The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly set to change ownership in a transaction valuing the historic NBA franchise at approximately $12.5 billion, according to reporting by ESPN. The proposed sale to American investors Josh Kushner and Bob Iger would establish a new valuation record for a professional sports franchise, arriving less than a year after Mark Walter acquired controlling stake in the team.
The Path from Mark Walter to Kushner and Iger
Mark Walter purchased the majority stake in the Lakers from the Buss family for roughly $10 billion, a deal approved unanimously by the NBA Board of Governors last October, according to ESPN and Sky Sport Italia. Prior to shifting their strategy toward the Lakers, Kushner and Iger had explored involvement in the NBA’s potential expansion efforts in Las Vegas, as noted by ESPN and La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Backgrounds of the Incoming Buyers
Josh Kushner, 41, is the founder and CEO of New York-based venture capital firm Thrive Capital and a co-founder of Oscar Health, holding a net worth estimated by La Gazzetta dello Sport at $5.2 billion. Bob Iger, 75, is a prominent entertainment executive who served as CEO of The Walt Disney Company from 2005 to 2020 and again from November 2022 to March 2026, overseeing major acquisitions including Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, as detailed by ESPN. Iger previously invested in Thrive Capital alongside Kushner in 2022, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Future Outlook and NBA Approval Process
In a joint statement released to ESPN and reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Kushner and Iger stated, “Siamo da sempre tifosi Nba e siamo profondamente onorati di questa opportunità di poter diventare i custodi dei Los Angeles Lakers, una delle franchigie sportive più iconiche del mondo.” The incoming owners expressed respect for the leadership of Jerry and Jeanie Buss, pledging a long-term commitment to build on that vision, compete at the highest level, and serve the city of Los Angeles. The transaction remains subject to formal review and approval by the NBA Board of Governors, according to Sky Sport Italia.
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