Bob Iger and Josh Kushner Buy LA Lakers for Record $12.5 Billion
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner have agreed to purchase the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter for approximately $12.5 billion, the highest price ever for a U.S. sports franchise. The deal, pending NBA Board of Governors approval, values the team 21% above the $10 billion Walter paid for a controlling stake just 14 months ago. The acquisition reflects surging sports franchise valuations and billionaire investment trends.
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Joshua Kushner's Lakers Purchase Seen as Tax Shelter for Carried Interest Income
Billionaire investor Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger have agreed to buy the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.5 billion. While the deal gives them an iconic NBA franchise with 17 championships, tax experts highlight significant tax benefits. Ram Ahluwalia of Lumida Wealth Management called the acquisition a 'powerful tax shield' to offset carried interest income from Kushner's investments in SpaceX, OpenAI, and Stripe. Sports teams allow owners to depreciate assets like player contracts and stadium infrastructure, generating paper losses that reduce taxable income, even as the team appreciates in value. The deal follows other high-profile team sales, including the Seattle Seahawks for $9.6 billion and the Boston Celtics for $6.1 billion. Broadcast rights and in-person experience spending have made franchise values compound faster than most asset classes.
Josh Kushner and Bob Iger acquire LA Lakers for $12.5 billion days after failed World Cup deal
Josh Kushner, the 41-year-old billionaire venture capitalist and brother of Jared Kushner, partnered with former Disney CEO Bob Iger to purchase the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter at a record $12.5 billion valuation. The deal came together in just three days, following Kushner's failed attempt to buy a stake in future World Cup profits through a controversial FIFA plan. Kushner, who founded Thrive Capital and Oscar Health, has a net worth of about $5 billion. He and his wife Karlie Kloss publicly distance themselves from the conservative politics of his brother and father. Iger, a longtime basketball fan, previously owned Clippers season tickets. The new owners must sell Kushner's minority stake in the Miami Heat to complete the Lakers purchase.
Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger to Buy Los Angeles Lakers for Record $12.5 Billion
Billionaire investor Joshua Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital, has announced a partnership with former Disney CEO Bob Iger to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.5 billion, pending NBA Board of Governors approval. The deal would be the largest sale price for a professional sports team in U.S. history. Kushner, 41, made his fortune through early investments in Instagram, Spotify, and OpenAI. His firm Thrive Capital has invested over $2 billion in OpenAI, including a recent $1 billion round at a $285 billion valuation. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised Kushner's investment style, saying he makes 'high-conviction bets' and doesn't care what other investors think. Kushner previously held stakes in the Memphis Grizzlies, and Thrive Capital already holds minority stakes in the San Francisco Giants and Miami Heat. Kushner is now the richest member of his famous family with an estimated $5.2 billion net worth.
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Wall Street Journal: After Lakers owner Walter sold the team, he also intends to sell his Chelsea shares
According to an exclusive Wall Street Journal report, Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and Dodgers, sold a controlling stake in the Lakers to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion, the highest price in sports history. The sale came after federal investigators began scrutinizing Walter's business empire, and his insurance companies urgently needed liquidity. A source revealed that Walter also expressed interest in selling his minority stake in Premier League club Chelsea. The Manhattan U.S. Attorney's Office and SEC are investigating how billions in loans flowed through third-party entities into Walter's accounts. Walter had only bought the Lakers a year earlier for $10 billion.
Los Angeles Lakers' Record $12.5 Billion Sale Resets Sports Team Market
Forbes reports that billionaire Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger are buying a controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers at a record $12.5 billion valuation, breaking Mark Walter's own record of $10 billion set less than a year ago. The deal resets the market for NBA and other professional sports teams, following other record sales in 2026 including the Seattle Seahawks ($9.6 billion) and San Diego Padres ($3.9 billion). The article highlights the exponential growth in sports team valuations, noting that the average NBA team value multiple has risen from 2.6 times revenue in 2000 to 12.9 times recently. Walter's 25% return in just 10 months is unprecedented for a sports team flip. Separately, Bloomberg reported that Walter is under investigation for failing to disclose loans from insurance companies he controls, and he is now raising money to pay down those loans.
