Los Angeles Lakers owner Mark Walter is reportedly selling the franchise to venture capitalist Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger for a record $12.5 billion, according to new reporting. The deal, which would mark the most expensive sale of a North American sports team, is moving forward as the buyers seek additional investors with a minimum commitment of $250 million.
The investment group led by Kushner and Iger is actively courting limited partners to help finance the acquisition. The move comes amid earlier speculation about a potential multibillion-dollar financing shortfall, which the latest reports challenge.
Interest in the Lakers remains high, as evidenced by strong merchandise sales. A Luka Dončić jersey was displayed for sale at a store in Pasadena, California, on August 12, 2026, highlighting the team's commercial appeal ahead of the ownership transition.
The sale still requires approval from the NBA Board of Governors. If completed, it would make Kushner and Iger the latest high-profile billionaires to enter NBA ownership.
