sports business•Thu, August 13, 2026•4 min read

The $12.5 Billion Gamble: Why the Lakers Are Changing Hands Again

In a stunning move, the Los Angeles Lakers have been sold for a record-breaking $12.5 billion to a group led by Bob Iger and Josh Kushner. This marks the second ownership change for the historic franchise in just over a year. The deal raises immediate questions about the future stability of one of North America's most iconic sports brands.

A Record-Breaking Transaction

The landscape of professional sports ownership continues to shift at a breakneck pace. On Wednesday, reports confirmed that Bob Iger and Josh Kushner have reached an agreement to purchase a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal values the storied franchise at $12.5 billion, officially setting a new record for the highest valuation of any sports team in North America.

This acquisition is particularly notable given the timeline. Only last year, billionaire Mark Walter—who also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers—purchased a majority stake from the Buss family in a deal valued at $10 billion. The rapid turnover from $10 billion to $12.5 billion underscores the skyrocketing demand for marquee sports assets, despite recent federal investigations into Walter's broader financial empire.

The Los Angeles Lakers represent one of the most valuable assets in professional sports.

What This Means for the Lakers Organization

With ownership changing hands, stakeholders and fans alike are looking toward the future of the team's management. Early reports suggest that the new ownership group intends to honor the existing agreement that keeps Jeanie Buss as the team’s governor for at least five years. While Iger and Kushner have expressed their commitment to competing at the highest level, the long-term governance structure remains a point of interest for the basketball community.

Purchase Price: $12.5 billion, marking an all-time high for a sports team.
Previous Owner: Mark Walter, who acquired the team just over a year ago.
Leadership Status: Jeanie Buss is expected to remain in her role as team governor for at least five years.
Strategic Intent: Iger and Kushner have stated their commitment to building on the Lakers' legacy and competing for championships.

Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family.
— Mark Walter

Why the Industry is Paying Attention

The sale comes amid a broader trend of private equity and high-profile investors circling major sports organizations. For Josh Kushner, the deal arrives shortly after his involvement in significant negotiations regarding FIFA’s potential World Cup infrastructure. Meanwhile, for the NBA, the $12.5 billion price tag serves as a powerful indicator of the league's immense commercial strength and global brand appeal.

Key Takeaways

The Los Angeles Lakers were sold to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner for $12.5 billion.
This deal marks the second time the team has changed owners in just over 12 months.
The previous sale, led by Mark Walter, valued the team at $10 billion.
Jeanie Buss is slated to remain as the team's governor for at least five more years.
The transaction sets a new benchmark for North American sports franchise valuations.

FAQ

How much was the Lakers sale?

The Los Angeles Lakers were sold for approximately $12.5 billion.

Who are the new owners of the Lakers?

A group led by Bob Iger and Josh Kushner has agreed to buy a controlling interest in the franchise.

Is Jeanie Buss still involved with the Lakers?

Yes, current agreements stipulate that Jeanie Buss will remain as team governor for at least five years.

Why was the team sold again so soon?

Mark Walter, who bought the team last year for $10 billion, has now sold his controlling stake, leading to this new record-breaking valuation.