Bob Iger and Josh Kushner Buy LA Lakers in Record $12.5 Billion Deal
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to transition to new ownership following a definitive agreement to sell the franchise for $12.5 billion to former Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Joshua Kushner. This transaction follows the Buss family’s sale of their remaining interest in the team, marking the second major ownership shift for the organization in approximately 14 months.
Financial Precedent and the Shift in Ownership
The $12.5 billion valuation, confirmed by CBS LA, establishes a new benchmark for professional sports franchise sales. This figure surpasses the $10 billion transaction involving Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners, who acquired a majority stake from the Buss family last year. According to reporting from The Athletic and The New York Times, the latest deal involves the full divestment of the Buss family’s remaining equity, effectively ending their long-standing control of the franchise. The previous record for an NBA franchise sale was the $6.1 billion acquisition of the Boston Celtics, a valuation that has now been eclipsed by the Lakers’ market performance.
Strategic Implications for the Lakers Roster
The transition arrives as the Lakers navigate a significant roster overhaul. Following the departure of LeBron James in free agency to the Philadelphia 76ers, the franchise has centered its competitive strategy around superstar guard Luka Doncic, who was acquired in a high-profile trade in February 2025. Doncic, who signed a contract extension last August, publicly expressed his commitment to the team’s future in the wake of the ownership announcement. The incoming ownership group, led by Iger and Kushner, issued a joint statement emphasizing their role as “stewards” of the franchise and their commitment to building upon the foundation established by Jerry and Jeanie Buss.
Local Economic Impact and Infrastructure
According to the BBC, Jerry Buss’s original 1979 acquisition of the Lakers for $67.5 million included the Los Angeles Kings and the Kia Forum, highlighting the historical integration of the team with local real estate and entertainment infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: The New Ownership Era
The arrival of Bob Iger, who previously purchased the NWSL franchise Angel City FC in 2024, and Joshua Kushner, a minority owner in the Miami Heat, signals a shift toward owners with established records in media and venture capital. While the role of Jeanie Buss under the new ownership structure remains subject to ongoing clarification, the transition is expected to be finalized as the NBA explores further expansion into markets like Seattle and Las Vegas. With the league potentially moving toward a 32-team structure, the Lakers’ new leadership will need to navigate the evolving landscape of media rights, regional broadcast revenues, and international brand expansion.
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