Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner are acquiring the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal that reshapes ownership of one of basketball's most valuable franchises. The former Disney chief executive and the venture capitalist partnered to purchase the team after their wives introduced them.
Iger departed Disney in 2022 after steering the entertainment giant through streaming wars and pandemic disruptions. Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, operates as a venture investor with stakes across healthcare and technology startups. Their entry into NBA ownership marks a convergence of entertainment capital and tech money into professional sports.
The Lakers sale represents one of the largest sports transactions in recent years. The franchise, valued at roughly $5 billion before this deal, anchors the NBA's Los Angeles market and counts LeBron James and Anthony Davis on its roster. Previous ownership under the Buss family had controlled the team for decades, making this transition historically significant for the storied organization.
Iger brings operational expertise from his two decades running Disney, where he orchestrated major acquisitions including Pixar and Marvel. Kushner contributes venture capital networks and emerging technology perspectives. Together they assemble a ownership group blending entertainment industry experience with innovation capital.
The deal involves multiple co-investors and requires NBA approval. League rules mandate ownership stability and financial capacity to operate franchises long-term. Iger and Kushner meet those thresholds decisively.
This acquisition reflects broader trends in sports ownership. Tech billionaires and entertainment executives increasingly view professional franchises as assets combining sporting operations, media rights, and brand expansion. The Lakers specifically offer global recognition and playoff revenue potential that attract institutional capital.
Iger's involvement signals his next chapter after Disney, steering toward direct asset ownership rather than corporate leadership. Kushner's participation demonstrates how venture capital seeks alternative investment vehicles as public market valuations face pressure. Both investors bet on Los