The Los Angeles Lakers have entered a new chapter as the team undergoes yet another ownership change. This sale follows just 14 months after the previous purchase, which set the NBA record with a $10 billion valuation. Now, former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner are acquiring the team at a valuation exceeding $12 billion, according to an unnamed source familiar with the deal.
Kushner, who has a minority stake in the Miami Heat, is the younger brother of Jared Kushner. Iger and Kushner expressed their enthusiasm for owning the Lakers in a joint statement. ‘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,’ they stated. They emphasized their respect for Jerry and Jeanie Buss and outlined their commitment to building upon the team’s legacy, competing at the highest level, and serving the fans and city of Los Angeles.
Mark Walter, the current seller and majority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, reflected on his time with the Lakers, describing it as ‘one of the great honors’ of his life and highlighting it as an ‘extraordinary investment.’ In his statement, Walter expressed gratitude towards Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, players, and staff for their support during his ownership. ‘The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead,’ he concluded.
This significant sale marks a new era for the Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in sports history. The story will be updated as more details emerge.
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