Lakers to change ownership again... 'Trump's son-in-law's brother' embroiled in FIFA controversy, the man behind a 17 trillion won acquisition with former Disney CEO

*This content was translated by AI.

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most prestigious franchises in the National Basketball Association (NBA), are expected to welcome a new owner in just over a year. One of the prospective buyers is Joshua Kushner, younger brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently became the center of controversy after appearing in FIFA's major investment plan.

Reuters reported on the 13th (Korean time) that "venture investor Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger are set to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers," adding that "in this transaction, the Lakers were valued at a record high of $12.5 billion (approximately 17 trillion won)."

For the Lakers, this marks another ownership change in just over a year. Billionaire Mark Walter had previously acquired controlling interest in the team from the Buss family last year. At that time, the Lakers were valued at $10 billion (approximately 14 trillion won). Walter is also the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Yet, just 14 months later, the Lakers are back on the market. The new deal values the franchise at $12.5 billion, a staggering $2.5 billion higher than when Walter acquired it.

In a joint statement, Iger and Kushner said, "As lifelong NBA fans, we are honored to have the opportunity to lead one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world, the Los Angeles Lakers."

They continued, "We hold deep respect for the leadership and vision shown by Jerry Buss and Jeanie Buss. Building on that foundation, we will strive to achieve even more and compete at the highest level. Our long-term goal is to contribute to this special team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles."

The background of Joshua Kushner, who has emerged as a new buyer, also draws attention. Kushner is the founder of venture capital firm Scribe Capital. Notably, his older brother Jared Kushner is married to Ivanka Trump, President Trump's eldest daughter. In other words, President Trump's son-in-law is Joshua Kushner's older brother.

Recently, he also made headlines as part of another massive investment plan in the sports world.

In July, FIFA announced plans to establish a separate subsidiary to handle commercial operations for major tournaments including the World Cup and sell partial stakes in the entity to external investors.

The new entity was valued at approximately $20 billion, with plans to raise over $4 billion through external investment. At the time, it was expected that Kushner's Scribe Eternal would lead the investor group.

However, strong opposition erupted from football associations across Europe and other countries. Ultimately, as criticism mounted, FIFA withdrew the plan.

Just weeks after being at the center of the FIFA investment controversy, Kushner has now emerged as a buyer for one of the world's most famous sports franchises, the Lakers.

Iger, who will acquire the Lakers alongside Kushner, is also a globally recognized executive.

Iger served as Disney's CEO for many years and oversaw ESPN, a sports-focused channel, during his tenure. Reuters explained that "Disney signed contracts worth billions of dollars regarding NBA broadcasting rights, which helped Iger build close ties with the NBA."

Iger retired from Disney in March. He also has experience in sports investments, having previously acquired controlling interest in Angel City FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Angel City is the team where Korean Yeo Ja-chuk-gu (CEO) striker Casey Phair plays.

Lakers legend Magic Johnson also welcomed the new buyers. Johnson announced via social media, "I congratulate my good friend Bob Iger and Josh Kushner on their acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers."

He continued, "To all Lakers fans, it's hard to imagine two better owners than these. I have known Bob personally for over 40 years. He has always loved the Lakers and basketball, and he will bring another championship back to Los Angeles."

Lakers ace Luka Dončić also said, "There are no limits to the potential of this iconic franchise," adding, "I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob and creating something special together in Los Angeles."

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*This content was translated by AI.