The Los Angeles Lakers are set to be sold to former Disney chief Bob Iger and investor Josh Kushner’s Thrive Capital, marking the NBA franchise’s second ownership change in less than a year.
The Hollywood Reporter said the surprise deal comes months after the NBA Board of Governors approved financier Mark Walter’s purchase of the Lakers in October.
“As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world,” Iger and Kushner said in a statement to ESPN.
“We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles.”
Walter acquired the Lakers following more than 45 years of ownership by the Buss family and also holds controlling stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks and Chelsea FC.
His financial empire has recently faced scrutiny. The Wall Street Journal reported in July that US federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission were investigating Guggenheim Investments’ $16 billion in loans for potential fraud.
Walter told ESPN he had “every confidence the best is still ahead” for the Lakers.
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