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Lakers ownership change
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Josh Kushner and Bob Iger agreed to buy the Lakers for $12.5 billion. The sale needs NBA approval and would set a record for American sports.
Background
The Lakers have seen rapid ownership changes: the Buss family sold to Mark Walter for $10 billion in late 2025, and now Walter is selling to Kushner and Iger. The new owners had previously explored an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas before pivoting to the Lakers. The sale reflects a trend of rising franchise valuations and increased involvement of private equity and media figures in sports ownership.
How it unfolded
- Oct 30, 2025NBA board approved Mark Walter's purchase of the Lakers from the Buss family at a $10 billion valuation.
- Aug 12, 2026Josh Kushner and Bob Iger agreed to buy the Lakers from Walter for $12.5 billion, pending NBA approval.
- Aug 13, 2026Reports and reactions emerge, including Magic Johnson's endorsement and analysis of the sale's impact.
Who’s saying what
- Magic Johnson
- Johnson said 'Laker fans, you couldn't have two better owners' and praised Iger's long love for the Lakers.
- Analysts
- The Ringer noted the sale is part of a trend of rapid ownership changes and wealth concentration, with six NBA ownership changes in three years.
- ESPN
- ESPN reported that Walter's tenure was unremarkable, including ticket price hikes and layoffs, but he served as a bridge to the new group.
Still unverified
The exact role of Jeanie Buss and the Buss family after the sale is uncertain, as is the final approval timeline.