What Happened
On August 12, 2026, Josh Kushner, brother of former President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger, acquired a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Lakers NBA franchise. The deal is reportedly valued at $12.5 billion, establishing a new record for the sale of a North American sports team. This acquisition comes less than a year after Mark Walter, CEO and chairman of TWG Global, took a majority stake in the team in October 2025. Walter's previous purchase from the Buss family was valued at an estimated $10 billion, which itself was a record at the time. The transaction involves two prominent figures in business and media, signaling a significant shift in the ownership landscape of one of the NBA's most iconic teams. The Lakers, a franchise with 17 NBA titles, will now operate under the stewardship of Kushner and Iger, who expressed their long-term commitment to the team's legacy and competitive success.
What the Evidence Establishes
Multiple independent sources, including the BBC, The Hill, and Daily Caller, corroborate the core facts of the acquisition: Josh Kushner and Bob Iger are purchasing the Los Angeles Lakers for a reported $12.5 billion. This valuation is consistently cited as a record for an NBA team and among the highest for any North American sports franchise. The sale is from Mark Walter, who had acquired his majority stake from the Buss family in October 2025 for approximately $10 billion. Both Kushner and Iger issued a joint statement expressing their honor and commitment to the Lakers' legacy, stating, "As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honoured for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world." The historical context of the Lakers' ownership, tracing back to Jerry Buss's $67.5 million purchase in 1979, is also consistently reported, highlighting the exponential increase in the team's valuation over decades. The NBA Board of Governors had unanimously approved Walter's previous deal, suggesting a similar process will be required for this new transaction.
Where the Accounts Conflict
The primary accounts from BBC, The Hill, and Daily Caller are largely consistent regarding the key details of the Los Angeles Lakers' sale. All three outlets report the buyers as Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, and the sale price as approximately $12.5 billion, confirming it as a record. Minor variations exist in the precise phrasing of the valuation, with BBC stating "reported record-breaking $12.5bn" and The Hill noting "more than $12 billion." Daily Caller also uses "record-breaking $12 billion." These slight differences in numerical precision do not represent a material conflict but rather a common reporting nuance when dealing with large, estimated transaction figures. Furthermore, the sources consistently attribute the initial reporting to ESPN, indicating a shared primary source for the breaking news. There are no significant discrepancies concerning the identities of the parties involved, the previous owner Mark Walter, or the historical context of the Buss family's ownership. The joint statement from Kushner and Iger is quoted verbatim across the reports, reinforcing the factual alignment.
Context and Stakes
The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion underscores the escalating valuations of premier sports franchises, driven by global media rights, brand recognition, and limited supply. This transaction surpasses the previous record set by Mark Walter's $10 billion acquisition of the Lakers just ten months prior, indicating a rapid appreciation in asset value within the NBA. Josh Kushner's involvement brings a connection to political circles, given his brother Jared Kushner's relationship with former President Donald Trump. Josh Kushner was previously linked to a controversial, aborted plan to sell stakes in FIFA's competitions through his venture capital firm, Thrive Eternal, which was expected to lead the investor group for the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. Bob Iger, as the former CEO of Disney, brings extensive experience in media, entertainment, and brand management, which could influence the Lakers' future commercial strategies. The Lakers are one of the most successful NBA franchises, with 17 titles, and their ownership directly impacts a significant cultural and economic institution in Los Angeles and the broader sports world. The deal highlights the increasing intersection of sports, finance, and high-profile individuals.
What to Watch Next
The immediate next step will involve the formal approval process by the NBA Board of Governors. Given the unanimous approval of Mark Walter's previous acquisition in October 2025, a similar outcome is anticipated for the Kushner-Iger deal, though the process itself will be closely watched for any procedural details. Beyond approval, observers will monitor potential changes in the Lakers' organizational structure, management, and strategic direction under the new ownership. While Kushner and Iger expressed respect for the current leadership, including Jeanie Buss, their long-term vision for building on the team's foundation could involve new initiatives in marketing, technology, or player development. The financial implications for other sports franchises will also be a key area of focus; this record-breaking valuation could set a new benchmark, potentially driving up prices for other teams in the NBA and other major leagues. Any public statements or interviews from Kushner or Iger regarding their specific plans for the Lakers will provide further insight into their operational approach and investment philosophy for the iconic franchise.
Bottom Line
The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold to Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger for a reported $12.5 billion, establishing a new record for a North American sports franchise acquisition. This transaction, occurring less than a year after the team's previous record-setting sale to Mark Walter, underscores the rapidly appreciating value of elite sports assets. The new ownership brings together a venture capitalist with political ties and a seasoned media executive, signaling potential shifts in the team's strategic direction and commercial endeavors. The deal's magnitude reflects the robust financial health and global appeal of the NBA and its most prominent teams. While the immediate impact on team operations remains to be seen, the acquisition sets a significant precedent for future sports franchise valuations and highlights the increasing convergence of high finance, media, and professional athletics. The NBA Board of Governors' approval is the next procedural hurdle, after which the new owners' vision for the Lakers will begin to unfold.
DECLASSIFIED SOURCE: BBC - World (via Real-time Signal Upgrade)
Separate what looks backed, what is changing, and what still needs proof.
Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger purchased the Los Angeles Lakers for a reported $12.5 billion, setting a new record for a US sports team sale.
I'd be more convinced this deal is a good investment if someone could explain how the Lakers plan to increase revenue to justify a $12.5 billion price tag.
The article mentions the deal is valued at $12.5 billion, but I'd like to know more about the methodology used to determine this valuation. Was it based on revenue projections, asset assessments, or something else? It...
the media rights value for a team owned by disney's former boss is going to drive up broadcast costs everywhere.
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