time of his initial purchase, the transaction was valued at around £7.4 billion, which itself was a record for an NBA franchise. The new deal, however, promises Walter a substantial return on his investment, underscoring the rapid appreciation of sports assets in a market fueled by global broadcasting deals, lucrative sponsorships, and a burgeoning fan base that extends far beyond the United States.
In a joint statement to Sky Sports News, Kushner and Iger expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity, emphasizing both their personal passion for the game and their commitment to stewarding the Lakers’ 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.
The pair also paid tribute to the Buss family, who have been synonymous with the Lakers for decades. "We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of [former Lakers owners] Jerry and Jeanie Buss," the statement read. "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, long regarded as the custodians of the Lakers’ brand, previously held a 15 percent stake in the organization. It remains unclear whether that portion will also be transferred to the new ownership group or retained by the Buss family as a minority interest.
Whatever the final arrangement, the overarching goal articulated by Kushner and Iger is to maintain the Lakers’ competitive edge while expanding their cultural and commercial footprint. The proposed acquisition is not merely a financial transaction; it also requires the blessing of the NBA’s Board of Governors, the body that oversees all major ownership changes within the league. Approval from this board is a standard procedural step, ensuring that any new owner meets the league’s stringent standards for financial stability, ethical conduct, and commitment to the sport’s integrity.
The timing of the deal is noteworthy, arriving just a month after Kushner’s investment firm, Thrive Capital, found itself at the centre of a high‑profile discussion concerning the sale of a stake in the FIFA World Cup commercial rights. Josh Kushner’s background adds an additional layer of intrigue to the narrative.
He is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
While Josh has carved out his own reputation as a savvy investor in technology and media, his familial connections inevitably draw public interest and scrutiny. Bob Iger, on the other hand, brings decades of experience in media, entertainment, and corporate governance, having overseen Disney’s acquisition of major assets such as Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox.
Their combined expertise could position the Lakers to capitalize on emerging revenue streams, including digital content, international fan engagement, and innovative partnership models. Beyond the ownership change, the news also touches on the broader landscape of sports broadcasting in the United Kingdom.
Sky Sports, a leading sports network, continues to hold the rights to air NBA games live, offering viewers the ability to stream matches without a long‑term contract through the NOW platform. This accessibility has contributed to the growing popularity of basketball among British audiences, further enhancing the league’s global reach.
In summary, the impending sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger represents a watershed moment in the business of sports. The deal’s staggering valuation underscores the escalating market value of premier sports franchises, while the involvement of high‑profile investors signals a strategic push to fuse traditional sports with cutting‑edge media and technology. As the transaction moves through the necessary regulatory approvals, fans, analysts, and industry insiders will be watching closely to see how the new ownership will shape the Lakers’ future on and off the court, and what ripple effects this may have across the NBA and the wider world of professional sports.