The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly set for another major ownership change. Two high-profile billionaires, Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner, are stepping in to take control of the iconic NBA team. They are buying the Lakers for a record-breaking $12 billion, according to multiple reports. The deal would make it the highest price ever paid for an American sports franchise.
Bob Iger and Josh Kushner are reportedly acquiring the Los Angeles Lakers in a record $12 billion franchise deal
According to TMZ, the former CEO of Disney, Bob Iger, and Thrive Capital founder and the brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Joshua Kushner, are set to acquire the NBA team for a massive $12 billion. If completed, it would become the highest price ever paid for an American sports franchise.
Iger, 75, and Kushner had previously been involved in efforts to bring an NBA team to Las Vegas. However, the pair has now turned their attention to one of the most famous teams in basketball.
The two billionaire businessmen said in a statement to ESPN, “As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world.” They also added that they respect the leadership of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Having said that, they want to build on what the family has created.
“Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles,” they said.
The reported deal comes only about a year after the Lakers were sold to Mark Walter for around $10 billion. At the time, Walter called becoming the team’s owner “one of the great honors of my life.”
Now, the Lakers could be heading into another major change at the top. If the reported Lakers $12 billion deal goes through, it would set a new record for the sale of a U.S. sports franchise.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE LAKERS’ REPORTED $12 BILLION SALE? DO YOU THINK THE TEAM IS WORTH THAT MUCH?
