The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of an unprecedented transaction that could see the storied franchise change hands for a staggering $12.5 billion (approximately £9.25 billion). The prospective buyers are venture‑capitalist Josh Kushner, who recently played a pivotal role in shaping FIFA's new commercial model, and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger. According to sources at Sky Sports News, Kushner and Iger intend to acquire the NBA team from Mark Walter, a co‑owner of Chelsea Football Club, who currently holds a majority stake in the Lakers. Walter entered the Lakers' ownership picture just a year ago, when he purchased a 27 percent share in 2021 and subsequently expanded his holding to 85 percent last year.
At the time of that purchase, the price tag of £7.4 billion set a record for a sports franchise. The new deal, however, would dwarf that figure, promising Walter a substantial return on his investment within a remarkably short period. In a joint statement delivered to Sky Sports News, Kushner and Iger expressed their excitement 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 former owners, Jerry and Jeanie Buss, noting their "immense respect for the leadership and vision" that helped shape the Lakers into a global brand.
They pledged a "long‑term commitment" to build on that foundation, to compete at the highest level, and to serve the team, its passionate fan base, and the broader Los Angeles community. The Buss family, which historically retained a 15 percent stake in the organization, has not publicly confirmed whether its share will be transferred to the incoming owners. If the Buss stake is included, Kushner and Iger could end up controlling virtually the entire franchise, a scenario that would further consolidate decision‑making power and streamline future strategic initiatives. Any sale of this magnitude must clear the NBA Board of Governors, the league's governing body that reviews and approves ownership changes.
The board's approval process typically examines the financial stability of the buyers, their commitment to the league's values, and the potential impact on competitive balance. Given Kushner's track record in high‑profile investments and Iger's extensive experience leading a media conglomerate, the prospects of gaining board approval appear favorable, though no outcome can be guaranteed until a formal vote takes place.
The timing of the deal is notable. It arrives just weeks after Thrive Capital, the investment firm founded by Josh Kushner, found itself at the center of a proposal to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup commercial rights. That episode highlighted Kushner's growing influence in the sports‑entertainment nexus, suggesting that his acquisition of the Lakers could be part of a broader strategy to integrate media, technology, and live sports under a unified portfolio. Family connections also add a layer of public interest.
Josh Kushner is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
While the political ties are largely peripheral to the business transaction, they have attracted additional media scrutiny, especially given the high‑profile nature of both the Lakers brand and the NBA's global reach. Bob Iger, meanwhile, stepped down as CEO of The Walt Disney Company earlier this year after a long tenure that saw the acquisition of major assets such as Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox. His departure from Disney has freed him to explore new ventures, and the Lakers purchase may represent his first major foray into sports ownership.
Iger's expertise in content creation, distribution, and brand management could prove invaluable as the Lakers seek to expand their digital footprint, develop new fan‑engagement platforms, and leverage emerging technologies like virtual reality and blockchain for ticketing and merchandise. From a financial perspective, the $12.5 billion valuation reflects the soaring market value of elite sports franchises, driven by lucrative broadcast deals, global merchandising, and the growing appetite for live entertainment in an increasingly digital world.
The NBA's own media rights agreements, which include multi‑year contracts with major networks and streaming services, have contributed to a surge in franchise valuations across the league. The Lakers, with their storied history, star‑studded roster, and massive fan base, sit at the top of that valuation curve.
Looking ahead, the new ownership group may explore several strategic initiatives. First, they could invest heavily in player acquisition and development, aiming to keep the Lakers competitive on the court and to attract marquee talent. Second, they might deepen the team's global outreach, capitalizing on the NBA's expanding presence in markets such as China, India, and Africa.
Third, leveraging Iger's media background, the owners could launch original content series, behind‑the‑scenes documentaries, and exclusive digital experiences that deepen fan loyalty and open new revenue streams. The deal also raises questions about the future of the Lakers' home arena, the Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center). With ownership changing hands, there may be discussions about naming rights, facility upgrades, and broader partnerships with technology firms.
Given Kushner's venture‑capital roots, a partnership with fintech or crypto companies could be on the table, potentially reshaping how fans purchase tickets, merchandise, and engage with the team online. For Lakers supporters, the news is a mixture of excitement and caution.
While the promise of fresh investment and visionary leadership is appealing, fans will be watching closely to see how the new owners honor the legacy of the Buss family and maintain the team's competitive spirit. The Lakers have a tradition of winning championships, and any perceived shift away from that standard could spark intense debate among the fan community. In summary, the prospective sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger represents a landmark moment in sports business. It combines record‑breaking financial figures, high‑profile personalities, and strategic ambitions that could reshape the franchise's future.
Pending approval from the NBA Board of Governors, the transaction could close within months, ushering in a new era for one of the most celebrated teams in professional sports.