Josh Kushner and Bob Iger Buy Controlling Stake in LA Lakers for Record $12.5 Billion

Billionaire venture capitalist Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger have agreed to purchase a controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion, according to reporting from ESPN.

The transaction surpasses the previous valuation record set in 2025, when holding company TWG Global CEO Mark Walter purchased controlling ownership of the franchise for $10 billion from the Buss family, according to Sporting News. Walter’s purchase had previously marked the first time a U.S. sports franchise broke the $10 billion threshold.

According to ESPN, Kushner and Iger were initially involved in the NBA expansion process in Las Vegas before pivoting their strategy to make an aggressive offer to Walter for the Lakers. The deal establishes a new peak for American sports franchise valuations, eclipsing recent major sales across professional leagues.

As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss,

Josh Kushner and Bob Iger

Comparing U.S. Sports Franchise Valuations

While the Seattle Seahawks set an NFL record earlier in 2026 by selling for $9.612 billion to Vinod Khosla, according to Sporting News data, that figure sits nearly $3 billion below the newest Lakers valuation. Other notable recent transactions include the Boston Celtics selling for $6.1 billion to Bill Chisholm in 2025, and the NFL Washington Commanders fetching $6.05 billion from Josh Harris in 2023. Prior to Walter’s acquisition of the Lakers in 2025, Rob Walton purchased the NFL Denver Broncos for $4.65 billion in 2022, while Mat Ishbia acquired the NBA Phoenix Suns and WNBA Phoenix Mercury for $4 billion that same year. The $12.5 billion price tag solidifies the Lakers’ position as the most expensive team sale in U.S. sports history, resetting the financial benchmark for league ownership groups moving forward.