The Los Angeles Lakers are set to change ownership again, and one big question is whether Jeanie Buss will remain in charge. Billionaire investor Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger have agreed to buy the team from Mark Walter for a record $12.5 billion, making it the most expensive sports franchise sale in North American history.
This deal comes just 14 months after Walter bought controlling stakes from the Buss family for around $10 billion. Now, NBA officials are reviewing the sale, and all eyes are on Buss’s future role.
As Lakers governor since 2013, Jeanie Buss has been a key decision-maker on business matters and represents the team at NBA meetings. NBA rules require governors to own at least 15% of the team to keep their title.
Buss, 64, became controlling owner in 2017 after her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, passed away and left the franchise to his six children. She led the team through championship wins and changes in leadership until the sale to Walter in 2025.
The previous deal ensured she would stay as governor for at least five years. The Buss family kept about 15-17% of the team, meeting NBA requirements. This time, only Walter’s shares are being sold, so Buss still holds enough ownership to remain governor.
Kushner and Iger have praised her leadership, calling her a visionary and promising to honor the Buss legacy. The sale is the highest price ever for a sports franchise but needs NBA Board of Governors approval, expected by September.
While the basketball operations will continue as usual, questions arise about how much influence Buss will have moving forward. She has remained active in team affairs despite previous ownership changes.
For now, Jeanie Buss’s connection to the Lakers remains intact. With her ownership stake and governor title secure, she continues to play a key role as Kushner and Iger prepare to take over one of the NBA’s most iconic teams.