Josh Kushner is facing questions over his involvement in the Los Angeles Lakers’ new ownership group following his investment firm’s role in a controversial FIFA proposal.
Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger are set to take control of the Lakers in a record $12.5 billion deal pnly less than a year after Mark Walter’s acquisition was approved.
Speaking on the Locked on Lakers podcast, Andy Kamenetzky raised concerns about Kushner’s limited sporting track record and ties to Los Angeles.
“I understand where the fans are concerned about it for someone who is a complete outsider,” Kamenetzky said.
He pointed to Kushner’s involvement in FIFA’s abandoned plan to sell a 20 percent stake in a new commercial subsidiary to private investors.
Kushner’s Thrive Eternal had been positioned to lead the investment group.
Kamenetzky described it as an “essentially failed takeover of FIFA to turn it into the type of business model that the entire world rejected.”
FIFA abandoned the proposal following opposition from UEFA and other football organisations.
Kushner does have previous NBA investment experience, including minority stakes involving the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat.
Questions have also emerged about financing the Lakers purchase, given the $12.5 billion valuation.
The new ownership group has yet to publicly outline a detailed long-term plan for the franchise.
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