Bob Iger wanted to buy the NBA’s Phoenix Suns before Disney returned

Disney boss Bob Iger was barred from bidding for the Phoenix Suns because the NBA team’s disgraceful former owner had a deep-seated grudge against the media mogul, The Post learned.

Robert Thurber, who ran out of leagues after Disney-owned ESPN exposed Thurber’s history of cheating, refused to allow Iger to participate in the auction.

“There is no sales book, no non-disclosure agreement, no conversation,” said a source close to the situation.

ESPN story Painted Thurber as racist, November 2021 He also made inappropriate sexual remarks to a female employee.

The revelation resulted in Thurber being suspended for a year and fined $10 million before the NBA pressured him to sell the team.

Iger was Disney’s CEO at the time before retiring later that year.

Thurber blamed Iger for his downfall and kept him out of the Suns auction, sources said.

“I know he’s been looking,” one NBA owner told The Post.

Another source close to the situation said: I was wondering how they were going to raise the money. ”

In November, The Ringer first reported Iger’s interest in the Suns, and The Post learned more details.

UMW Holdings head Matt Ishbia paid a record $4 billion for a 57% stake in the Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury after acquiring the NBA franchise in February.

It’s the second time in recent months that the owners of a beleaguered team have reportedly barred the Media Baron from an auction.

Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder shunned Jeff Bezos for months after a Washington Post article owned by Jeff Bezos put pressure on Snyder to sell the team. The Post exclusively reported on Feb. 24.

Sixers and Devils owner Josh Harris is making a tentative deal to buy the Commanders instead after bidding for an NFL franchise-record $6 billion.