Lakers Fans to Feel the Pinch After New $12.5 Billion Owners Plan Hike in Ticket Prices

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially entered the post-LeBron James era with Luka Doncic at the helm. After a fourth-place finish in the Western Conference standings, the Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs last season.

Since the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, the Lakers have undergone some major changes both on and off the court. The biggest on-court change was James’s departure after eight years in LA.

Similarly, the Lakers’ ownership changed hands in the summer. Mark Walter, who bought the organization last year, sold the Lakers for $12.5 billion to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger. The duo wanted to buy a Las Vegas expansion team but shifted focus when Walter was open to a sale.

While Lakers fans will be hoping to see their results improve after the change of ownership, they could see a rise in ticket prices next season, as the new owners are pitching investors on dumping ticket brokers in an effort to maximize control and increase the value of tickets.

Lakers ticket prices could rise substantially as Kushner, Iger look to cut out brokershttps://t.co/CRs2J8DDkU

— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) September 19, 2026

Hence, the average price for a LA Lakers ticket could rise from $217 to $361 within the next two years. There has been a lot of excitement after the new owners took charge. However, higher ticket prices will not be the change fans have been hoping for.

Since the departure of James to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers have taken a bit of a hit due to his impact and influence off the court. The Lakers were not scheduled to play on Opening Night for the first time since the 2018-19 season. However, it appears that the ticket prices will not be dropping as the new owners are pitching investors on dumping ticket brokers.

Lakers buyers lay out plans to reach $30 billion valuation in pitch to investors

There has been a lot of optimism after Kushner and Iger bought the Lakers in the summer. Stephen A. Smith even went as far as to call Iger the “Michael Jordan of Executives”. It was also confirmed that Jeanie Buss would continue as the Governor of the franchise for at least the next five years.

When Walter bought the franchise a year ago, he paid $10 billion. While he did sell the organization a year later for a profit of $2.5 billion, it did raise a few questions and eyebrows.

With the team’s valuation skyrocketing each year, the new buyers are telling prospective investors they expect to nearly triple the team’s valuation within 10 years. 

According to the Wall Street Journal, the investor pitch projected that the Lakers could leverage increases in ticket prices, media rights, sponsorships, and international growth. Hence, the value of the franchise could reach $30 billion by 2037.

The Lakers are one of the most valued franchises in the NBA. Their history, fanbase, and ability to attract the biggest stars have always been key factors in their growth.

Gilbert Arenas wants cheaper Lakers tickets due to new-look roster around Luka Doncic

When the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic at the trade deadline last year, it was clear that they were preparing themselves for the future as James’ future remained uncertain. The Slovenian guard is the focal point of this team, and the roster was built around him in the offseason.

With a number of changes made to the roster, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas comically said ticket prices need to come down next season.

I expect to get season tickets for real cheap this year. Them tickets need to go down. It’s like when it was like Nick Young, Socrates.

Gilbert Arenas on Gil’s Arena

The ticket prices in Philly have seen a surge after James’ signing. Conversely, Arenas expects a drop for the Lakers’ season tickets as they have no big stars other than Doncic on the team. However, he will be surprised to learn that the Lakers have no intention of decreasing the prices but are looking to increase them even more.

Also Read:

• Anthony Edwards Trolls LeBron James For Joining 76ers Over His Wolves: “His Knees Couldn’t Handle the Cold Weather”
• Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves’ Lakers Projected to Finish 6th in West Without LeBron James