Josh Kushner and Bob Iger Reportedly Buying LA Lakers for $12.5 Billion

Josh Kushner and Bob Iger are reportedly purchasing the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $12.5 billion.

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to change hands in what would be the most expensive sports franchise sale in history, with a price tag of $12.5 billion. According to ESPN, venture capitalist Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger are the buyers in the deal, first reported on Wednesday. The Buss family has owned the Lakers since Jerry Buss purchased the team in 1979 for $67.5 million. The franchise has won 17 NBA championships and is one of the most globally recognized sports brands in the world. No further details about the ownership structure or timeline for completing the sale were reported. The reported purchase price dwarfs previous record sports sales. For context, the NFL's Washington Commanders sold for $6.05 billion in 2023, then considered a landmark figure. A $12.5 billion valuation would more than double that benchmark within the major North American sports market.

Why it matters

A $12.5 billion sale would set a new record for any professional sports franchise globally, signaling the accelerating valuation of top-tier sports properties as media and investment interest intensifies. The identity of the new owners — a prominent venture capitalist and a former major media CEO — could reshape how the Lakers operate commercially.

What's next

The deal has not been officially confirmed by the parties involved; formal announcements and NBA Board of Governors approval would be required to finalize any ownership transfer.

Key facts

• The reported purchase price is $12.5 billion, according to ESPN
• Buyers are identified as Josh Kushner, a venture capitalist, and Bob Iger, former CEO of Disney
• The report was first published on Wednesday
• The Buss family acquired the Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million
• The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships
• The reported price would exceed the previous U.S. sports sale record of $6.05 billion paid for the Washington Commanders in 2023

Bias & framing notes

Both sources cited are secondhand — The Guardian attributes the report to ESPN, and no official confirmation from the Lakers, Kushner, Iger, or the NBA is noted. The story is based on a single originating report, which limits corroboration. The Warner Bros. Discovery story in Source 1 covers an entirely different event and was not relevant to this article.

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