Disney CEO Bob Iger’s New Hobby Cost Him $50 Million

Here at AllEars, we follow ALL the Disney news. And part of that news cycle means keeping up with the Disney CEO!

Burbank Disney Company Headquarters ©️LA Times

We’re constantly on the lookout for new interviews or appearances by Bob Iger to see if he drops any details about what’s coming in the future for the company, but the businessman has a personal life as well. And it looks like Iger is slated to make a BIG purchase soon!

Variety reports that Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife, dean of USC’s journalism school Willow Bay, are working on a deal to buy a controlling stake of L.A.’s Angel City FC pro women’s soccer team.

This purchase would cost more than $50 million for the couple and would make Angel City FC the most valuable women’s sports club in the world. If the purchase goes through, Iger and Bay would replace Alexis Ohanian (the co-founder of Reddit and the husband of pro tennis player Serena Williams) as the controlling shareholder.

UPDATE: As of July 17th, Bob Iger, Willow Bay, and Angel City F.C. sealed the deal giving the enterprise a $250 million value, according to Variety.

Angel City FC is one of 14 teams in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League. This investment from Iger and Bay would end up valuing the team at over $300 million. The team generated $31 million in revenue in 2023, which was nearly double the second-most valuable team (an honor that goes to San Diego Wave FC for pulling in $16.3 million).

The team was originally founded by actor Natalie Portman, tech investor Kara Nortman and media entrepreneur and entertainment exec Julie Uhrman. It now has over 100 other investors, including several celebrities and famous athletes.

We find it pretty interesting to see what Disney CEOs and business moguls do with their salaries. For 2023, Disney reported that Bob Iger made about $32 million, including base pay, bonuses, stock awards, stock options, and other compensation. So this investment would ultimately cost more than a year’s salary for him.

Of course, Bob Iger is also likely setting himself up for retirement in the future. His contract with Disney will expire in 2026 and he will have to name a successor for his role as CEO. What better to do with retirement than to go watch some soccer games?!

We’ll make sure to keep an eye out for any other important Bob Iger updates, so stay tuned to AllEars for the latest.