Iger Brings Big-Deal Experience to Lakers Ownership Group

Bob Iger's latest big deal is joining an ownership group for the Los Angeles Lakers, which he will join at an estimated $12.5 billion valuation.

Iger's experience in big-ticket deal-making dates back to his time as CEO of The Walt Disney Company from 2005-2020, where he led the acquisition of Pixar for $7.4 billion in 2006, Marvel for $4 billion in 2009, Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion in 2012, and a portfolio of entertainment assets from 21st Century Fox for $71.3 billion in 2019.

He has also been involved in sports-rights decisions at ESPN, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB, and has a strong reputation among Hollywood's creative community.

Iger stepped down as CEO of Disney in 2020 but returned briefly in 2022 before stepping aside again in March this year. He is now an advisor to Thrive Capital, where he joined Joshua Kushner's group that bid on the Lakers.