The Los Angeles Lakers will undergo a significant change in ownership for the second time in under a year. Bob Iger, former CEO of the Walt Disney Company, and Joshua Kushner, the founder of Thrive Capital, confirmed their agreement to purchase the Lakers from Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners. This acquisition is set at a record $12.5 billion.
In a joint statement, Iger and Kushner expressed their long-standing admiration as NBA fans and their respect for the Buss family’s leadership. They have promised to enhance the legacy of the Lakers while maintaining a high level of competition. They also aim to be committed to the team, its supporters, and the city of Los Angeles.
This agreement comes shortly after Walter’s own purchase of the team in 2025 for about $10 billion, which was a record at the time. Jeanie Buss kept her position as governor then, but her future role remains uncertain under the new ownership.
Previously, the Boston Celtics held the record for the largest NBA franchise transaction at $6.1 billion. The Lakers’ sale sets a new milestone. Bob Iger, 75, has experience in sports beyond this purchase. He acquired NWSL’s Angel City FC in 2024. His career includes two terms as Disney’s CEO between 2005 and 2020 and again from 2022 to March 2026.
Kushner, aged 41, is linked to a prominent political family and entered professional sports by buying a minority stake in the Miami Heat in 2025. The NBA is also seeking new franchise ownership in Seattle and Las Vegas, which would increase the league to 32 teams.
On the court, the Lakers will start a new chapter with Luka Doncic, acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in a surprise trade in 2025. Doncic secured a contract extension last year. The team also faces a roster change as LeBron James departed as a free agent to finish his career with the Philadelphia 76ers.
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