US investment in global sports brands is surging
US investment in global sports brands is surging newspress_en Mon, 11/09/2026 - 03:35 Business & Economy Earlier this year, basking in the splendour of “the biggest (football) World Cup ever,” Gianni Infantino, the Swiss head of the tournament’s organiser, FIFA, spent 40 days travelling by private jet across the three host nations of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, moving from stadium to…
US investment in global sports brands is experiencing a surge, as demonstrated by a recent deal to acquire a controlling stake in the iconic Los Angeles Lakers from investor Mark Walter. At the center of this growing trend is Joshua Kushner, the son of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law and a prominent US envoy. Kushner, who also holds a stake in the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat, initially proposed a plan to FIFA to capitalize on the World Cup's popularity by selling commercial rights to the competition.
However, the plan faced widespread backlash, leading to the resignation of several FIFA officials and threats of a World Cup boycott. Undeterred, Kushner redirected his attention to acquiring the LA Lakers, a deal valued at $12.5bn. This acquisition marks the most expensive purchase of a sporting franchise and underscores American investment funds' increasing interest in major sporting assets.
The Lakers, a symbol of American basketball and a globally recognizable brand, have mirrored the evolution of the NBA, showcasing sporting excellence and celebrity glamour. With an expected revenue exceeding $680mn this year, Kushner and his partner, Bob Iger, are betting on the Lakers' enduring popularity and their potential for future growth.
Written by urgent.news from Al Majalla English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
