The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in the midst of a $12 billion ownership change .

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic franchises in American sports, are reportedly being sold for a record-breaking price of $12.5 billion, according to multiple U.S. media outlets including ESPN. The new owners would be Bob Iger, former chief executive officer of Disney, and Joshua Kushner, who is the brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. This potential sale marks a dramatic increase from the previous record set just a year ago when the team was purchased for $10 billion by entrepreneur Mark Walter from the Buss family, which had owned the franchise since 1979. The proposed transaction has already drawn attention due to its unprecedented scale. If finalized, it would represent the highest amount ever paid for a sports franchise globally. The sale must still be approved by the NBA’s Board of Governors before becoming official. According to reports, the deal involves Kushner and Iger acquiring the Lakers through their investment group, Thrive Eternal, which is affiliated with Kushner's firm, Thrive Capital. Joshua Kushner's involvement in the purchase brings him into the spotlight once again after his name appeared in the plans of FIFA President Gianni Infantino for a controversial investment initiative. That project aimed to sell rights to the World Cup and establish a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to consolidate all commercial activities and tournament organization under one umbrella. However, the plan faced significant backlash and ultimately failed. Kushner was expected to play a central role in this effort but did not proceed with it. In a joint statement, Kushner and Iger expressed their commitment to the Lakers, stating they felt deeply honored to take on the responsibility of owning one of the world’s most legendary sports teams. They acknowledged the legacy left behind by the Buss family, who transformed the Lakers into a global brand during their tenure from 1979 until last year. Their long-term goal, they said, is to build upon this foundation, ensure the team competes at the highest level, and serve the fans and the city of Los Angeles. The Lakers have been synonymous with basketball greatness, having featured icons such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. These players helped elevate the franchise to international prominence, making it one of the most recognizable names in sports history. The team’s recent acquisition by Mark Walter in 2025 marked a historic moment, setting a new benchmark for sports franchise valuations. Now, the potential sale to Kushner and Iger could push that figure even higher. The involvement of high-profile figures like Iger and Kushner adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Iger, known for his leadership at Disney, brings extensive experience in entertainment and media, while Kushner’s financial acumen and connections within the business world suggest a strategic approach to ownership. Their partnership could bring fresh resources and vision to the Lakers, potentially reshaping the franchise’s future direction. The NBA’s approval process will likely involve scrutiny over the terms of the sale, ensuring compliance with league regulations and assessing how the transition might affect the team’s operations. While the exact structure of the deal has not been fully disclosed, the reported valuation underscores the immense value placed on the Lakers’ brand, fan base, and competitive success. With the sale pending formal approval, the focus now shifts to how the new ownership will manage the team moving forward. Whether this marks a turning point for the Lakers or sets a precedent for other sports franchises remains to be seen. The potential for increased investment and innovation under Kushner and Iger’s stewardship could influence the broader landscape of professional sports ownership.