Buss trying to block siblings' sale of LA Lakers

August 18, 2026

Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss is attempting to prevent her five siblings from selling the family's remaining 17. 8% ownership stake in the franchise. The siblings voted to sell their shares to a group led by Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger, who recently acquired controlling interest from Mark Walter for $12.

Who is affected

Jeanie Buss (Lakers governor and co-trustee)
Her five siblings: Johnny, Jimmy, Janie, Joey, and Jesse Buss (co-owners and co-trustees)
Josh Kushner and Bob Iger (incoming ownership group)
Mark Walter (current controlling owner)
Lakers fans and the Los Angeles community
The NBA board of governors (must approve the sale)

What action is being taken

Jeanie Buss is fighting to block the sale through her lawyer Adam Streisand
Her five siblings are moving forward with their decision to sell the 17.8% stake
The siblings released statements defending their united position to proceed with the sale

Why it matters

This dispute involves one of the world's most iconic sports franchises and would represent the most expensive sports team sale ever reported at $12.5 billion total. The family conflict threatens to disrupt the Lakers' ownership structure and could prevent Jeanie Buss from maintaining her historic role as the first female controlling owner to guide a team to an NBA championship. The legal battle over fiduciary duties and trust requirements could set precedents for family ownership disputes in professional sports.

What's next

The proposed sale requires approval from the NBA's board of governors next month.

Read full article from source: BBC