Updated: August 12, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers just changed hands again. Less than a year after Mark Walter bought majority control from the Buss family, the iconic NBA franchise is heading to new owners in a deal that sets a fresh sports valuation record. Former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Thrive Capital founder Joshua Kushner have agreed to purchase the team for a valuation of $12.5 billion. The news, first reported by ESPN and confirmed across major outlets, marks one of the most surprising ownership flips in recent NBA history.
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The Record-Breaking Sale Details
Mark Walter, who also controls the Los Angeles Dodgers, acquired controlling interest in the Lakers in 2025 for roughly $10 billion. That deal already shattered previous franchise records. Now, barely 14 months later, he is selling to Iger and Kushner at a significantly higher mark. Sources familiar with the agreement put the valuation at $12.5 billion, making it the most expensive sale of a North American sports team to date.
The transaction still requires formal approval from the NBA Board of Governors. Given that Iger and Kushner had already been vetted in connection with potential expansion teams, league approval is widely expected to move forward without major hurdles. Walter will retain his other sports holdings, including the Dodgers.
Key points from the deal include:
- Majority equity transferring from Walter’s group to the Iger-Kushner partnership
- Kushner expected to serve as the control person
- Long-term commitment expressed by the buyers to compete at the highest level and serve Los Angeles fans
Meet the New Owners: Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner
Bob Iger needs little introduction in Los Angeles. The longtime Disney chief executive, who stepped down earlier this year, brings deep entertainment and media experience. At 75, he is moving into a new chapter as a steward of one of the world’s most recognizable sports brands. He already has a stake in Angel City FC of the NWSL, showing prior interest in local sports ownership.
Joshua Kushner, founder of the venture capital firm Thrive Capital, is the younger brother of Jared Kushner. Thrive has backed major technology companies, and Kushner previously held a minority stake in the Miami Heat. The pair had been exploring an NBA expansion franchise, particularly in Las Vegas, before pivoting to this opportunity. In a joint statement they said they are “deeply honored” to become stewards of the Lakers and expressed respect for the vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss.
From Buss Family to Mark Walter to New Hands
For more than four decades the Lakers were synonymous with the Buss family. Dr. Jerry Buss bought the team in 1979 and built it into a global powerhouse. After his death, daughter Jeanie Buss became the face of ownership and later the controlling owner. She remained the team’s governor even after the 2025 sale to Walter, with the NBA confirming she would stay in that role for at least five years at the time.
Walter’s ownership proved short. Reports link the quick sale partly to federal investigations involving companies connected to him, though he has described the Lakers experience as one of the great honors of his life. The franchise now enters its third ownership era in roughly 18 months while still featuring stars such as Luka Dončić.
Ownership Timeline at a Glance
| Period | Owner / Group | Approximate Valuation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 – 2025 | Buss family (Jerry then Jeanie) | Built over decades | 17 championships; global brand built |
| 2025 – 2026 | Mark Walter (majority) | $10 billion | Short tenure; Dodgers owner |
| 2026 (pending) | Bob Iger & Joshua Kushner | $12.5 billion | Record deal; NBA approval still required |
What This Means for the Lakers and Fans
New ownership often brings fresh capital, new partnerships, and renewed ambition. Iger’s media background could strengthen the Lakers’ global reach and content strategy. Kushner’s tech and investment experience may influence how the franchise approaches data, fan engagement, and long-term business growth. Both men have stressed continuity with the Buss legacy and a focus on winning.
Fans will watch closely for any changes in front-office structure, coaching support, and roster-building approach. Jeanie Buss’s future role remains unclear at this stage. The team is already navigating a post-LeBron chapter with Dončić as the centerpiece, so stability and clear direction will matter.
Conclusion
The answer to “who bought the Lakers” is now Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner in a landmark $12.5 billion transaction. The deal closes a brief chapter under Mark Walter and opens a new one under owners with deep ties to entertainment, technology, and sports. While NBA approval is still needed, the path looks clear. For a franchise defined by star power, Showtime eras, and championship culture, the next chapter will be measured by how well these new stewards protect the purple and gold identity while pushing for the next title. Lakers fans have seen ownership changes before. This one arrives with record money, Hollywood connections, and high expectations attached.