SAEDNEWS: The Los Angeles Lakers are set to be sold for $12.5 billion to a group led by Josh Kushner and Disney CEO Bob Iger, in a deal that would establish a new record for the most expensive sports team sale.
According to SaedNews: The Los Angeles Lakers are set to change hands in a historic $12.5 billion transaction involving a group led by Josh Kushner and Disney CEO Bob Iger, a deal that would become the most expensive sale of a sports team ever.
Mark Walter decided to sell the Lakers only a year after acquiring controlling ownership from the Buss family. In June 2025, Walter paid $10 billion to become the team’s principal owner, setting a record at the time. The proposed sale would leave him with an estimated $2.5 billion profit.
Kushner and Iger had previously sought to bring a team in Las Vegas into the NBA as part of the league’s expansion, but later turned their attention to purchasing the Lakers. Reports say they submitted their offer to Walter on Sunday, with negotiations moving rapidly.
In a joint statement, Kushner and Iger said they were proud, as lifelong NBA fans, to have the opportunity to lead the Lakers, describing the franchise as one of the world’s most iconic sports clubs.
Iger has also said he will honor Walter’s existing agreement with Jeanie Buss. Buss will remain the Lakers’ governor and is expected to serve in that role for five years under the previous arrangement.
Walter, who also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers, will retain ownership of the baseball team. The Lakers sale comes as he faces a federal investigation into the disclosure of loans involving his companies, although the investigation has not been cited as a reason for the sale.
Josh Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, previously held minority stakes in the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat. If the Lakers purchase is completed, he will have to relinquish those holdings.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson welcomed Iger’s arrival, writing that fans could not have two better owners. He said he had known Iger for more than 40 years, adding that Iger had always loved the Lakers and basketball and would bring championships back to Los Angeles.
The Lakers finished last season with a 53-29 record, defeated Houston in the first playoff round and then lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. Luka Doncic remains with the team for next season, while LeBron James has left the Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers.
