The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of being sold to businessmen Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record $12.5 billion, according to reports published by La Presse, citing an anonymous source close to the file speaking to the Associated Press. The transaction represents the second sale of this type within a single year, eclipsing previous valuations across American professional sports.
A Record-Breaking Valuation in American Sports
The $12.5 billion price tag solidifies a remarkable upward trajectory for NBA franchise values. Last year, when Mark Walter acquired a majority stake from the Buss family, the franchise was valued at $10 billion. The incoming ownership group is led by Josh Kushner—the brother of Jared Kushner—alongside Bob Iger, former boss of Disney. Neither party has publicly released specific financial details of the transaction, which was initially broken by ESPN.
This valuation leaves previous benchmarks far behind. Just three years ago, Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for $3 billion. That record was reset when the Boston Celtics sold for slightly over $6 billion last year, a figure that Walter’s acquisition of a majority stake in June 2025 had already pushed higher.
Bypassing Expansion Plans for Immediate Ownership
Before turning their attention to the California franchise, Kushner and Iger were actively pursuing a new expansion team in Las Vegas. By acquiring the Lakers, the duo no longer needs to wait for league expansion decisions, which La Presse notes could potentially materialize for the 2028–2029 season if the league moves forward.
The sale is subject to formal approval by the NBA Board of Governors, a process that can take several weeks. The board’s next scheduled meeting will take place next month in New York, where owners will review the transaction.
Transitioning Era for the Purple and Gold
The blockbuster sale comes just weeks after a seismic roster shift in Los Angeles. LeBron James, the league’s all-time leading scorer, departed the Lakers after eight seasons to become a free agent, ultimately signing with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Despite the roster turnover, the Lakers remain one of the most recognizable brands in global sports. The franchise has captured 17 NBA championships since its founding in Minneapolis, sitting second all-time behind the Boston Celtics’ 18 titles, and consistently ranks near the top of the league in merchandise sales.
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