The Los Angeles Lakers have once again changed ownership, with investor Joshua Kushner and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger reportedly agreeing to pay a record sum of more than twelve billion dollars (rund 10,4 Milliarden Euro) for the iconic NBA franchise, according to sports broadcaster ESPN.
A Record-Breaking Valuation for the Lakers
The staggering agreement comes just a year after entrepreneur Mark Walter purchased the storied basketball organization for a then-record ten billion dollars in 2025. According to reports, the new valuation marks a dramatic two-billion-dollar jump in value within a single calendar year for the franchise, which built its global brand through legendary figures such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Reporting from ESPN indicates that Kushner and Iger had initially explored investing in a prospective expansion team in Las Vegas before abruptly pivoting toward an aggressive acquisition strategy for the Lakers. The franchise enters this new ownership era with star guard Luka Doncic leading the roster following the departure of LeBron James during the summer.
Who Are the New Owners?
Joshua Kushner is a prominent American investor and the brother of Jared Kushner, who is the son-in-law of Donald Trump. Recently, Joshua Kushner was reportedly slated to play a key role in a controversial FIFA deal regarding the sale of broadcasting rights for the men’s soccer World Cup, though that arrangement ultimately collapsed following intense backlash from the global football community.
Bob Iger brings decades of media and entertainment executive experience to the partnership. Iger previously served as the long-time chief executive of The Walt Disney Company, the major US media conglomerate that owns ESPN.
Honoring the Buss Family Foundation
In a joint statement released to the media, the incoming investors acknowledged the profound legacy left by the Buss family, who held majority ownership of the Lakers from 1979 until the team’s sale in 2025. Under the stewardship of the Buss family, the organization transformed into one of the most recognizable and commercially successful sports brands in the world.
“As lifelong NBA fans, we feel deeply honored to have the opportunity to take over the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most legendary sports teams in the world,” Kushner and Iger stated. “Our long-term goal is to build upon this foundation, play at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles.”
What Comes Next for Los Angeles
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the new leadership group shapes the front office and supports the roster around Doncic as the team prepares for the upcoming stretch of the NBA season.
