Los Angeles Lakers sold for more than $12 billion
The transaction — valued at over $12 billion — sets a new U.S. sports record and exceeds last year’s sale price by about $2 billion.
Los Angeles Lakers have been sold to American businessmen Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger for more than $12 billion, in what stands as a new record price for a sports franchise in the United States — roughly $2 billion higher than the deal that transferred control from the Bass family to Mark Walter last year.
Change of plan: from Las Vegas project to LA purchase
Kushner and Iger had previously been linked to a bid to create a new franchise based in Las Vegas, but those plans were abandoned after they turned their attention to buying the storied Lakers from the current owner, Mark Walter, who himself acquired a controlling stake from the Bass family only last year.
Joshua Kushner in recent months attracted attention in global football circles because of an offer related to a stake in the World Cup competition. Facing significant pressure from the public and from football bodies — most notably UEFA — he ultimately did not take the stake that had been under discussion.
FIFA confirmed that the company "Thrive Eternal", led by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, "led the proposed group of investors".
The reported sale pushes the market ceiling for NBA franchise valuations yet higher and will renew debate about the role of ultra-wealthy investors in American sports, the governance of legacy teams and the long-term commercial trajectory of the league. Further contractual details and regulatory approvals are expected to be disclosed in the coming days.
Photo: Do Deka @dodekabasket (X)
