The Lakers’ new ownership group already has some seriously ambitious plans for the franchise.
Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger’s group purchased the Lakers at a record $12.5 billion valuation last month, but according to an investor presentation reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, they believe the team could be worth at least $30 billion by the end of 2037.
Under more favourable conditions, the group reportedly sees a path to a valuation as high as $62 billion.
The projections are built around several areas of potential growth, including international expansion, sponsorships and increased media-rights revenue.
The Lakers are currently projected to generate around $681 million in revenue in 2026. The ownership group believes that figure could climb to more than $1.6 billion by 2037.
But, one part of the plan could hit Lakers fans directly in the wallet.
The group reportedly wants to reclaim around 6,000 season tickets currently held by brokers and sell them as single-game tickets. That could increase the average single-game ticket price from around $217 to $361.
The plan is expected to generate around $150 million in additional revenue by 2028, with another $40 million to $75 million potentially coming from new sponsorship opportunities and at least $20 million through operating efficiencies.
Media rights are another major part of the projection. The Lakers’ new owners are reportedly betting that television and streaming rights could double in value again when the NBA’s current $77 billion media deal expires.
It’s an enormous financial target, but the Lakers are already one of the most valuable franchises in sports.
Now, the new ownership group is betting it can turn the league’s biggest brands into an even bigger business, with fans potentially paying more along the way.
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