Sources: Josh Kushner, Bob Iger to buy Lakers for $12.5B

Even though billionaire tech investor Mark Walter secured a majority stake in the Lakers just months ago, a cluster of reports now says former Disney chairman Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner are preparing to acquire the franchise for an estimated $12‑12.5 billion. The proposed price would eclipse all previous sales of major North American sports teams, turning the Lakers transaction into a flashpoint for discussions about escalating valuation in professional basketball. Both organizations emphasized that the information came from sources close to the parties, though no formal confirmation had been released.

BBC News followed with a piece that framed the transaction as a North American record, citing the $12.5 billion figure and highlighting the Lakers' status as one of the league’s most valuable brands. USA Today reported a slightly lower $12 billion valuation but still called it the largest sale of any sports franchise on the continent. Industry analysts note that, if the deal proceeds, it will rewrite the benchmark for franchise valuations and could trigger a wave of similar high‑price negotiations across other leagues.

Observers will watch for a formal press release from the involved parties and any regulatory filings that confirm the final sale price and ownership percentages.