The prospective new owners of the Los Angeles Lakers, investor Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger, are to inherit a highly unstable long-term television landscape for the franchise. This uncertainty comes as the $12.5 billion team sale accelerates following current owner Mark Walter facing federal investigations into his business interests.
Charter Communications’ Spectrum service currently broadcasts Lakers games on its SportsNet cable channel. However, Charter executives have discussed exiting this specific relationship. The deal currently guarantees the team approximately $200 million in annual revenue. For over a decade, both the Lakers and the Los Angeles Dodgers have relied heavily on these high-ticket TV rights to fund operations and massive player payrolls.
The Lakers are scheduled to enter the 15th year of a $3-billion long-term agreement with Spectrum this fall. Despite the contract, Charter reportedly retained investment bankers months ago to find a buyer for Spectrum SportsNet. This move reflects a broader shift in the regional sports network industry as fewer consumers migrate away from traditional cable TV.
Why it matters for Los Angeles Lakers
The stability of this critical revenue stream has sparked significant fear within the Lakers organization. If Spectrum successfully cuts ties, the financial foundation used to maintain a competitive roster in the NBA could be undermined. Charter CEO Chris Winfrey recently acknowledged that the regional sports network business is significantly challenged, noting that many networks have faced bankruptcy while Spectrum remained committed.
Charter recently finalized a massive $34.5 billion purchase of Cox Communications, making Spectrum the dominant provider across Southern California. While this expands their footprint, the internal pressure to shed expensive sports channels remains a top priority. The team must navigate this media shift while Kushner and Iger prepare to take control of the storied franchise.
What comes next for the franchise?
Mark Walter and his holding company stated they are cooperating with authorities and expect the legal matters to be resolved favorably. Meanwhile, the Lakers are dealing with a difficult on-court reality alongside these off-court distractions. The last result: Los Angeles Lakers 110-115 Oklahoma City Thunder (2026-05-12), and their recent form (last 5): 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL, most recent first); lost the last 5.
The transition of ownership to Thrive Capital and Bob Iger will be the ultimate test of how the team handles media rights. Since Jerry Buss bought the team in 1979 and ran it as a family business, the new era must prioritize modern media strategies and financial sustainability in a post-cable world.
