Mark Walter has sold one of Los Angeles’ crown jewels, but is he also about to do the same with the other?
According to sources familiar with the situation who are not allowed to speak publicly about it, no. Walter sold his Lakers controlling interest on Wednesday. He isn’t looking to sell Dodgers.
Walter’s decision to sell only the Lakers does not mean he wants to dismantle a vast sports empire, which includes the Dodgers and Sparks of the English Premier League as well as the Professional Women’s Hockey League, various motorsports and tennis entities, and Chelsea from the English Premier League.
Walter is at the centre of an investigation into federal loans. Bloomberg, citing anonymous source, reported that his firm TWG Global is currently in discussions with investors about raising money to pay off loans held by its insurers, which had attracted the attention of the Justice Department.
Stan Kasten, the Dodgers’ president and part-owner Stan Kasten stated that he “had no reason to believe” the sale had anything to do with the investigation
Kasten stated, “This is more of a Laker tale than a Dodger one.” It has absolutely nothing to do the Dodgers. The two are completely different. “There aren’t any changes or plans here. I believe that is pretty much the entire story.”
When asked Wednesday about the sale, Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts shared a similar sentiment with NBA and MLB.
“I think I was not the only one who was surprised. This is above our salary levels. “I was just as surprised by his excitement to play the Lakers as anyone else.
Roberts replied, “I’ve not heard anything.” When asked if he heard any indication that Walter would also be selling his Dodgers stake, Roberts said, “I don’t know.” For me, business is as usual.
Walter and his partner bought the Dodgers in 2012 for $2.15 Billion, a then record price for a Major League Baseball franchise.
The Dodgers won three out of six World Series titles under his ownership. They also invested record revenue in contracts for players so generous, that the league is now considering a salary ceiling, partly to give other teams a shot at winning the World Series, and partially to boost the value of their franchises.
Sportico values the Dodgers now at $9 billion.
Walter bought the Lakers last year at $10 billion valuation and has agreed to sell them at $12.5 billion valuation. Former Disney CEO Bob Iger, and Joshua Kushner – Thrive Eternal Venture Capital firm which invests in sports. They also own a San Francisco Giants share.
Kushner’s younger brother is Jared Kushner. Jared Kushner was President Trump’s son-in law.
Walter’s refusal to put up the Lakers for auction is similar to how he purchased the Dodgers. An auction was scheduled between three finalist bidders for the Dodgers including Walter and partners. Walter placed a bid so high – hundreds of millions more than the previous bidders – that Frank McCourt, the former Dodgers’ owner called the auction off and congratulated Walter.

Topline
The timing of Mark Walter selling the Lakers to Josh Kushner & Bob Iger, just weeks after Josh Kushner’s failed plan to purchase a part of FIFA fell apart, has sparked conspiracy theories that the Trump Administration’s investigation of Walter for fraud may have been a factor in this deal.
The Key Facts
CRITICAL QUOTE
“So……. The Mark Walter federal probe colliding with Gianni infantino’s private equity backers who prefer to be called “partners” is ………… quite a bit,” Pablo Torre tweeted on Wednesday morning. He hosts the investigative podcast “Pablo Torre finds out”.
Walter is being investigated by the police for what?
The Wall Street Journal reported that federal prosecutors in Manhattan and the SEC were investigating possible fraud in private-credit transactions involving loans made by insurance companies Walter owned, which were then passed on to other companies linked to Walter or TWG Global. In June, the insurers admitted to their investigations, writing that “errors had been identified in the identification and the presentation of certain related party investments.” Delaware Life reclassified $16 billion worth of investments into affiliated status, up from the previous $1 billion. It is unclear whether the company knew the investments belonged to Walter. Fitch Ratings told Los Angeles Times that another Walter insurer Clear Spring reclassified loans worth $4.6 billion as affiliates. According to The Journal, Delaware Life and Clear Spring both have subpoenas relating to this investigation. Bloomberg reported that the FBI seized Walter’s computer and cellphone in September of last year. In a press release, a TWG Global representative told The Journal that Mark Walter and TWG had always operated in good faith and people who knew him well as he was honest and straight-forward. These transactions were no different, and we are confident that these issues will be resolved in a favorable manner.
Why did Kushner’s FIFA deal fail?
Several prominent FIFA members were against the sale of a part of the non-profit to private investors. Last month, CONCACAF (the soccer governing body of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean) announced that it will reject the proposal. Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer, said that executives also opposed the plan. He accused Infantino – who pushed for the deal – of having “deceived them” and left them out in negotiations. Plan involved spinning off FIFA’s commercial activities, which included the women’s and men’s World Cups into a company owned by private investors led by Thrive. Trump, who told reporters in January that he had not spoken to Infantino about the sale proposal, warned FIFA Monday against doing so. It was his first time publicly defending Infantino. FIFA apologized to members for its “errors” in handling the FIFA Forward Enterprise Plan last week, and said that it supports Infantino’s continued presidency.
