The sports world is buzzing with the news that venture capitalist Josh Kushner and media executive Bob Iger have joined forces to buy the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal, announced on August 12, 2026, values the iconic NBA franchise at a staggering $12 billion, making it the most expensive team sale in sports history. The purchase from longtime owner Mark Walter marks a new chapter for a team that has been a cornerstone of basketball and Los Angeles culture for decades.
For Latino fans across the Americas, the Lakers are more than just a basketball team. From the glory days of Magic Johnson to the Kobe Bryant era and the current roster led by Anthony Davis, the purple and gold have a massive following in México, Puerto Rico, and throughout Latin America. The team's games are a Sunday ritual in countless households from Bogotá to Buenos Aires, and its new owners will inherit a legacy that resonates deeply with bicultural audiences.
Who is Josh Kushner?
Josh Kushner, 41, was born in Livingston, New Jersey, into a prominent real estate family. He is the son of Charles Kushner and the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who served as a senior advisor in the Trump White House. But Josh has carved his own path, focusing on technology and finance rather than politics or property development. He holds degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Business School, and in 2018 he married supermodel Karlie Kloss. The couple has three children and has collaborated on media projects, including a revival of Life magazine.
Kushner's wealth comes primarily from Thrive Capital, the venture capital firm he founded in 2009. Forbes estimates his net worth at $5.2 billion. Thrive has raised over $7.3 billion and made early bets on companies like Instagram, OpenAI, Spotify, and Skims. He also co-founded Oscar Health, a healthcare startup, and Cadre, a real estate technology platform. His investment acumen has earned him a reputation as one of the smartest money minds in Silicon Valley.
This isn't Kushner's first foray into sports ownership. In 2019, he bought a 2.5% stake in the Memphis Grizzlies, which he sold in 2024 to acquire a minority share of the Miami Heat. Those moves gave him a firsthand look at NBA governance and prepared him for this monumental purchase. Alongside Bob Iger, the former CEO of Disney, Kushner now takes the helm of a franchise that has won 17 championships and boasts a global fanbase that spans generations.
In a joint statement, Kushner and Iger expressed their commitment to the team's future. "As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored by the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world," they said. "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."
The acquisition has sparked conversations about the business of sports and the growing influence of tech investors in ownership. For Latino fans, the change in ownership might feel distant, but it could shape the team's engagement with Latin American markets. The Lakers have long been a bridge between the U.S. and Latin America, with players like Pau Gasol from Spain and LeBron James's global appeal. The new owners have the resources to expand that reach, perhaps through more preseason games in México or partnerships with Latin American brands.
As the deal closes, fans in Los Angeles and beyond will watch closely to see how Kushner and Iger navigate the challenges of running a modern sports franchise. With a $12 billion price tag, expectations are sky-high. But for a team that has always thrived under the spotlight, the future looks bright. Whether you're watching from Boyle Heights or Guadalajara, the Lakers remain a symbol of excellence and resilience—and now, with new stewards, they're ready to write their next chapter.
