Lakers’ $12.5 bn Takeover: Kushner and Iger Take the Helm

Mon Sep 07 2026 12:44:14 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Los Angeles Lakers are headed to new ownership in a $12.5bn deal by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, marking a historic shift in NBA franchise value.

The LA Lakers will be sold for a record‑breaking $12.5 bn ($9.3 bn) in a deal led by Josh Kushner and former Disney chief Bob Iger. The sale follows Mark Walter’s purchase of a majority stake last year, a move that also set a prior record of $10 bn. The new owners boast extensive NBA experience and aim to build on the Lakers’ rich legacy that spans 17 championships. Star player Luka Dončić lauds the takeover, expressing excitement to return to L.A. for a new era of competition. The transaction signals a new chapter for one of the world’s most iconic sports franchises.

Lakers’ $12.5 bn Takeover: Kushner and Iger Take the Helm

The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold to a new ownership group, with business magnate Josh Kushner and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger taking control for a record‑breaking $12.5 bn (£9.3 bn) in cash.

Less than a year after Mark Walter acquired a majority stake in the franchise for an estimated $10 bn, the Lakers are once again changing hands. Walter’s purchase set a previous record for NBA franchise sales, and the current deal tops that benchmark by a sizable margin.

Kushner, the brother‑in‑law of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s son‑in‑law Jared Kushner, and Iger, who had previously led The Walt Disney Company, are both long‑time NBA fans. In a joint statement, they pledged to “build on the foundation laid by the Buss family, compete at the highest level, and serve the Lakers, their fans and the city of Los Angeles” during a “long‑term commitment” to the franchise.

The Lakers, which hold 17 NBA championships—just one short of the Boston Celtics’ record—are in the midst of a playing‑staff overhaul. The departure of LeBron James left star Luka Dončić, acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025, as the team’s primary talisman. Dončić welcomed the change in ownership, saying on social media: “Being a Laker means everything to me, and I’m excited to bring a championship back to LA.”

The sale also comes amid broader discussions of ownership structures in professional sports. Kushner’s involvement followed a recent high‑profile controversy around FIFA’s governance, showcasing his interest in influencing global sporting institutions.

With the Lakers now under new stewardship, analysts predict a strategic focus on blending seasoned NBA experience with fresh capital to sustain the franchise’s historic success and reinforce its market position in the crowded Los Angeles sports landscape.