The Los Angeles Lakers have changed hands once again, with venture capital founder Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger acquiring majority ownership from Mark Walter. The transaction values the storied NBA franchise at $12.5 billion, according to sources familiar with the deal. This marks a significant turnover for Walter, who purchased the team less than a year ago at a $10 billion valuation.
In a joint statement, Kushner and Iger expressed their enthusiasm about taking on stewardship of one of basketball’s most prestigious organizations. The two executives, who have previously collaborated on business ventures, pledged to build on the foundation established by the Buss family while competing at the highest level and serving the team’s loyal fan base. Iger, who recently stepped down as Disney’s chief executive after leading the company for approximately two decades, joined Kushner’s Thrive Capital investment firm earlier this year.
The ownership change comes amid reports of investigations into potential financial irregularities at some of Walter’s business operations. Additionally, recent media coverage revealed health concerns regarding Walter, who experienced a stroke in 2024. The sale encompasses only Walter’s Lakers stake; his ownership positions in other sports franchises, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chelsea Football Club, remain unchanged.
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