The Los Angeles Lakers, one of professional basketball's most iconic franchises, are set to be acquired by former Disney chief executive Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner for approximately $12.5 billion. The transaction, if completed, would rank among the largest sports franchise sales ever recorded and would mark a significant ownership transition for the 17-time NBA championship team.
Bob Iger, who led The Walt Disney Company for more than two decades and oversaw its acquisition of major entertainment properties including Marvel and Lucasfilm, would bring substantial media and entertainment experience to the ownership group. Josh Kushner, founder of the venture capital firm Thrive Capital and younger brother of Jared Kushner, represents a prominent figure from the world of technology investment.
The Lakers have been controlled by the Buss family since Jerry Buss purchased the team in 1979. Jerry Buss died in 2013, and his children, including Jeanie Buss, have managed the franchise since. A sale at $12.5 billion would represent a staggering increase from that original purchase price, reflecting the dramatic appreciation in value of major North American sports franchises over recent decades.
Iger acknowledged in remarks reported by Fox News's OutKick that rooting for the Lakers is not in his DNA, an apparent reference to his prior affiliations, underscoring the cultural adjustment that can accompany high-profile sports ownership changes. The NBA must approve any ownership transfer before a deal is finalized.
Left-Leaning Emphasis
- NBC News focused on the headline dollar figure, framing the story primarily around the $12 billion valuation in its video report.
- ABC News covered the story through a culture and entertainment lens, highlighting Iger's Hollywood background as central to the transaction's significance.
Right-Leaning Emphasis
- Fox News's OutKick highlighted Iger's admission that rooting for the Lakers is 'not in my DNA,' emphasizing the cultural disconnect between the buyer and the franchise.
- Breitbart led with the straightforward transaction details but drew attention to Josh Kushner's identity, given his family's political prominence, as a notable element of the buyer group.