Former Disney boss Bob Iger is making a huge move in the sports world. He is joining forces with American businessman Josh Kushner to buy the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal is set at a record-breaking price, making it one of the biggest stories in sports history today.
Key Takeaways
- Bob Iger and Josh Kushner are buying the Los Angeles Lakers for a record .5 billion.
- Mark Walter is selling the basketball team less than two years after purchasing it from the Buss family.
- Lakers legend Magic Johnson and current team star Luka Doncic both welcomed the new ownership group.
The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for $12.5 billion. This is the highest amount of money ever paid for any sports team in North America. Mark Walter, who is the CEO of TWG Global and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, sold the team to Iger and Kushner. Walter had bought the team from the famous Buss family less than two years ago for $10 billion.
The NBA still needs to give its final approval for the record sale. However, sports experts expect the whole process to finish without any problems. Big business moves like this attract global attention, much like when global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo marry high-profile partners in huge public celebrations.
Bob Iger is very famous for leading The Walt Disney Company for many years. He served as the chief executive officer from 2005 to 2020, and then returned from 2022 until March 2026. While running Disney, he also took care of ESPN, which is part of the Disney company. He launched the ESPN+ streaming service in 2018 and brought out a new direct-to-consumer platform in 2025.
During his time in charge, Iger led massive deals to buy Pixar in 2006, Marvel in 2009, and Lucasfilm in 2012. He also bought 20th Century Fox for $71 billion in 2018. Famous celebrities across Hollywood, including figures like Brad Pitt, have worked in the huge entertainment world that Iger helped expand.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson spoke very positively about Bob Iger taking over the team. Magic Johnson played point guard for the team in his career and later served as President of Basketball Operations. He shared his strong support for the news on social media.
“Laker fans, you couldn’t have two better owners. I’ve known Bob personally for over 40 years – he has always loved the Lakers and basketball, and he will bring championships back to LA.”
Current Lakers superstar Luka Doncic also shared his thoughts about getting new team owners. He said he is ready to work hard with the new bosses to win games.
“Being a Laker means everything to me, and I’m excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA. I’ve gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise. I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together.”
The Lakers last won an NBA championship back in the year 2020. Fans are hoping that Bob Iger and Josh Kushner will bring success and trophy wins back to Los Angeles very soon.
