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Disney CEO Bob Iger and investor Josh Kushner say they will buy the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.5 billion. The deal, which came together fast according to Iger, would top the sports world’s price charts and now awaits approval from the NBA’s board of governors. Fans and taxpayers should pay attention — this sale is about more than a logo on a jersey.
Big news: Iger and Josh Kushner set to buy Lakers for $12.5 billion
According to reports, Iger and Kushner offered to buy the team from Mark Walter, who had just completed a purchase from the Buss family. The buyers called themselves “lifelong NBA fans” and promised to build a foundation to keep the Lakers competitive. The two say they first chased a new Las Vegas franchise and then pivoted to the Lakers, and the deal reportedly came together in three days. That kind of speed is impressive — or suspicious — depending on how much you trust billionaires moving at warp speed.
Why this matters: power, media and conflicts of interest
This is not just a sports story. Bob Iger runs one of the biggest media empires in the world. Josh Kushner is close to major political and business networks. When media power and sports team ownership mix, the lines between coverage, influence, and profit can blur. The NBA must sign off, and Kushner will likely have to sell his stake in another team to clear conflicts. Fans deserve to know how ownership will affect tone, coverage, and the team’s priorities — not just the owners’ Instagram feeds.
What the price tag tells us about sports and cities
A $12.5 billion price confirms that pro sports have become a playground for the ultra-rich. That drives up the cost of doing business, and it can squeeze local fans with higher ticket prices, more luxury suites, and more focus on global branding than on local communities. Los Angeles will profit on paper, but residents should ask whether the team’s new owners will invest in neighborhoods, youth programs, and long-term success — or just flip another shiny asset.
The Lakers are an American icon and deserve strong stewardship. But fandom is not a press release. Fans should demand transparency from the NBA and from Iger and Kushner about their plans, conflicts, and community commitments. Record prices and fast deals make headlines; good team ownership makes championships and builds towns. Let’s hope these new buyers love the game more than the headline number on their balance sheets.
