The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for another change of ownership: a controlling stake in one of the most successful NBA clubs is to be acquired by American investor Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger. According to ESPN, the deal is valued at a record $12.5 billion. If completed under such conditions, it will surpass the previous record set less than a year ago when a stake in the Lakers was sold to Mark Walter.
Kushner is the founder of the American venture capital firm Thrive Capital and the brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Iger headed Disney for many years and remains one of the most famous leaders in the American media industry.
In a joint statement, the future owners emphasized that they view the acquisition of the Lakers as a long-term investment and a responsibility to the club’s fans. They also noted the Bass family’s contribution to the team’s development.
Historically, the Lakers have been closely associated with the Bass family for decades. Businessman Jerry Bass purchased the club in 1979 for $67.5 million. The deal also included the Los Angeles Kings hockey team and the Los Angeles arena, now known as the Kia Forum.
After Bass died in 2013, ownership rights were transferred to a trust of his six children. The family retained control of the team until a deal with Walter in 2025. During that time, the Lakers have become one of the most famous sports franchises in the world. The club has 17 NBA championships – just one less than the record-holder Boston Celtics, who have 18 championship wins.
For Josh Kushner, the acquisition of the Lakers will be another major project related to world sports. His name has also recently appeared in the controversy surrounding FIFA President Gianni Infantino and plans to attract private investors to the commercial structures of the soccer organization.
Kushner’s Thrive Eternal was supposed to lead a group of potential investors in the FIFA Forward Enterprise project. The scheme was eventually shelved. Now Kushner, along with Iger, is vying for control of one of the most recognizable brands in American professional sports.