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The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of welcoming new majority owners in what could become the most expensive sports franchise sale in history. Investment magnates Josh Kushner and Bob Iger have reportedly agreed to acquire the team from Mark Walter for a staggering sum exceeding $12 billion, according to multiple sources cited by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
Pending approval from the NBA, this transaction would shatter previous records for franchise sales, marking a significant moment in professional sports business. Notably, this change in ownership would come less than a year after Walter secured majority control from the Buss family in a deal valuing the Lakers at around $10 billion.
The Men Behind the Deal
Josh Kushner, based in New York, is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist who founded Thrive Capital in 2009. Unlike many sports franchise owners, Kushner built his wealth through investments in technology and rapidly expanding companies rather than through traditional sports ownership channels.
Thrive Capital’s investment portfolio boasts some of the most influential tech companies, including Instagram, Spotify, Stripe, and OpenAI, positioning Kushner as a key player in the venture capital world.
Joining Kushner is Bob Iger, a towering figure in the entertainment industry best known for his tenure as CEO of Disney. Together, their combined expertise bridges Silicon Valley’s innovation landscape with Hollywood’s entertainment empire, creating a unique partnership to lead one of America’s most iconic sports franchises.
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