Former Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger along with Venture Capitalist Josh Kushner will be the new owners of the Los Angeles Lakers after purchasing the franchise from Mark Walter for $12.5 billion (AP file photo)

Los Angeles Lakers sold for a record-breaking $12.5 billion

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Until recently, the Golden State Warriors were the NBA’s most valuable franchise, valued at around $11 billion. However, ESPN reported that Venture Capitalist Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger agreed to buy a controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter for a record-breaking $12.5 billion on a very fast deal that came together in just a few days after Kushner called Walter with the huge offer.

To put this massive offer in perspective, the highest valuation for a US professional league team is that of the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL, at $15.5 billion. The Lakers sold for $12.5 billion, whereas other professional teams, including the New York Yankees in MLB, are valued at $9 billion, while the only MLB team in the Bay Area, the San Francisco Giants, is valued at around $4 billion, while the dearly departed Oakland A’s, now playing in Sacramento with a final stop in Las Vegas at $2.5 billion.

Robert Allen Iger (Bob Iger) is an American media executive who served two separate terms as the CEO of The Walt Disney Company from 2005 to 2020 and from 2022 to 2026. Jared Kushner has been a businessman and investor for over 20 years, beginning his active career in real estate and media between 2003 and 2005. Kushner is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. He married Trump’s oldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, in 2009,

The Lakers open their 79th season (2026-27) regular-season schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 21, when they host the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Quote: “We are more than just athletes. The platform we have in this league allows us to spark real conversations and create change far beyond the hardwood.” — LeBron James

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.