Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner Buy Stake in LA Lakers at $12.5B

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capital founder Joshua Kushner have joined forces to purchase Mark Walter's ownership stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, with the deal valuing the storied NBA franchise at more than $12.5 billion, according to a source familiar with the transaction. The acquisition marks one of the most significant ownership transfers in professional basketball history.

Iger, who spent decades steering Disney through transformative deals including the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, now turns his attention to professional sports — one of the last remaining categories of must-watch live content. Kushner, founder of venture capital firm Thrive Capital and a prominent figure in Silicon Valley investment circles, brings a technology-forward perspective to the partnership.

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The $12.5 billion valuation underscores the surging worth of top-tier NBA franchises, which have become increasingly attractive assets for ultra-high-net-worth investors seeking a combination of cultural cachet, media leverage, and long-term appreciation. The Lakers, one of the most globally recognized sports brands, carry a legacy built on championship runs and marquee players that few franchises worldwide can rival.

The seller, Mark Walter, is the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and has held a stake in the Lakers as part of a broader sports portfolio. His decision to offload the Lakers position allows two of the most influential names in entertainment and venture capital to plant a flag at the intersection of sports, media, and business.

The deal signals that NBA franchise valuations show no signs of plateauing as television rights, international expansion, and digital media revenue continue to climb. Continue reading at US Top News and Analysis.