Robert Iger on NBA partnership
From The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World: What is it, and how did it come about? | The Jump · · ESPN
“We have a great partnership with the NBA. We actually consider NBA family to us between ESPN and ABC and Disney, and I go back a long time with the NBA as well. And we just thought that the vibrancy of the sport and the health of the league and the relationship that we had and Walt Disney World, it couldn't be a better place to expand our partnership in this physical space.”
On , Robert Iger, CEO & Director at Walt Disney Co, spoke about NBA partnership during The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World: What is it, and how did it come about? | The Jump on ESPN.
About Robert Iger
Robert Iger received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Howard University on May 21, 2026. During the ceremony, the university praised his leadership at The Walt Disney Company and credited him as a key factor in bringing the film "Black Panther" to life. Iger told graduates that they are entering a world defined by constant change, and he encouraged them to remain curious, adaptable, and willing to evolve. He said the most valuable skills—communication, creativity, critical thinking, and a commitment to learning—transcend any single industry, and he advised building fluency with emerging technologies while investing in qualities that cannot be automated, such as building trust and forming meaningful human connections. In March 2026, Iger was named a Disney Legend Award honoree, the company's highest honor, as part of his final chapter at Disney after handing over the CEO role to Josh D'Amaro. Reflecting on his more than five decades at the company, which began at ABC News, Iger said he loves what he does and the people he works with, describing his career as "the ride of a lifetime." He also noted that seeing guests experience Disney parks, especially children being greeted by Mickey Mouse, gives him an amazing feeling.