Who is Josh Kushner, the billionaire who just bought the Lakers?

Josh Kushner’s $12.5 Billion Lakers Deal Signals New Chapter for Tech Mogul

Sandego.net – In a move that has captured attention across business and sports circles, Josh Kushner has joined forces with former Disney chief executive Bob Iger to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-shattering $12.5 billion. The announcement marks one of the most significant sports franchise transactions in recent history and represents a bold expansion for the 41-year-old venture capitalist.

Kushner, who maintains a relatively low public profile despite his considerable influence, has steadily built an empire through strategic investments and partnerships. His acquisition of the storied basketball franchise comes at a pivotal moment in his career, following a series of high-profile deals that have solidified his position among America’s most powerful business figures.

Building a Venture Capital Empire

At the foundation of Kushner’s success is Thrive Capital, the venture capital firm he founded and now leads. The company has raised more than $10 billion in its most recent funding round, demonstrating strong investor confidence in Kushner’s vision and track record. Thrive has cultivated a reputation for identifying promising companies at critical growth stages and providing them with substantial capital and strategic guidance.

“I think Thrive is a very small percentage of its potential. I feel like we’re just getting started,” Kushner told podcast listeners in February, emphasizing loyalty and humility as central tenets of his leadership philosophy.

The firm’s portfolio reads like a who’s who of modern technology and entertainment. Early investments in groundbreaking companies like OpenAI and SpaceX have paid enormous dividends, while more recent additions include streaming giant Spotify, fashion brand SKIMS founded by Kim Kardashian, and acclaimed movie studio A24. Thrive has also positioned itself within the sports world through minority ownership stakes in both the San Francisco Giants and the Miami Heat.

AI Investment and Strategic Partnerships

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a central focus for Thrive through its subsidiary Thrive Holdings, which targets companies working to transform traditional industries through AI technology. Kushner has been vocal about his conviction that AI represents an underappreciated opportunity.

“I think this is the most important moment in our lifetimes. In many respects AI is underhyped,” Kushner stated during a 2025 interview at The Hill & Valley Forum, a prominent technology and policy gathering.

Thrive’s commitment to OpenAI extends beyond initial investments. The firm recently contributed an additional $1 billion to the artificial intelligence company in December, according to CNBC. This substantial investment has fostered a close working relationship between Kushner and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who has praised his investment partner’s approach.

“Josh makes high-conviction bets on high-quality companies and founders, and he doesn’t care too much about what other investors think. I feel a lot of camaraderie with that,” Altman told Fortune magazine in 2024.

Family Legacy and Personal Life

Kushner’s background places him at the intersection of real estate, politics, and business. Born in New Jersey, he is the son of Charles Kushner, a prominent real estate developer. His older brother Jared has gained international recognition as the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. Charles Kushner received a presidential pardon in 2020 related to a 2005 federal tax evasion conviction.

Despite his family’s political connections, Josh has generally maintained distance from direct political involvement. He has instead focused on building his own life and values, which he has described as liberal. In 2017, he publicly stated that liberal values have guided his personal and professional decisions throughout his life.

His personal life has been equally notable. Kushner married model Karlie Kloss in 2018, and the couple has three children together. They are regular attendees at prestigious events including the Met Gala. While Kloss has maintained her own career and public presence, she has acknowledged the complexities of being connected to the Kushner family through her husband.

“I’m sure I’m not the only person in this country who does not necessarily agree with their family on politics,” Kloss remarked in a subsequent interview, adding that she and her husband have “been through a lot together.”

Healthcare Ventures and Financial Standing

Beyond technology and sports, Kushner has demonstrated entrepreneurial versatility through Oscar Health, a health insurance company he established in 2012. The company initially benefited from the creation of Affordable Care Act marketplaces and has recently reported record-breaking profits, showcasing Kushner’s ability to identify opportunities across diverse sectors.

According to Forbes, Kushner’s net worth stands at approximately $5 billion, reflecting the cumulative success of his various ventures and investments.

From FIFA Controversy to Lakers Triumph

Not every investment has proceeded without challenges. Last month, Thrive Eternal participated in a controversial proposal with FIFA to sell private stakes in upcoming World Cup tournaments. The plan, which envisioned reinvesting generated funds back into the sport, was ultimately abandoned after facing significant criticism.

Industry observers view the Lakers acquisition as a strategic pivot that could help Kushner move past this setback while strengthening his presence in the sports world.

“Kushner’s purchase of the Lakers serves as a way to put the FIFA controversy behind him quickly and almost turn a new leaf in the sports sector,” explained Mark Conrad, a professor of law and ethics at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, in comments to CNN.

Conrad noted that the transaction “certainly puts him on the map more than before,” highlighting how the high-profile deal elevates Kushner’s public profile beyond his traditional business circles.

The Lakers acquisition represents more than a financial investment; it signals Kushner’s intention to become a major player in sports ownership while leveraging his experience in technology, media, and venture capital to bring fresh perspectives to one of America’s most iconic franchises.