The sale, announced by the former owner Mark Walter, marks the most expensive transaction ever for a professional sports team, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Kushner’s investment firm Thrive Capital disclosed an investor presentation that projects aggressive financial growth, including a strategy to double the value of television and streaming rights and to expand the brand internationally.
Under the new ownership’s roadmap, the Lakers are expected to generate $681 million in revenue by 2026, with ticketing and media rights already accounting for the largest share of that income.
Thrive Capital estimates that, if the projected rise in TV and streaming deals materialises, the franchise’s valuation could climb to $30 billion by 2034, more than double its purchase price.
Revenue targets are set to exceed $1.6 billion by the end of 2037, driven by the anticipated expansion of local media rights and global marketing initiatives.
While Kushner and Iger now control the majority stake, the Buss family—longtime stewards of the Lakers—still hold a 17.8 percent interest. Five Buss siblings have announced intentions to sell their shares, but Jeanie Buss, who runs day‑to‑day operations, has resisted a complete exit, citing her father Jerry Buss’s legacy.
The ownership change comes at a time when the NBA’s overall media landscape is shifting, with streaming platforms vying for rights and teams seeking new international revenue streams.