LOS ANGELES: The sale of the Lakers values the NBA franchise at $12.5 billion under an agreement with Josh Kushner and Bob Iger. The transaction still needs league approval.
The Associated Press attributed the price to an anonymous source familiar with the terms. The buyers and seller did not disclose the figure publicly. ESPN first reported the agreement on August 12.
Kushner, a venture capitalist, and Iger, a former Walt Disney Company chief executive, confirmed their plans in a joint statement. They said they felt “deeply honoured” to become stewards of the franchise.
Mark Walter bought the controlling interest from the Buss family at a $10 billion valuation last year. The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved that transaction on October 30, 2025.
The proposed price represents a 25% increase from Walter’s valuation. AP said it would set a record for a United States professional sports franchise.
Read: White House Denies Trump Role in $12.5B Lakers Sale
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić welcomed the prospective owners in an August 12 social media post. He said he looked forward to building “something special” with Kushner and Iger.
Read: Luka Doncic Backs Lakers Future After Reported $12.5B Sale
The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships, including their latest title in 2020. Dončić remains under contract through the 2028-29 season.
League governors must approve the transfer before it can close. Their next scheduled meeting will take place in September in New York, AP reported.
