The Los Angeles Lakers, a prominent National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise, have been sold for a record 12.5 billion dollars. This significant transaction sees Josh Kushner, brother of former US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared, and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger acquiring the controlling interest in the iconic sports team. The deal marks a substantial increase in valuation for the Lakers.
This record-breaking sale comes less than a year after Mark Walter, who also owns a stake in the LA Dodgers, purchased a majority stake in the Lakers. Walter's acquisition in October 2025 was valued at an estimated 10 billion dollars, which was itself a record at the time. The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved Walter's previous deal with the Buss family.
The sale of a major sports franchise like the Lakers for such a high figure reflects the increasing value of global sports assets. This trend is evident across various leagues and sports, driven by media rights, global fan bases, and the prestige associated with owning successful teams. Ghana's economic landscape, while distinct, also sees significant investment in sectors with high public engagement, such as telecommunications and natural resources, often involving large international capital flows.
In a joint statement, Kushner and Iger expressed their enthusiasm for the acquisition. They stated, "As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honoured for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world." They further added, "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 implications of this sale extend beyond the sports world, highlighting the robust appetite for high-value assets among wealthy investors. This transaction could set a new benchmark for future sports team valuations globally. Decision-makers in Ghana's financial sector will observe such international deals as indicators of global capital movement and investor confidence, which can influence foreign direct investment into the country. The focus will be on how such large-scale investments reflect broader economic trends and investor sentiment towards established brands and markets.
The Lakers have a rich history, with Jerry Buss originally buying the team in 1979 for 67.5 million dollars. That deal also included the Los Angeles Kings hockey team and the Kia Forum arena. After Buss's passing in 2013, ownership transitioned to his six children through a Trust before Walter's involvement. The team holds 17 NBA titles, just one shy of the Boston Celtics' record of 18.
Mark Walter, the outgoing majority owner, reflected on his tenure, stating, "Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life." He noted the investment's extraordinary nature and his appreciation for the community and fans. This sentiment underscores the blend of financial return and emotional connection often associated with owning iconic sports franchises.
Josh Kushner's involvement in this deal follows his previous association with a controversial plan involving Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Kushner's firm, Thrive Eternal, was expected to lead an investor group for the Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal, which aimed to sell stakes in the governing body's competitions. This background adds another layer of financial sophistication to the new ownership group.