Lakers Sold for Record $12.5 Billion, Reports Say

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in American professional sports, is reportedly being sold in a deal that would set a new record for the highest price ever paid for a sports team. According to unnamed sources cited by multiple outlets, businessman Josh Kushner and former Walt Disney Company chief executive Bob Iger are the buyers.

The reported valuation of roughly $12.5 billion would surpass every previous sale of a professional sports franchise, reflecting the rapid rise in the perceived worth of major sports properties worldwide. Neither the Lakers organisation nor the buyers have publicly confirmed the figures, and the reports remain based on sourcing rather than official statements.

The Lakers are among the most successful and recognisable teams in the NBA, the United States' top professional basketball league, having won numerous championships over several decades and cultivated a fan base that extends far beyond the country's borders.

Kushner is a prominent figure in venture capital, the branch of finance focused on funding early-stage companies with high growth potential. Iger, meanwhile, spent years as chief executive of Disney, overseeing one of the world's largest media and entertainment conglomerates before reportedly turning his attention to this acquisition.

If finalised, the sale would underline a broader trend in which wealthy individuals and investment groups are pouring unprecedented sums into sports ownership, driven by rising media rights deals, global audiences and the perception that top franchises are scarce, appreciating assets.

Because the deal has so far only been reported through sources rather than confirmed by the parties involved, some details, including the exact structure of the ownership and the timeline for the transaction's completion, remain unclear. Analysts note that transactions of this scale typically require approval from league officials before they can be finalised.

The reported sale is likely to draw close attention from other franchise owners and prospective buyers, as it could serve as a benchmark for future valuations across major sports leagues, not only in basketball but in other sports where team prices have also been climbing steadily in recent years.