Key Background
Walter is a co-founder of the Guggenheim Partners, a financial company. TWG Global, the holding firm that holds his insurance companies, Guggenheim, as well as his sports team ownership, such the Dodgers or Chelsea Premier League Soccer Team, was reported by CNBC. Bloomberg cites unnamed sources as saying that Guggenheim was also under investigation by the SEC last year for how it represented the company’s revenues to third parties. However, the outcome of this probe is not clear.
What to Watch for
The Los Angeles Times, which cited anonymous sources, reported on Wednesday that Walter has no plans to sell the Dodgers. Forbes values the Dodgers at $7.8 Billion, making them number one. The New York Yankees are ranked No. 2 among Major League Baseball clubs in terms of value.
forbes valuation
Forbes estimated Kushner’s Net Worth at $5.2 Billion.
Continue reading
FIFA’s Infantino scrambles to save his job after World Cup equity plan backfires (Forbes).
The Los Angeles Lakers are being bought by former Disney CEO Bob Iger and billionaire Josh Kushner in a record $12.5 billion deal (Forbes).

Travis Kelce has officially returned to work following his exciting offseason. He is now giving his first interview as a husband-to-be. Kelce called Taylor Swift “my wife” in public for the first time during Wednesday’s Chiefs training-camp press conference. He also gushed over their wedding.
Kelce praised Madison Square Garden as a venue for his wedding, saying, “MSG is man.” Swift wore her “Stevie Knicks T-shirt” to Swift’s fourth Knicks game of the NBA Finals. Kelce said that he was able to fulfill his childhood dream to be in the venue and getting married there made it “perfect”. He also thanked everyone for coming to celebrate with him and having fun.

Want to own the latest Pixel device? Google’s Pixel watches and phones have been officially unveiled after weeks of leaks.
Pixel 11 is $899. The Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold are each $1,299 or $1,099 depending on the model. Watches are available in two sizes. The smaller 41mm version starts at $399 and the larger model at $429. Preorders are now available and the phones will be shipped on 2026 August 20.
You can pre-order an unlocked smartphone directly through Google Store, Amazon or Best Buy. The three retailers are all offering a similar deal whereby you will receive a gift certificate for future purchases at the retailer. This value depends on the model that you purchase. Pixel 11 comes with a gift card of $100, Pixel 11 Pro, Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold come with a gift card worth $200, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes equipped with a gift card valued at $350. The only company that lists a date is Google, August 27, 2026.
Google’s gift cards are the most beneficial if you also want a Pixel Watch 5. You can use the card to purchase the Watch and earn $50 more. If you purchase a Pixel 11 Pro you will receive a gift card of $200 or you may choose to get $250 off the Pixel Watch 5 if purchased in conjunction. The base 41mm Pixel Watch 5 model is included with the purchase of a Pixel 11 pro Fold.
The new Tensor G6 is the processor that powers each phone. According to Google, this processor is capable of delivering a 25 percent increase in web browsing speed and a 15 percent boost for app loading over the Tensor G5. Pixel 11 phones are focused on video and camera features. Magic Capture lets you skip taking a perfect shot and stitch together clips from an extended video. The four smartphones also feature upgraded batteries, fast charging and wireless charging for Qi2.2.
Check out our first impressions of the Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel 11 Series phones.
Preordering the Pixel 11 Pro & Pro XL
Pixel 11 Pro XL starts at $1.299 with the 256GB configuration, going up to $1.419 for the larger 512GB version, or $1.449 for 1TB. Pixel 11 Pro XL is priced from $1,299 in the 256GB version. The 512GB model costs $1,419, and the 1TB variant comes at $1649. The 256GB model of both phones has 12GB memory while the higher capacity models come with 16GB memory.
The two phones have the same screen, battery, and resolution. The phones have updated cameras including a wide-angle 50MP camera, a telephoto 48MP with up to 5-x optical zoom and a selfie 42MP with a field of view of 103 degrees. These phones come in four different colors, including canyon, olive, fog and obsidian.
Preordering the Pixel 11
Pixel 11 models with 12GB memory start at $899 and go up to $1,019 if you choose the 512GB version. This 6.3″ display features a resolution of 1080×2424 and a refresh rate between 60-120Hz. HDR is supported up to 2000nits or 3000nits brightness when HDR is turned off. The Pixel 11 has a 48MP wide-angle camera, 13MP ultrawide camera, 10.8 MP Telephoto camera with 5x optical Zoom, and 10.5MP Selfie camera. This phone comes in four different colors, including frost, Pistachio (as shown), Hibiscus, and Obsidian.
