The Los Angeles Lakers are set for a historic ownership change following a massive $12.5 billion agreement. Josh Kushner and Bob Iger have emerged as the buyers for the storied NBA franchise, currently owned by Mark Walter.

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A $12.5 billion valuation eclipsing the Boston Celtics

The proposed sale of the Los Angeles Lakers represents a seismic shift in the financial landscape of professional sports. According to the report,the $12.5 billion price tag is a record-breaking figure that effectively doubles the $6 billion valuation seen when the rival Boston Celtics were sold in 2025. This transaction allows Mark Walter to realize a gross profit of approximately $2 billion, following his initial $10 billion purchase of the team in 2025.

This massive influx of capital comes at a time of significant transition for the franchise. While the financial windfall is substantial, the sale occurs as Walter faces an ongoing SEC investigation regarding $16 billion in private-credit loans. The scale of this deal underscores the ballooning value of premier NBA assets in the mid-2020s.

Iger’s Disney influence and Kushner’s Thrive Capital roots

The new ownership duo brings a unique blend of media expertise and venture capital experience to Los Angeles. Bob Iger,who recently concluded his second tenure as CEO of Disney , possesses deep ties to the NBA through Disney's partnership with ESPN.. As the source indicates, Iger also maintains a presence in the sports world as the controlling owner of Angel City FC alongside his wife, Willow Bay.

Josh Kushner, the 41-year-old co-founder of Thrive Capital and Oscar Health, provides a different strategic dimension. kushner's entry into the Lakers' owner's box follows a recent, though aborted, attempt by his investment group to acquire stakes in the FIFA World Cup. This move positions the Lakers under the stewardship of two individuals with significant, albeit different, institutional connections.

Luka Doncic and the post-LeBron James roster transition

On the court, the Lakers are navigating a profound era of change as they move away from the LeBron James years . The team is currently rebuilding around a core that includes:

  • Luka Doncic: The Slovenian superstar leading the new era.
  • Austin Reaves: The high-scoring shooting guard.
  • Walker Kessler: The newly acquired center.

    • This transition is further complicated by the fact that LeBron James has defected to the Philadelphia 76ers, while his son, Bronny James, remains with the Lakers. The team's recent performance provides a backdrop for this ownership shift; the Lakers finished their last season with a 53-29 record, but their 2026 playoff run ended in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

    Uncertainties surrounding the SEC probe and FIFA interests

    Despite the public endorsements from Lakers legend Magic Johnson and star player Luka Doncic, several critical questions remain unanswered. The deal still requires formal approval from the NBA league office, a process that may scrutinize the backgrounds of the new owners.. Specifically, it is unclear how the league will view Josh Kushner's previous involvement in the failed FIFA World Cup proposal.

    Furthermore, the source does not clarify how the ongoing SEC investigation into Mark Walter's $16 billion in private-crdeit loans might impact the finality of the transfer. While the players and former owner Jeanie Buss have expressed optimism, the regulatory and league-level hurdles remain the primary obstcles to finalizing this record-breaking transaction.