Former Disney CEO Bob Iger buys the Los Angeles Lakers
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger buys the Los Angeles Lakers
Updated at: August 13, 2026 at 02:50 AM
In a historic shift for professional basketball, former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Joshua Kushner have reached a deal to acquire a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers.
The agreement, valued at a record-setting $12.5 billion, marks a significant increase in the team's worth, rising 25% since Mark Walter bought a controlling interest just 14 months ago.
Jeanie Buss is slated to continue serving as the Lakers' governor for at least the next five years.
The deal, which still awaits approval from the NBA’s Board of Governors, highlights Iger's expanding portfolio in sports ownership, following his 2024 purchase of Angel City FC.
Analysts suggest that Mark Walter’s decision to sell was driven by a need for liquidity elsewhere, while Iger and Kushner have publicly committed to honoring the Lakers' legacy.
As the league reviews the sale, fans and industry experts alike are watching closely, as this massive transaction reflects the surging valuation of elite sports franchises in today's market.
