What To Know About New Lakers Owner Josh Kushner’s Politics

Key Points:

• Josh Kushner, younger brother of Jared Kushner, has faced speculation about whether his connection to President Trump aided his sports financing deals, though his political views differ significantly from Jared's, as Josh identifies as a Democrat.
• Josh Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital, partnered with Bob Iger to purchase a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers at a $12.5 billion valuation, marking the largest sports deal in history, following a quick turnaround from the previous $10 billion sale just 14 months prior.
• The rapid Lakers sale and Kushner's failed attempt to lead an investor group buying part of FIFA's business have raised questions amid federal probes into financial dealings involving Mark Walter's firms, with investigations by the Justice Department and SEC into possible fraud.
• Despite conspiracy theories linking the deals to Trump influence, the White House denied any involvement, and Trump himself stated he had no role in the FIFA transaction; meanwhile, FIFA members blocked the sale of a spinoff to private investors citing concerns over private equity in the nonprofit organization.
• The Kushner family maintains close ties to Trump through their father, Charles Kushner, a major Trump donor and ambassador who was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after legal convictions.