Los Angeles Lakers now belongs to Donald Trump’s family?

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The Los Angeles Lakers have a new ownership group. Billionaires Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner have purchased the NBA franchise for $12.5 billion, approximately one year after it was sold to Mark Walter. Bob Iger, best known for his two tenures as CEO of Disney (2005-2020 and 2022-present), was a key figure behind the success of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner and son-in-law of Donald Trump, leads Thrive Capital. Kushner previously acquired a minority stake in the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019 and sold his shares in 2024 to become a part-owner of the Miami Heat. NBA rules will require him to sell his Miami Heat stake following this acquisition. Iger and his wife also co-own Angel City FC, a professional women’s soccer team.

The sale occurred just 72 hours after negotiations began, reportedly due to Mark Walter’s urgent need for capital to address loans tied to his insurance businesses, which are under federal investigation for tax evasion. Walter is projected to have realized a profit of approximately $2.5 billion on the sale, having purchased the team for $10 billion in October 2025. Despite divesting from the Lakers, Walter will retain ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, and Chelsea Football Club. Speculation circulated regarding potential ties to Donald Trump influencing the sale. Theories suggested the Trump administration expedited federal probes into Mark Walter to facilitate a transfer to a Kushner-affiliated buyer. The White House has officially denied these claims, stating there is no truth to reports that President Trump or his team pressured Walter to sell. Joshua Kushner, through a spokesperson, also denied the allegations and any company link to such influence.

Mark Walter’s Stake Sale Shifts Lakers Focus From Vegas Expansion Plans Ahead of NBA Approval.

Prior to this acquisition, Iger and Kushner were reportedly exploring the possibility of establishing a new team in Las Vegas as part of the NBA’s planned expansion. However, Mark Walter advised them of his interest in selling his stake in the Lakers, prompting them to shift their focus to acquiring the existing franchise. The acquisition awaits formal approval from the NBA’s board of directors, a process expected to be a formality with little chance of denial.

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