Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner’s Proposed Lakers Deal: Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner Acquire Los Angeles Lakers at Record $12.5 Billion Valuation, Source Reports
Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner’s Proposed Lakers Deal: The Los Angeles Lakers could be heading toward a major change in ownership, with Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner reportedly involved in a deal that values the iconic NBA franchise at around $12.5 billion. If completed, the transaction would rank among the most significant deals in professional sports and further highlight the soaring financial value of major NBA teams.
The reported valuation reflects the Lakers’ enormous global popularity, strong commercial brand, media presence and long-term revenue potential. The development has attracted widespread attention across the sports and business world as fans and investors watch for further details about the proposed ownership transition.
Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner’s Proposed Lakers Deal: The Los Angeles Lakers are at the center of a major development in the sports business world, with former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Joshua Kushner agreeing to acquire the iconic NBA franchise from Mark Walter for a reported $12.5 billion. The transaction, if approved, would establish a new record valuation for an NBA team.
The deal comes less than a year after Walter acquired controlling ownership of the Lakers from the Buss family at a valuation of roughly $10 billion. The latest agreement therefore represents another major change in ownership for one of the most recognizable franchises in professional sports.
Key Points:
- Mark Walter has transferred his majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger, according to an official statement.
- The transaction reportedly puts the Lakers’ valuation at $12.5 billion, according to a source familiar with the deal who was not authorized to publicly discuss its financial terms.
- Walter’s ownership of the Lakers lasted less than a year. He also holds interests in the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Chelsea FC (Premier League), and the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA).
Iger and Kushner Join Forces for the Lakers
Bob Iger brings decades of experience in the global entertainment industry, having spent roughly 20 years leading Disney across two separate periods as CEO. Joshua Kushner, meanwhile, is the founder and managing partner of Thrive Capital, a prominent venture capital firm.
The two businessmen had previously been associated with efforts to pursue an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas. Instead, they have now moved toward acquiring an established franchise with one of the strongest brands in professional basketball.
A Record-Breaking $12.5 Billion Valuation
The reported $12.5 billion price tag makes the Lakers transaction one of the biggest deals ever involving a professional sports franchise. It also represents a significant increase from the approximately $10 billion valuation attached to Walter’s purchase of controlling ownership from the Buss family.
The proposed transaction still requires approval from the NBA Board of Governors, with the approval process expected to be addressed at the league’s September meeting.
Why the Lakers Are So Valuable
The Lakers are more than just an NBA basketball team. Their global fan base, championship history, media exposure, commercial partnerships and strong connection with Los Angeles make the franchise one of the most valuable brands in professional sports.
The latest valuation also highlights the broader growth in the financial value of major sports franchises. Investors increasingly view elite sports teams as long-term assets with significant opportunities across media, sponsorships, merchandise and global entertainment.
What Happens Next?
For now, the proposed sale remains subject to the required league approval. If the transaction is completed, Iger and Kushner will take over stewardship of one of the most famous franchises in basketball.
The deal also marks an unusually quick change in Lakers ownership, coming only around a year after Walter took control. For fans, the biggest question will now be how the new ownership group approaches the franchise’s basketball operations, business strategy and long-term vision.
The reported $12.5 billion Lakers deal is therefore more than an ownership change—it is another sign of how dramatically the business value of professional sports has evolved in recent years.
Who Is Bob Iger?
Bob Iger is a renowned American business executive best known for his long and influential leadership at The Walt Disney Company. He served as Disney’s CEO during two separate periods and played a major role in expanding the company’s global entertainment business.
Iger joined Disney in 1996 and became CEO in 2005, succeeding Michael Eisner. During his leadership, Disney completed several major acquisitions, including Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox, significantly expanding the company’s portfolio of entertainment brands.
After stepping down as CEO in 2020, Iger returned to lead Disney again in 2022 during a challenging period for the company. His second tenure continued until 2026, when he stepped down from the CEO position.
Beyond the entertainment industry, Iger has also been involved in investment and business ventures. His association with Joshua Kushner through Thrive Capital has added another dimension to his business activities.
Now, Iger is making headlines in the sports world after reports of his involvement with Joshua Kushner in the proposed acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers, a deal valued at approximately $12.5 billion.
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Who Is Joshua Kushner?
Joshua Kushner is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor and venture capitalist. He is best known as the founder and managing partner of Thrive Capital, a New York-based venture capital firm that invests primarily in technology and high-growth businesses.
Kushner established Thrive Capital in 2009 and gradually transformed it into a major investment firm. The company has invested in several well-known technology businesses, including OpenAI, Instagram, Spotify and Stripe. His success in venture capital has made him one of the notable figures in the American technology and investment sector.
Apart from Thrive Capital, Kushner is also known for his role as a co-founder and vice chairman of Oscar Health, a technology-driven health insurance company that was launched in 2012.
Kushner is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump. While his family name has attracted considerable public attention, Joshua Kushner has established his own career through entrepreneurship, venture capital and investments in technology companies.
His interests also extend beyond the technology sector. Kushner has participated in the sports business, including becoming a minority investor in the Memphis Grizzlies. His involvement in sports has added another dimension to his growing business portfolio.
Kushner is now receiving renewed attention in the sports world following reports that he and Bob Iger are involved in a proposed deal for the Los Angeles Lakers, which is reportedly valued at around $12.5 billion. If completed, the transaction would rank among the most valuable sports franchise deals ever.
