Los Angeles Lakers fans may soon witness a historic shift in franchise ownership as the Buss family appears poised to fully divest its controlling stake in the storied NBA franchise, despite vocal opposition from one of Jerry Buss’s children.
The proposed transaction, first reported by multiple outlets including The Athletic and ESPN, involves an investment group led by Josh Kushner and Disney CEO Bob Iger acquiring the remaining shares held by the Buss family. This development marks the culmination of a years-long process that began when the NBA approved a minority stake sale to a group including Iger and Kushner in 2022, but has since evolved into what could become a complete ownership transition.
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ president and daughter of the late Jerry Buss who purchased the team in 1979, has publicly expressed her reluctance to see her family’s legacy completely exit the franchise. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that Jeanie Buss has been actively involved in negotiations but remains concerned about maintaining the family’s connection to the team that became synonymous with Los Angeles basketball excellence.
The complexity of the current ownership structure stems from the terms of Jerry Buss’s trust, which gradually transfers control of the franchise to his children while maintaining the family’s overall influence. Jeanie Buss inherited her father’s role as controlling owner upon his death in 2014, overseeing a period that included championship victories in 2020 and sustained competitiveness throughout the 2010s.
The investment consortium pursuing the full acquisition brings significant resources and entertainment industry expertise to the table. Josh Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital and brother-in-law to former President Donald Trump, has built a reputation in sports investing through his ownership stakes in various professional teams. Bob Iger’s involvement adds considerable weight given his track record transforming Disney into a global entertainment powerhouse during his tenure as CEO.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated the league would likely support such a transaction given the financial stability and strategic vision presented by the prospective ownership group. The league has increasingly embraced outside investment in recent years, particularly from entities with media and technology backgrounds that align with basketball’s evolving digital landscape.
However, the path forward remains uncertain due to Jeanie Buss’s reported resistance. The situation presents a unique challenge for the NBA, which typically requires unity among ownership stakeholders before approving major transactions. Legal experts suggest the Buss family trust may contain provisions that could facilitate or complicate the proposed sale depending on how control mechanisms were structured.
For Lakers fans, the potential ownership change represents both continuity and transformation. While the franchise’s basketball operations and day-to-day management would likely remain intact under Jeanie Buss’s leadership for the immediate future, the long-term vision for the organization could shift significantly under new ownership with different priorities and business strategies.
The Lakers organization has maintained its status as one of the NBA’s premier franchises since relocating from Minneapolis in 1960, winning 17 championships and establishing itself as a cornerstone of professional basketball culture. Any change in ownership structure would mark only the third time in franchise history that the Buss family name would not be associated with primary control.
Financial considerations appear to be driving the current negotiations, with industry analysts noting that NBA franchise valuations have skyrocketed in recent years. The Lakers were valued at approximately $5.9 billion in 2023, making them among the most valuable sports franchises globally. This valuation reflects not just basketball revenues but also the team’s extensive media presence and brand recognition.
The proposed transaction would need to clear several hurdles before completion, including NBA Board of Governors approval and potentially addressing any outstanding legal challenges from dissenting family members. The league’s constitution grants commissioners broad authority to approve ownership changes, but precedent suggests such approvals generally proceed smoothly when financial and operational standards are met.
As negotiations continue behind closed doors, the basketball world watches closely. The outcome will not only determine the future direction of one of America’s most iconic franchises but also signal how traditional sports ownership dynasties adapt to an era of increasing corporate consolidation and media convergence.
Representatives for the Buss family, Josh Kushner, and Bob Iger have declined to comment on the ongoing discussions, citing the confidential nature of the negotiations. Similarly, NBA officials have remained tight-lipped about the potential transaction, though sources indicate informal discussions have been taking place for several months.
If completed, the deal would represent one of the most significant ownership transitions in recent NBA history, potentially setting precedent for how other family-owned franchises navigate succession planning in an increasingly complex business environment.
