The Los Angeles Lakers have changed ownership just one year after their previous transaction—and the price has increased by a quarter. Former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, brother-in-law to Donald Trump, are acquiring a controlling stake for $12.5 billion. This marks a new record for any sports club globally.
Mark Walter, owner of the Dodgers, purchased a majority stake in the Lakers in 2025 for $10 billion. The deal received approval from the NBA Board of Governors in the autumn. Now, the franchise is being resold to a group led by Iger and Kushner. According to ESPN and Reuters, this amount exceeds the previous valuation by $2.5 billion.
More than just the team's on-court success accounts for such a significant leap in value. The Lakers are a brand with a global audience, rich history, and deep ties to Hollywood. Iger, who led Disney for nearly two decades, possesses a keen understanding of how to transform sports into content and a media asset. Kushner, meanwhile, brings expertise in investments and connections within influential circles.
This swift resale mirrors a hot real estate market: a property is acquired, slightly improved, and then immediately listed at a higher price. In this instance, the "improvement" itself is the ownership of the Lakers—a franchise whose value appreciates faster than most other clubs in the league. The NBA has long since evolved into an investment where price is determined not only by titles but also by its monetization potential beyond the U.S.
The new owners are acquiring more than just a team; they are gaining a platform of influence. Iger has previously managed major sports rights through Disney, while Kushner has engaged with technological and financial ventures. Their arrival could accelerate the Lakers' integration into digital and entertainment ecosystems, where sports and show business are increasingly intertwined.
This record-breaking price illustrates the dramatic transformation of sports as an asset: evolving from a local club into a global brand, valued higher than many corporations. The next owner will likely pay even more—unless the ownership model itself undergoes a change.