Los Angeles Lakers Sold at Record $12.5 Billion Valuation
The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold at a record valuation of $12.5 billion, according to a report from ESPN that includes reactions from NBA executives and agents. The sale, involving a group led by Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner, marks a historic high for a sports franchise and resets the market for team valuations. The deal has sparked speculation about potential front office changes, including a possible role for former NBA star Chris Paul. The transaction, which sees Mark Walter selling his stake, has drawn widespread commentary from industry insiders and media outlets, highlighting the Lakers' status as a premier global sports brand and the growing financial power of professional sports teams.
Lakers Sold for Record $12.5 Billion; Capital Gains Tax Could Exceed $1 Billion
The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold for a record $12.5 billion to a group led by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, marking the largest team sale in professional sports history. The previous owner, Mark Walter, who held a 71% stake acquired in two tranches (27% in 2021 and 44% in October 2025), faces a substantial capital gains tax bill. The tax liability depends on the timing of the sale: if the second tranche sale closes after one year, it qualifies for long-term capital gains treatment (blended rate 37.1%), resulting in about $408 million in taxes on that portion. If it closes before the one-year mark, it is taxed as ordinary income (blended rate 54.1%), adding roughly $595 million. Combined with taxes on the first tranche (approximately $701 million), Walter's total tax bill could exceed $1 billion, wiping out a significant portion of his windfall.
Lakers to be sold to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner for $12.5 billion
The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record $12.5 billion to a group led by former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner. The sale comes just one year after Mark Walter bought the team. Multiple major news outlets including ESPN, CNN, and The Athletic report the deal, which would set a new record for a sports franchise sale. The transaction highlights the soaring valuations of professional sports teams and the involvement of high-profile media and investment figures.
Mark Walter's Lakers Sale to Josh Kushner Sparks Conspiracy Theories Amid Federal Fraud Probe
Mark Walter sold a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger at a record $12.5 billion valuation, just 14 months after buying the team for $10 billion. The sale has triggered widespread speculation because Walter is under federal investigation for potential fraud involving insurance loans tied to his conglomerate TWG Global. Adding to the intrigue, Kushner's separate deal to buy a portion of FIFA collapsed weeks earlier amid opposition from FIFA members. Critics and analysts question the timing, noting the Trump administration's probe into Walter and Kushner's family ties to Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. A White House spokesperson denied any administration involvement. The FBI seized Walter's phone last year, and two of his insurance companies reclassified billions in investments as affiliated.
MSGS Stock Surges on Report of LA Lakers Sale for $12.5 Billion
Shares of Madison Square Garden Sports (MSGS), the parent company of the New York Knicks, rose sharply on Wednesday following reports that a group led by former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Joshua Kushner plans to acquire a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal reportedly values the NBA franchise at approximately $12.5 billion. The news highlights the soaring valuations of professional sports teams and directly impacted MSGS stock, as investors reacted to the benchmark set by the Lakers' potential sale price. The report was published by Barron's and cited by Yahoo Finance.
Josh Kushner and Bob Iger agree to buy Los Angeles Lakers for record $12.5 billion
The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record $12.5 billion to a group led by venture capitalist Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger, according to an AP source. The deal, which requires NBA board approval, marks the second sale of the franchise in a year after Mark Walter purchased a controlling stake from the Buss family for $10 billion in 2025. Kushner and Iger, who had been pursuing an NBA expansion team for Las Vegas, will become stewards of the 17-time NBA champions. The sale price shatters previous records, including the $6 billion valuation of the Boston Celtics and Michael Jordan's $3 billion sale of the Charlotte Hornets. Lakers icon Magic Johnson praised the new owners, while star player Luka Doncic expressed excitement about the team's future. The sale comes amid reports of federal tax fraud investigations into Walter's business empire.
Lakers Sale to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner Raises Questions About Ownership and NBA Precedent
Mark Walter sold his majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner for $12.5 billion, netting a $2.5 billion profit just 10 months after purchasing the franchise from the Buss family. The sale raises multiple questions: why Walter would sell so quickly, especially amid an SEC investigation into his private credit holdings; how the NBA will react to a short-term ownership flip that could set a precedent for franchise instability; and how Iger and Kushner will manage the team, including spending on staff, ticket prices, and arena upgrades. The transaction requires NBA Board of Governors approval. Walter, who also owns the Dodgers and Sparks via Guggenheim Group, cited the investment as extraordinary but faces regulatory scrutiny.
