The Los Angeles Lakers underwent an unexpected ownership change this summer, with Mark Walter selling the storied NBA franchise.
A new ownership group headed by Thrive Capital founder Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger acquired the Lakers in a record $12.5 billion transaction. According to The Wall Street Journal, Kushner and Iger are targeting a franchise valuation of at least $30 billion over the next decade.
Thrive Capital detailed a series of ambitious financial forecasts in an investor presentation, outlining a strategy to grow the Lakers brand well beyond its current reach. The group is reportedly focused on international expansion, along with potential new opportunities in local media rights.
If the value of television and streaming rights doubles as projected, those initiatives could substantially lift the Lakers’ valuation, according to Thrive Capital.
The Lakers already rank among the most profitable franchises in professional sports and are projected to bring in $681 million in revenue in 2026. Ticket sales and media-rights income are expected to make up the largest portions of that total.
Under the new ownership group’s long-range plan, annual Lakers revenue could climb to at least $1.6 billion by the end of 2037.
Although Kushner and Iger bought Mark Walter’s controlling stake, questions remain about the Buss family’s future involvement with the Lakers. Five Buss siblings have said they intend to sell their remaining combined 17.8% share of the team.
Jeanie Buss, however, has firmly resisted the idea of fully separating from the franchise. Her late father, Jerry Buss, entrusted her with overseeing the organization, and she has pushed back against her siblings’ efforts to cut their final ties with the Lakers.