Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic NBA teams, have been sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and investor Joshua Kushner for $12.5 billion. The deal, announced less than a year after Mark Walter acquired control of the team, marks a historic transaction in the league’s history. Iger and Kushner, who previously purchased the NBA’s Miami Heat for $10 billion in 2017, are now set to take over the Lakers, one of the most successful franchises in NBA history.
The sale comes as the NBA continues to expand its presence in Las Vegas, where a new team is expected to join the league. The high valuation of the Lakers underscores the growing financial stakes for NBA teams. Iger, who once found it difficult to support the Lakers, now owns a franchise he has pledged to build for the future. Kushner, known for his investments in media and technology, is also part of a broader strategy to strengthen the NBA’s global appeal.
The transaction highlights the increasing value of NBA teams and the competitive nature of ownership in the league. With the Lakers’ sale setting a new benchmark, the league’s expansion plans are likely to gain more momentum. The new owners have expressed their commitment to competing at the highest level and investing in the team’s long-term success.
