Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner to Buy LA Lakers for Record $12.5 Billion

Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner have agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter for $12.5 billion, setting a record for a U.S. professional sports franchise. The deal was reported by the Associated Press on Wednesday, citing an anonymous source with knowledge of the agreement. This acquisition marks a significant shift in ownership for one of the most iconic teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The record-breaking price underscores the soaring valuations of major sports franchises, driven by lucrative media rights deals and the global appeal of the league. Iger, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and Kushner, a prominent investor and founder of Thrive Capital, bring a blend of entertainment and tech investment expertise to the Lakers' ownership group. The transaction is subject to approval by the NBA's Board of Governors. The Lakers, based in Los Angeles, have a storied history with numerous championships and a massive fan base. This deal is expected to have ripple effects across the sports and entertainment industries, as well as the broader economy.