Preordering the Pixel 11 pro Fold
Pixel 11 Pro Fold is priced at $1899 with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. A 512GB version costs $2,019 and there’s also a 2TB model available for $2249 The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is available in olive or obsidian.
Only foldable smartphone in Google Pixel’s lineup, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a display that can be folded to a size of 6.5 inches externally and 8 inches internally when it is opened. The two screens have a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and HDR. Both the internal and front cameras have 10MP sensors. The main camera block has a 10.8MP optical zoom telephoto, a 10.5MP Ultrawide camera, a 48MP Wide camera, as well as a 10.5MP sensor with an ultrawide.
Preordering the Pixel Watch 5
Pixel Watch 5 is available in two sizes. The 41mm version starts at $399 and the 45mm size at $429. Along with faster processing, more memory and new exercise features, such as a workout creator and an accurate GPS for crowded places, the Pixel Watch 5 has a number of improvements. Under the “Health Guardian”, the watch has a number of long-term features that can monitor insulin resistance, detect medical emergencies and track blood pressure trends.
AT&T offers a range of discounts for upgrading to new Pixel phones and the Pixel Watch 5. You can receive a Pixel 11 Pro free of charge if you exchange a Pixel of any age or condition. However, the phone must be in good working order and you will need at least $80.00 per month to maintain the credit. This deal also applies to a Pixel 11 Pro XL when you trade in a Pixel 11 Pro. You can get a Pixel Watch 5 for 50% off when you start a new product line, and purchase a $500 device or higher with a payment plan.
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Los Angeles Lakers is being sold.
Again.
Mark Walter, who bought the Lakers from Disney in 2010 for a staggering $10 billion, is now selling them to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner, only 14 months later. According to an anonymous source who was privy to the deal, the Lakers would be valued at $12 billion. Kushner is the younger sibling of Jared Kushner – President Donald Trump’s son-in law – and has a minor stake in Miami Heat.
This is an amazing development for the NBA marquee team, owned for over four decades by Jerry Buss and his children before Walter took control.
Iger and Kushner stated in a press release that they were “deeply honored” to be given the chance to oversee the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are one of the best-known sports teams in the world. We have great respect for Jerry Buss and Jeanie’s vision and leadership. We are committed to building on this foundation and competing at the highest levels, while serving the fans of the team and Los Angeles.
ESPN reported on the agreement to sell Wednesday.
Iger’s 75-year-old purchase of the Lakers was a clear answer to the question about his future in public after Disney. Josh D’Amaro succeeded Iger as CEO of the company in March. Iger remains as a senior advisor and board member. However, these roles will end at the expiration of his contract.
Iger served as Disney CEO twice, firstly from 2005 until 2020. Iger, who had handed the reigns over to Bob Chapek in 2005, remained at the company. He returned to his CEO role when Chapek left the company in November 2022. Disney acquired Pixar and Marvel during Iger’s tenure as CEO. They also bought Lucasfilm, 21st Century Fox, Lucasfilm, Marvel and the remaining 21st Century Fox. Iger was also in charge of ESPN. However, he delegated the daily management to others.
Iger has made several investments in sports. The Lakers is not his first. Iger and Willow Bay, the dean of USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and Iger’s wife, purchased a majority stake in Angel City FC for $250 million in the summer 2024. This was at that time the most expensive valuation for a professional women’s sports team.
NBA board of governors must approve the Lakers’ sale.
Luka Doncic, Lakers’ star and social media user wrote: “I love being a Laker and am excited to return to the court to bring LA a championship.” I’ve become accustomed to major changes in the last few years but know there are no limits to this legendary franchise. “I look forward to meeting Josh, Bob and getting to work on building something unique in LA with them.”
Kushner is a key figure in the global soccer scandal surrounding Gianni Infantino’s plans to sell a share in FIFA’s competitions, which includes Kushner’s Thrive Eternal for $4.2 billion, to private investors. Kushner received a letter from UEFA on July 31, stating that it was considering taking legal action or filing regulatory complaints against the plans. The European soccer body insisted that no documents relating to the plan be destroyed.
Walter, majority owner Los Angeles Dodgers called ownership of Lakers an “extraordinary” investment. Walter also owns the Los Angeles Sparks but they are not included in the Lakers deal, said a source familiar with the transaction who requested anonymity as they weren’t authorized to disclose details.
Walter stated in a press release that “what I’ll carry with me are the fans and the city who treat this team like a family.” I am thankful to Jeanie Buss and her family as well as the team, players, coaches, and staff, for welcoming me in this new chapter. “The Lakers are Los Angeles’s team, and the best of them is yet to come.”
Walter’s insurance companies are being investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Wall Street Journal reports that federal investigators became interested in Walter’s insurance companies after an internal whistleblower complained about the way Walter’s asset management firm, Guggenheim Investments recorded revenue received from insurance companies.