Los Angeles Lakers Set for Record Sale to New Owners

The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of another ownership change, marking the second time in just over a year. This change, with a record-setting price tag, involves prominent figures from the business world.

Bob Iger, former CEO of Walt Disney Company, and Joshua Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital, are acquiring the NBA team from Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners. The deal’s value stands at a remarkable $12.5 billion, as reported by sources familiar with the transaction.

“As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world,” Iger and Kushner stated. “We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles.”

This acquisition follows Walters’s previous purchase of a majority stake in the Lakers for $10 billion, which was a record-breaking fee at the time. The Buss family had maintained control until then, with Jeanie Buss staying on as governor. Her role under the new ownership remains undetermined.

The buying price surpasses last year’s $6.1 billion sale of NBA rival Boston Celtics. For Iger, aged 75, this marks his second venture into professional sports. He and his wife, journalist Willow Bay, also own a stake in NWSL’s Angel City FC.

Kushner, 41, comes from a notable family. He is the son of Charles Kushner, U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco, and the brother of Jared Kushner, who is related to former President Trump. Joshua Kushner has a minority stake in the Miami Heat, acquired last year.

The NBA is currently seeking bids for expansion franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas, aiming to expand the league to 32 teams.

On the court, the Lakers, guided by their new star guard Luka Doncic, are navigating a new era. Doncic joined the team in a major trade with the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025 and extended his contract last August.

The Lakers will continue without one of their legends, LeBron James, who departed in free agency. James announced he would conclude his career with the Philadelphia 76ers.