Bob Iger Joins Ownership Group in $12.5 Billion Purchase of the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic basketball franchises, have been sold for $12.5 billion. The sale includes a surprising addition to the ownership team, Bob Iger, the former CEO of Disney. Iger, who once publicly stated that he found it difficult to support the Lakers, now finds himself a part-owner.

Iger’s involvement in the Lakers’ purchase is intriguing given his past allegiance to the Los Angeles Clippers. In January 2021, during an appearance on ‘The Old Man and the Three’ podcast hosted by JJ Redick, Iger explained his reluctance to support the Lakers. Having grown up as a New York Knicks fan, he felt an affinity for the Clippers, in part because their ticket prices were more affordable.

I couldn’t root for the Lakers very easily. It just was not in my DNA.

This sentiment didn’t stop Iger from teaming up with Josh Kushner for the Lakers’ acquisition. The Clippers were his go-to team due to their accessibility and lower costs, but now his involvement with the Lakers marks a new chapter.

The sale caught the public’s attention partly due to the swift transaction timeline involving Mark Walter. Walter had agreed in June 2025 to purchase the controlling stake from the Buss family, valuing the team at $10 billion. Just 14 months later, he flipped the team for $12.5 billion. This rapid turnaround is notable, especially as Walter reportedly faces federal scrutiny over his private-credit investments. Although no evidence suggests that legal pressures prompted the sale, the timing is noteworthy.

As an experienced and resourceful executive, Iger has ample resources to partake in this ownership venture. His involvement is surprising given his previous comments about not feeling connected to the Lakers. Now, his position as a part-owner adds a surprising twist to his relationship with the franchise.

Bob Iger’s journey from a Clippers fan to owning a piece of the Lakers highlights the unexpected turns that can occur in the sports industry. This high-profile purchase reflects the evolving landscape of NBA team ownership.