Last updated: August 12, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers just changed hands again — and this time the price tag is eye-watering. On August 12, 2026, sources confirmed that former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Thrive Capital founder Joshua Kushner have agreed to buy the iconic NBA franchise from Mark Walter for roughly $12.5 billion. That figure sets a new record for any North American sports team sale and comes less than 14 months after Walter himself paid about $10 billion for controlling interest from the Buss family.
For fans who still picture Jeanie Buss running the show, the ownership picture has shifted fast. Here’s the clear, up-to-date answer to “who owns the Lakers” right now.
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A Quick Look Back at Lakers Ownership History
Dr. Jerry Buss bought the Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million as part of a larger deal that also included the Forum and the NHL’s Kings. Under his leadership the franchise became a global brand, winning multiple championships and turning Showtime basketball into a cultural phenomenon.
After Jerry’s death in 2013, his children inherited the family’s controlling stake. Jeanie Buss eventually secured the role of controlling owner and governor. The Buss family held majority ownership for more than four decades until June 2025, when they sold most of that stake to Mark Walter at a then-record $10 billion valuation. Jeanie retained a minority stake (around 15 percent) and stayed on as governor for at least five years under the terms of that deal.
Mark Walter’s Brief but High-Profile Tenure
Mark Walter, the billionaire behind Guggenheim Partners and majority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, already held a minority stake in the Lakers before completing the full controlling purchase in October 2025. His ownership group also has interests in the WNBA’s Sparks, Chelsea FC, and other sports properties.
Walter’s time as Lakers majority owner lasted barely a year. Multiple reports note that companies tied to him face a federal investigation, though he has not publicly linked that matter to the sale. In a statement he called owning the Lakers “one of the great honors of my life” and expressed confidence that the franchise’s best days still lie ahead.
The New Owners: Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner
Bob Iger, the longtime Disney chief executive who stepped down from that role earlier in 2026, and Joshua Kushner, founder of the venture-capital firm Thrive Capital, are the new controlling owners. Kushner already holds a minority stake in the Miami Heat and is the younger brother of Jared Kushner. The pair had been exploring an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas before pivoting to this opportunity.
In a joint statement they said: “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. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. 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.”
The deal still requires formal approval from the NBA Board of Governors, the standard final step for franchise sales.
Key Ownership Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Current controlling owners | Bob Iger & Joshua Kushner |
| Previous majority owner | Mark Walter (2025–2026) |
| Sale valuation | Approximately $12.5 billion |
| Previous sale valuation | ~$10 billion (Buss family to Walter, 2025) |
| Long-time family owners | Buss family (1979–2025) |
| Current governor (as of deal) | Jeanie Buss (role under review going forward) |
| NBA titles under franchise | 17 |
| Status of deal | Pending NBA Board of Governors approval |
A few additional points worth noting:
- Jeanie Buss’s future role is not yet fully clear; she remained governor after the 2025 sale but the new ownership group will shape the next chapter.
- Minority stakeholders, including elements of the previous Walter/Buss structure, may stay in place, though exact percentages under the new deal have not been publicly detailed.
- The Lakers remain one of the most valuable sports brands in the world, powered by global reach, star power (currently featuring Luka Dončić), and a passionate Los Angeles fan base.
What This Means for the Franchise Going Forward
Iger brings decades of entertainment and media expertise. Kushner brings private-equity and tech-investment experience. Together they represent a shift from traditional sports ownership toward owners comfortable in both the business and entertainment worlds — a natural fit for a team that has always blurred those lines.
Fans can expect continuity in the short term while the sale closes and the new group settles in. Longer term, the stated goal is clear: compete for championships while honoring the Lakers’ unique place in basketball history and Los Angeles culture.
The purple and gold have always been bigger than any single owner. From Jerry Buss’s vision through Jeanie’s stewardship, Mark Walter’s brief chapter, and now the arrival of Iger and Kushner, the franchise continues to evolve. One thing has never changed: the expectation that the Lakers will chase banners.
As of August 12, 2026, Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner are the new stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal still needs league approval, but the direction is set. Lakers fans will be watching closely to see how this latest ownership chapter plays out on the court.