Huge Lakers sale could potentially have ramifications for SF Giants down the road

The big sports news of today is that a majority ownership stake in the Los Angeles Lakers was sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner for $12.5 billion. It’s the second time the Lakers have been sold in the last two years, and now the Lakers and SF Giants are actually semi-linked at least in terms of who holds an ownership stake in the two franchises.

Earlier this year, Thrive Capital bought a minority stake in the Giants. Kushner owns Thrive Capital and he has been purchasing stakes in sports franchises quite a bit recently. Kushner previously held minority stakes in the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies.

It’s notable that he is the brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Trump. Josh Kushner’s politics reportedly differ from those of his brother but it’s interesting that he’s taken such an interest in the sports space recently.

Thrive Capital also made a controversial play for a minority stake in FIFA, but there was such a backlash to the reported deal that it was scrapped.

What does Lakers sale mean for the Giants?

So what does this mean for the Giants? It’s tough to say right now but if Kushner and Thrive Capital continue to thrive (ba dum tss) and be profitable then maybe there’s some scenario down the road where he tries to acquire more of the Giants or potentially even a controlling stake if the Johnsons ever decide they want out.

That day may be a long time from now because as far as we know the Giants still seem to be a very profitable enterprise. No matter what happens on the field, attendance numbers have been up this year and the organization is purchasing theaters so things seem to be going pretty well on the business side.

Many Giants fans just wish that there was a more concerted effort made to put together the best roster possible by ownership. We know higher payroll doesn’t always mean better results. Just look at the New York Mets.

But if it at least felt like the Giants were going all out to assemble the best talent and put the best product on the field then maybe there would be less fan discontent.

This Lakers sale probably won’t have any immediate ramifications for the Giants, but this Kushner fellow is someone to keep an eye on. He’s obviously serious about getting involved in the sports world and the fact that he essentially co-owns the Lakers and his firm owns part of the Giants could definitely matter down the road.

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