Iger, Kushner buy Lakers
August 14, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers sold to Bob Iger, Josh Kushner for $12 billion
An ownership group led by businessmen Josh Kushner and Bob Iger has agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers in a transaction valued at $12.5 billion. The sale comes less than a year after billionaire Mark Walter previously acquired the franchise at a valuation of approximately $10 billion. Kushner, the founder of Thrive Capital, and former Disney CEO Iger expressed deep honor in taking over stewardship of the historic franchise as it transitions to its new leadership.
NBC News
Walter Sells Lakers, Seeks Cash to Pay Loans Amid DOJ Probe
Billionaire Mark Walter’s firm, TWG Global, is in talks with investment firms to raise capital following scrutiny from the Department of Justice over large loans made by his insurers to other areas of his business empire. The efforts to secure cash and address these outsize internal loans have intensified as part of a broader strategy to resolve regulatory concerns. Additionally, the move coincides with reports that Walter is selling his stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to help pay down the outstanding debt on his insurers' books.
Bloomberg Law
Orlando Magic Names Cox Media Group for Magic Television Broadcasts for 2026-27
The Orlando Magic announced a new partnership with Cox Media Group to serve as the team’s official over-the-air television broadcast partner for the 2026–27 season. Under the agreement, WRDQ TV 27 will air all non-nationally exclusive regular season games, with select games also broadcasting on WFTV Channel 9. The broadcast team will feature Dante Marchitelli on play-by-play alongside analyst Jeff Turner and reporter Kendra Douglas, with plans for a direct-to-consumer streaming partner to be revealed in the near future.
NBA
David Ross, Anthony Rizzo Rebranding Volume Podcast for MLB Talk
Former Chicago Cubs teammates David Ross and Anthony Rizzo are relaunching their podcast with The Volume, rebranding The Lovable Reunion as Ross & Rizzo Unfiltered. While their previous show focused heavily on their iconic 2016 World Series championship team, the rebranded series will broaden its scope to cover topics across all of Major League Baseball. Both hosts, who currently work as television sports analysts for ESPN and NBC respectively, highlighted their close friendship and shared passion for discussing the game as the main motivation for continuing the show.
Yahoo Sports
Patriots officially open new team facility, New Balance Athletics Center
The New England Patriots officially opened the 160,000-square-foot New Balance Athletics Center on the Gillette Stadium grounds, marking it as the only NFL facility with that much space dedicated solely to football. The upgraded building features a 15,000-square-foot weight room, an expanded 3,700-square-foot hydrotherapy recovery area, a full-field-width virtual reality room, restaurant-style dining facilities, and a dedicated draft war room. Owner Robert Kraft and head coach Mike Vrabel emphasized that the state-of-the-art facility reflects the franchise's commitment to providing players with a world-class environment to train, teach, and recover.
Boston 25 News
Bears' owner gives updates on Indiana stadium site, Arlington Heights
Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey updated the media on the franchise's ongoing stadium search, confirming that the team is conducting due diligence on a second potential site in Hammond, Indiana. The shift in focus toward northwest Indiana follows the failure of key incentive legislation in the Illinois General Assembly, leading Indiana officials to offer significant financial backing to lure the team across state lines. Meanwhile, McCaskey noted that there has been no recent movement or progress regarding the team's property at the former Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
NBC Chicago
Jessica Pegula says WTA genetic testing has begun
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has officially begun implementing its new genetic sex testing policy at the Cincinnati Open, as confirmed by world No. 3 player Jessica Pegula. The updated eligibility rules require female athletes to undergo a one-time cheek swab or blood test to check for the SRY gene. While intended to establish biological fairness in competition, the policy has drawn mixed reactions from players, with figures like Coco Gauff expressing support for fairness alongside concerns over potential harassment directed at the transgender community.
Reuters
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Ole Miss to honor Archie Manning with statue outside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
Ole Miss announced it will honor legendary quarterback Archie Manning with a statue placed outside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, located just north of the Olivia and Archie Manning Performance Center. Manning played for the Rebels from 1968 to 1970, earning All-SEC honors twice and total program accolades that led to his College Football Hall of Fame induction and his jersey number 18 being retired. Athletic Director Keith Carter praised Manning as an iconic figure whose legacy as a player, leader, and role model will continue to inspire future generations of student-athletes and fans.
CBS Sports
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