The full financial structure behind Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner’s proposed Lakers takeover remains a mystery, as additional investors will apparently be needed to complete the massive transaction.
The franchise is being valued at $12.5 billion, far beyond what either buyer is believed to have available individually. Kushner was recently valued at $5.2 billion, while Iger’s fortune has been estimated at under $1 billion.
Thrive Capital, Kushner’s investment firm, could play a role in assembling the necessary capital. The company, which manages roughly $50 billion, confirmed that “outside investment” will be part of the financing and could involve Thrive Eternal.
One person apparently staying out is Jared Kushner. Despite speculation about Joshua’s brother joining the group, a Thrive representative said he will not participate.
NBA restrictions on institutional ownership also mean a single investment fund cannot simply provide most of the purchase price, making the identities of other financial backers particularly important.
Meanwhile, another complication has emerged around the Buss family’s 17.8% holding. Jeanie Buss is fighting efforts by her siblings to include those shares in the transaction.
Her lawyers disputed reports about the family vote, claiming ESPN’s Shams Charania “falsely reported that the six Buss siblings voted to sell” and arguing that Jeanie is not automatically “out” as controlling owner.
They also contend that “any ‘vote’ by any of the Buss siblings would be and is void ab initio,” pointing to legal protections surrounding Jeanie’s leadership position.
With the Buss family divided and much of the financing still undisclosed, the eventual makeup of Iger and Kushner’s Lakers ownership group remains an open question.
Who’s really writing the $12.5B check in Bob Iger, Joshua Kushner’s Lakers buy – as Buss plays spoiler https://t.co/T3BgUEt6Nj pic.twitter.com/gecpG7DzPH
— California Post (@californiapost) August 19, 2026
