Bob Iger and Josh Kushner to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers
Bob Iger and Josh Kushner Lead Historic Purchase of Los Angeles Lakers
Tyunews.com – Former Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner are set to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers in a landmark deal valued at $12.5 billion, according to ESPN. The two business leaders shared a joint statement confirming the acquisition to the sports network. Before the transaction can be finalized, it must receive approval from the NBA Board of Governors, as ESPN reported.
Mark Walter, chief executive of TWG Global, originally purchased a majority stake in the franchise in 2025. The transition marks a significant moment for both the sports world and entertainment industry. Bob Iger stepped down from his role as Disney CEO earlier this year after serving two separate tenures—first from 2005 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2026. Josh Kushner, founder of New York City-based Thrive Capital, has maintained close ties with the entertainment sector through his investment firm.
Partnership Background and Leadership Vision
Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, previously collaborated with Iger when the media executive joined Thrive Capital. Iger re-joined the venture capital firm earlier this year after departing Disney in March, according to a social media announcement from Kushner. The two have known each other for years, having been photographed together at events such as the 2025 US Open Tennis Championships in New York City.
"As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world," Iger and Kushner wrote in their joint statement.
The new ownership pair also acknowledged the legacy of Jerry Buss, the legendary former Lakers owner, and his daughter Jeanie Buss, who currently serves as team governor. "We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss," the statement continued. "Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles."
Mark Walter, who also holds controlling interest in the Los Angeles Dodgers and several other sports franchises, expressed gratitude for his tenure with the Lakers. "Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life -- an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family," Walter said in his farewell statement.
Walter added, "I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead." The franchise will begin its upcoming season on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena.
Notably, the team enters a new era following LeBron James's departure to the Philadelphia 76ers last month. This ownership transition represents one of the most significant changes in Lakers history, bringing together entertainment and sports leadership under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Bob Iger and Josh Kushner purchase of the Lakers officially close? The deal requires final approval from the NBA Board of Governors before it can be completed. No specific closing date has been announced yet.
How much did Bob Iger and Josh Kushner pay for the Lakers? The acquisition price is $12.5 billion, making it one of the largest sports franchise purchases in history.
What is Josh Kushner's connection to the Trump family? Josh Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, who served as senior advisor to President Donald Trump and is married to Ivanka Trump.
Will Bob Iger take an active role in Lakers operations? While Iger has stepped back from day-to-day Disney management, he has indicated his enthusiasm for supporting the Lakers through Thrive Capital's investment structure.
Where will the Lakers play their home games? The team continues to play at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, where they have been based since 1999.