The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold to a group led by Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger for a record $12 billion, according to reports. The deal marks another record-setting sale for the NBA franchise, which was previously purchased by its current owner, Mark Walter, for $10 billion in 2025.
Walter confirmed the sale, stating that owning the Lakers has been "one of the great honors of my life." He expressed gratitude to the Buss family, players, and staff, adding that the team "belongs to Los Angeles."
Kushner, the younger brother of Jared Kushner, previously was part of an investment group that attempted to buy stakes in the World Cup from FIFA. Iger recently concluded his second tenure as CEO of Disney, a company that has a long-standing partnership with the NBA through ESPN.
In a joint statement, Kushner and Iger, describing themselves as "lifelong NBA fans," expressed their honor in becoming stewards of the Lakers. They stated their intention to "build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles."
The sale is the latest in a series of high-value transactions involving major sports franchises. The Lakers, with their storied history and prominent market presence, continue to be a significant asset in the sports industry.