Lakers sold for $12.5 billion; tax implications loom for new owners
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026

The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold for a record $12.5 billion to a group led by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger. This sale, finalized recently, represents a significant appreciation over the previous $10 billion valuation. The outgoing owner, Mark Walter, faces a potential tax bill exceeding $1 billion due to capital gains taxes associated with the sale. The structure of the sale may influence the final tax owed, depending on the timing of the transaction. As taxes are calculated on the gains realized from the sale, the financial implications could vary significantly.
- •The Lakers sold for $12.5 billion, the highest in sports history.
- •Mark Walter’s group may owe over $1 billion in taxes.
- •The sale followed the team’s valuation rising from $10 billion.
- •Josh Kushner and Bob Iger led the purchase group.
- •Previous ownership by the Buss family lasted nearly 50 years.
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — The Lakers Just Sold For $12.5B, But Uncle Sam Wants His Cut
"The Lakers just sold for $12.5B — a record. But Mark Walter's capital gains tax bill could wipe out over $1 billion of that windfall.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NBA•Oct 22, 2026, 11:31 AMJaden McDaniels admits he never even wanted to join the Timberwolves after $40m extension- NBA•Oct 22, 2026, 11:31 AMLuka: Lakers' 'ceiling is even higher,' pairs with Kessler for blowout
- NBA•Oct 22, 2026, 11:15 AMClippers get unexpected opening-night statement from Darius Garland after chaotic offseason
- NBA•Oct 22, 2026, 11:08 AMHornets get surprising answer after LaMelo Ball trade in season-opening win over Nets
NBA•Oct 22, 2026, 10:38 AMWarriors’ Draymond Green weighs in on Yaxel Lendeborg-Luka Doncic flare-up
NBA•Oct 22, 2026, 10:33 AMAnthony Davis reaches new franchise heights in Wizards debut vs. Bucks
