The NBA just oversaw the most expensive sale of a franchise in the history of the national leagues. Unless Jerry Jones wants to take a step back from his $13 billion empire in the most unlikeliest of scenarios, the record will continue to hold. And a Steelers mega fan ensured to be a little part of that history.

On Thursday, the Buss Family, which has owned the LA Lakers since 1979, closed the highly followed transaction. In a jaw-dropping $10 billion deal, billionaire investor Mark Walter has now taken over the reins of the iconic basketball franchise. Right alongside him is the all-familiar NFL name: Thomas Tull.

“Hearing that Steelers investor Thomas Tull is part of $10 billion purchase of NBA’s L.A. Lakers and will be minority partner, per sources,” insider Gerry Dulac reported on X.

Tull is the co-chairman of the TWG Global Investment Group, led by Walter himself. While the 65-year-old is affiliated with some of the most formidable teams– Dodgers, LA Sparks, F1 Cadillac– Tull built a resume impressive enough as a standalone.

Being a lifelong Steelers fan who once admitted to having never missed a game since DirecTV was made possible, Tull joined the Pittsburgh franchise as a minority owner in 2009. Only in 2023 did he eye an increased ownership stake in the team. While that might not have fallen in place, the Tulco founder kept himself busy, being a minority owner at the New York Yankees. But it doesn’t end here.

Tulco, alongside Walter, is building TWG Sports, a division focused on creating a unified sports network that connects teams and leagues under one umbrella.

However, beyond the stadium lights, Tull’s story goes even deeper. He’s a former film financier and the founder of Legendary Entertainment, the studio behind several Hollywood hits. According to Forbes, his net worth in 2025 sits at $5.3 billion.

Interestingly, just like their owner, the Steelers are also investing, but in players rather than franchises.

The Steelers are active ahead of the trade deadline

As the trade deadline approaches, the Steelers are making sure they’re not sitting this one out. Just recently, they pulled off a deal with the New England Patriots, landing safety Kyle Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2026 sixth-rounder. Dugger, once a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, brings experience and versatility to the secondary.

He appeared in seven games for the Patriots this year, starting four, and posted 14 tackles with five solo stops and three on special teams. Not eye-popping numbers, but solid production. However, reports suggest the Steelers aren’t done yet.

According to reporter Bailey Bassett, the Steelers could trade for Miami Dolphins wideout Jaylen Waddle.

“Jaylen Waddle could be on the trade block. The Miami Dolphins’ Week 8 win may have just delayed the inevitable of a Mike McDaniel firing and a Dolphins rebuild. If the Dolphins do blow things up, Waddle may secure the biggest trade return for them…”

A 2026 second-round pick could be the price tag, and Pittsburgh might just pay it. Waddle has put up 35 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns in nine games this season. Pairing him with DK Metcalf would give the Steelers one of the most dynamic duos in the league.

So, all eyes are on the Steel City’s next move: will they actually pull the trigger before the deadline?