The Los Angeles Lakers are set for a historic transition. Less than a year after Mark Walter acquired a majority stake, he is selling the team to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner at a staggering $12.5bn valuation. This deal, which requires NBA approval, marks the highest price ever paid for a sports team and signals a major shift in the industry.

This trend of billionaire financiers replacing traditional family owners highlights how sports teams are evolving from vanity assets into legitimate investment vehicles. Investors like Kushner increasingly view sports as a sector resistant to AI disruption. Meanwhile, the sale allows Walter to realize a 25 per cent profit in a remarkably short timeframe.

In the Premier League, Liverpool Football Club is also seeing a shift. A group of investors, including Jeff Bezos, has agreed to buy more than 30 per cent of the club, valuing the team at $7bn. This move positions Liverpool to tap into global markets and digital content, ensuring growth beyond its traditional domestic base.