Bob Iger and Josh Kushner Buy LA Lakers for Record $12.5 Billion
Bob Iger, former Disney CEO, and venture capitalist Josh Kushner have agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter for approximately $12.5 billion, the highest price ever paid for a U.S. sports franchise. The deal values the team 21% higher than the $10 billion Walter paid for a controlling stake just 14 months ago. Iger and Kushner, who jointly issued a statement expressing honor at becoming stewards of the iconic franchise, are buying the team that Jerry Buss transformed into a Hollywood-style entertainment phenomenon in the 1980s. Kushner's Thrive Capital and its permanent capital vehicle Thrive Eternal are involved; the latter previously attempted a $20 billion FIFA commercial rights deal that was shelved. Magic Johnson, a Lakers legend, publicly endorsed the new owners, citing Iger's long history with the team and Kushner's winning drive. The sale marks a rapid turnover for Walter, who had been expected to hold the team for decades.
Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner acquire Los Angeles Lakers at $12.5 billion valuation
Mark Walter has sold his majority equity stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger, according to a statement. The deal values the iconic NBA franchise at $12.5 billion, a person familiar with the matter told CNBC. Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital, and Iger, former Disney CEO, said in a joint statement they are honored to become stewards of the Lakers and committed to building on the foundation laid by Jerry and Jeanie Buss. The acquisition comes less than a year after Walter bought a controlling stake. Iger joined Thrive Capital earlier this year after stepping down as Disney CEO. Joshua Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump.
Bob Iger and Josh Kushner to Acquire Los Angeles Lakers
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital, have agreed to purchase the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, pending approval from the NBA Board of Governors. The pair confirmed the news in a statement to Business Insider, expressing deep honor at becoming stewards of the iconic franchise. The Lakers, valued at $10 billion by Forbes, are the fifth-most valuable sports franchise globally. The deal comes after billionaire Mark Walter acquired a controlling interest from the Buss family last year. Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, recently faced scrutiny over a $20 billion FIFA investment proposal. The Lakers, with 17 NBA titles and a history featuring legends like Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, are now rebuilding around Luka Dončić following LeBron James' departure to Philadelphia.
Trump-linked Josh Kushner and Disney CEO Bob Iger to buy LA Lakers for £9 billion
Josh Kushner, a figure linked to Donald Trump and at the center of a FIFA sell-off controversy, is set to buy the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers from Chelsea co-owner Mark Walter in a £9 billion deal. Kushner's business partner is Disney CEO Bob Iger. Walter, who co-owns Chelsea and the LA Dodgers with Todd Boehly, purchased an 85% stake in the Lakers last year at a $10 billion valuation. The $12 billion valuation would make the Lakers more valuable than 29 NFL franchises and surpass the Golden State Warriors' $11 billion top NBA valuation. The sale requires NBA Board of Governors approval and comes amid a US probe into insurers owned by Walter over asset disclosure. Kushner and Iger had previously been involved in purchasing an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas.
Josh Kushner and Bob Iger Buy Los Angeles Lakers for Record $12 Billion
Billionaire investor Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger have agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers for over $12 billion, setting a record for a U.S. sports franchise. The deal surpasses the previous record of $10 billion, paid by Mark Walter to acquire the team from the Buss family in 2025. Walter, who owned the Lakers for less than a year, called it an 'extraordinary investment.' The Lakers are valued as the second-most-valuable NBA team at $10 billion, behind the Golden State Warriors. The sale reflects a growing trend of billionaires investing in sports franchises as an asset class, with recent high-profile deals involving the Seattle Seahawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Boston Celtics.
Sources: Josh Kushner, Bob Iger to buy Lakers for $12.5B
Multiple sources, including ESPN, report that a group led by Josh Kushner (brother of Jared Kushner) and former Disney CEO Bob Iger has agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.5 billion. The sale comes just one year after Mark Walter acquired the team. Walter, who also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers, has stated he has no plans to sell the Dodgers. The deal, if finalized, would be the highest valuation ever for a professional sports franchise. The news has also impacted stock markets, with MSGS stock rising on the announcement.