The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in professional sports, are set to change hands in a record-breaking $12.5 billion deal. The acquisition marks a significant shift in ownership, occurring less than a year after Mark Walter secured a majority stake in the organization. The controlling interest is being purchased by a group led by Josh Kushner, founder of the venture capital firm Thrive Eternal, and former Disney CEO Bob Iger.

This transaction eclipses the previous valuation record set in October 2025, when Walter acquired his stake from the Buss family for an estimated $10 billion. In a joint statement, Kushner and Iger expressed their commitment to maintaining the franchise’s legacy, emphasizing their intent to build upon the foundation established by the Buss family. The incoming owners highlighted their dedication to competing at the highest level while serving the Los Angeles community.

Mark Walter, who also maintains ownership interests in the LA Dodgers, reflected on his tenure with the organization, noting the deep connection between the team and the city. The transition comes at a pivotal time for the Lakers, who are currently navigating a new era following the departure of LeBron James. Star player Luka Doncic, who joined the team in early 2025, has publicly welcomed the new ownership, expressing optimism about the future and the potential for the franchise to secure another NBA championship.

The Lakers remain a global powerhouse with 17 NBA titles to their name, trailing only the Boston Celtics. As the organization prepares for this transition, the focus remains on sustaining the competitive excellence that has defined the team for decades.

Key Takeaways

• The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record-breaking $12.5 billion, surpassing the previous $10 billion valuation.
• The new ownership group is led by Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger.
• The transition follows a brief tenure by Mark Walter and comes as the team looks to rebuild its championship aspirations around star player Luka Doncic.

Editor’s Analysis & Impact

The $12.5 billion valuation of the Los Angeles Lakers underscores the hyper-inflation of premium sports assets in the current market. As traditional media models shift, iconic franchises with global brand recognition are increasingly viewed as ‘trophy assets’ by private equity and high-net-worth investors. This deal signals that despite the volatility in broader financial markets, the scarcity value of top-tier NBA teams continues to drive record-breaking capital inflows. Looking ahead, the involvement of figures like Bob Iger suggests a potential pivot toward deeper integration of media, entertainment, and digital content strategies to maximize the Lakers’ global footprint. The challenge for the new ownership will be balancing these commercial ambitions with the high-pressure expectations of a fanbase accustomed to championship-level performance, particularly as the team transitions into a post-LeBron James era.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are the new owners of the Los Angeles Lakers?
A: The controlling interest is being acquired by a group led by venture capitalist Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Q: How does this deal compare to previous Lakers ownership valuations?
A: This $12.5 billion deal sets a new record for the franchise, surpassing the $10 billion valuation established by Mark Walter in late 2025.