Bob Iger, Josh Kushner to buy Los Angeles Lakers

Summary

CNBC hosts discuss ESPN's report that Bob Iger and Josh Kushner have agreed to buy the Los Angeles Lakers for about $12 billion, a record price after Mark Walter's $10 billion purchase a year earlier. They highlight the rapid one-year appreciation, questions around financing, Kushner's venture track record and failed FIFA bid, and a federal probe into loans tied to Walter. The conversation also touches on broader sports franchise valuations and the apparent lack of a ceiling.

• Bob Iger and Josh Kushner confirm a deal to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers for around $12 billion.
• The price would mark a record and reflect about a 20% increase from Mark Walter's prior $10 billion purchase.
• Hosts raise questions about how the acquisition is financed given reported net worths.
• Josh Kushner's prior effort to buy a FIFA-related private stake failed after soccer federation backlash.
• A federal probe is reported into loans tied to Mark Walter's companies.
• The discussion notes sports franchise valuations keep rising despite uncertain returns on invested capital.