Lakers’ ownership reportedly set for another shake-up, with a new group led by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger

Los Angeles will have a new ownership group on the horizon, at least if the latest reporting holds. The Lakers are reportedly being sold to a consortium led by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record-breaking $12 billion, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne as reported by Yahoo Sports on Aug. 12, 2026.

The report also frames the move as a rapid turnaround in a franchise that has historically valued ownership stability. Mark Walter’s time as the Lakers’ owner is described as lasting “did not last long,” with the same reporting stating he bought a controlling interest only about a year earlier. That means the team could be entering another governance chapter far sooner than most NBA ownership transitions are expected to occur.

If the transaction is completed, Kushner and Iger would become central figures in shaping how the Lakers structure their long-term basketball and business priorities. Iger is widely known for his entertainment executive role, while Kushner’s business profile has been associated with media and technology ventures. The NBA’s economics and visibility are tightly linked to brand strategy, so ownership changes at a marquee franchise like the Lakers can have ripple effects beyond day-to-day basketball decisions.

The Lakers have become a frequent barometer for how expensive NBA assets have grown. While this story centers on the identity of the bidders and the proposed price, it also indicates where the league’s top franchises may be valued as modern media rights, streaming ecosystems, and global fan engagement continue to expand. A “record-breaking” label in the reporting suggests the figure would set a new benchmark for a professional sports team sale, but that specific claim should be treated as unconfirmed until documentation or an official release is available.

It is also worth noting what the report does not specify. The reporting, as carried by Yahoo Sports, focuses on the buyers, the alleged price, and the timeline of Walter’s controlling interest purchase rather than detailing how much stake is changing hands, what board or management changes would accompany the sale, or whether the NBA’s approval process would alter the timing. Ownership transactions in the league typically require league review and compliance steps, and those processes can affect the calendar even after terms are agreed.

For Lakers fans, the most immediate practical question is what the new ownership group will prioritize once the sale clears league review. Ownership transitions do not automatically dictate roster moves, but they can influence how aggressively an organization pursues long-term cap strategy, facility investments, and front-office structure. In the coming weeks, attention will likely focus on whether the Lakers maintain continuity in basketball operations or announce a broader shift in leadership as part of the transition.

At the league level, the alleged sale price would be another reminder that NBA valuations continue to climb. If the figure is accurate and the transaction is finalized, it could become a reference point for future negotiations involving other high-profile franchises. For now, the key development is the reported intent and the identities of the proposed controlling partners, with confirmation from the Lakers, the NBA, or the buyers being the next milestone to watch.