Private Equity Surge Drives Lakers Valuation to $12.5 Billion

As first reported by The Guardian, the Los Angeles Lakers are poised to become the most valuable franchise in basketball following a $12.5 billion offer from venture capitalist Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger. The deal is currently under negotiation and requires approval from the NBA's board of governors.

This potential acquisition highlights a rapid acceleration of private equity in professional sports. The franchise was previously purchased in June 2025 by Mark Walter and Todd Boehly at a $10 billion valuation. Walter's move to sell the team just 14 months later represents a $2.5 billion increase in valuation, reflecting a trend where teams are treated as assets to be flipped for profit.

Historically, the Lakers were defined by the tenure of Jerry Buss, who bought the team for $16 million in 1979 and remained majority owner until his death in 2013. While the Buss children assumed control following his passing, they are now reportedly debating whether to sell their remaining 17.8% minority stake to Iger and Kushner.

The NBA began allowing institutional investment from hedge funds, venture capital, and private equity firms in 2022. While some teams, such as the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers, have maintained consistent majority ownership for decades, others have exited. The Guardian reports that after 24 years of ownership, Mark Cuban sold his majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks in late 2023.

Because of NBA restrictions—including a rule that prevents any single fund from owning more than 20% of a team—Iger and Kushner's bid will likely be structured as a consortium utilizing a combination of cash and debt.