The Lakers will be sold for a record figure of 12.5 billion dollars

Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Lakers will be sold to Bob Iger, former CEO of Disney, and investor Joshua Kushner in a deal that values the iconic NBA team at $12.5 billion. The sale, reported yesterday by ESPN and not yet officially confirmed, would represent a record price for the powerful basketball league.

The final deal still requires approval from the NBA Board of Governors, a process that could take weeks, according to the American television network.

The transaction would take place more than a year after billionaire Mark Walter acquired a majority stake in the California franchise for $10 billion.

Joshua is the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.

Through the Thrive Eternal fund, Joshua was linked as a potential investor in the aborted plan to open the doors to private equity in FIFA.

The initiative caused an earthquake in the world of soccer and threatens the reelection of Gianni Infantino.

“As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored by the opportunity to become custodians of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world,” Kushner and Iger said in a statement to ESPN.

“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,” they added.

Walter's purchase, announced in June of last year, ended the Buss family's 46-year reign over the NBA giants.

Jeanie Buss had continued to serve as governor of the Lakers after the club was sold to Walter in a deal that further expanded the sports portfolio of his holding company, TWG Global.

The company's sports properties include the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball and a stake in Chelsea, a soccer club in the English Premier League.

TWG also owns the Billie Jean King Cup tennis tournament and the Cadillac Formula 1 team.