- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,264,452
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images attach
Who bought the Lakers? Meet Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, the billionaires behind the record-setting deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
One year after getting a new owner, the Lakers now have two more.
Los Angeles' signature basketball franchise was sold to business tycoons Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for an eye-watering $12.5 billion fee, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne — the largest price ever shelled out for a sporting franchise.
Kushner and Iger take over for Mark Walter, who bought the franchise for a pretty penny in 2025. Walter and diversified holding company TWG Global retain ownership of a wide array of sporting franchises following Wednesday's transaction, including the Dodgers and Chelsea.
Here's what you need to know about Kushner and Iger, the latest set of tycoons set to take charge of the Lakers.
MORE: Where Lakers' $12.5 billion sale ranks among largest in U.S. sports history
Who is buying the Lakers?
U.S.-based businessmen Josh Kushner and Bob Iger are purchasing the Lakers, according to Shelburne.
Kushner and Iger were initially interested in potentially bankrolling an expansion franchise in Las Vegas, per Shelburne. At the final hour, they made a move for Los Angeles' famous franchise, sending a mammoth $12.5 billion offer that dwarfs the $10 billion price tag the Dodgers owner shelled out to acquire the Lakers from the Buss family last year.
"As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss," Kushner and Iger said in a statement. "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."
MORE:Why 76ers, Warriors could be fits for Ben Simmons as free agent
Who is Josh Kushner?
Kushner, 41, is the founder of venture capital firm Thrive Capital. He also serves as the vice chairman of Oscar Health, a for-profit health insurance company that boasted revenue of $4.88 billion in Q2. Kushner is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law and a member of his cabinet.
Josh Kushner was the first of the two brothers to appear on Forbes' list of richest people. He previously held a minority stake in the Grizzlies and Heat prior to his purchase of the Lakers.
Kushner has been at the heart of numerous controversies during his career. In 2021, JK2 — the company he his brother co-own — were found to have violated state consumer protection laws by "collecting debts without required licenses, charging tenants improper fees and misrepresenting the condition of rental units", according to the Associated Press.
Kushner received his Bachelor's degree and MBA from Harvard.
MORE: What LeBron James has said about his NBA future
Who is Bob Iger?
Iger, 75, is a veteran media executive who twice served as the CEO for Walt Disney Company. Under his tutelage, Disney's profits soared; the entertainment titans purchased the rights to Marvel, Star Wars and Fox while opening up a resort in Shanghai.
Iger stepped down as Disney's CEO for good in March 2026, although he'll remain a senior advisor and board member until the end of the year. In 2024, he and Willow Bay acquired majority stake in NWSL side Angel City.
In 2019, Iger was named in actress Paz de la Huerta's sexual battery lawsuit against convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein. De La Huerta claimed that Iger "made a series of decision that allowed a range of actions by Harvey Weinstein that unacceptably harmed certain employees", according to The Wrap. Disney denied any knowledge of misconduct or settlements with victims of Weinstein, according to Variety.
Josh Kushner net worth
As of Aug. 12, 2026, Kushner is valued at $5.2 billion, according to Forbes. That approximate value ranks just outside the top-800 wealthiest people in the world today.
Bob Iger net worth
Iger is valued at $600 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Continue reading...
