Disney CEO Bob Iger to lead proposed NFL stadium project in Carson

CARSON, Calif. (KABC) -- Disney CEO Bob Iger has reached a deal with the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders to lead their bid to build an NFL stadium in Carson.

Iger will serve as the non-executive chairman of Carson Holdings, LLC., which was jointly formed by the two teams in February.

Iger's work is contingent on the league's owners approving Carson as the new home of the NFL in the Los Angeles area. He would be responsible for hiring the executive who would oversee the day-to-day management of the $1.7 billion stadium, including its design, construction and marketing.

"Should the owners approve the move, Los Angeles will proudly welcome two incredible teams to our community and build a stadium worthy of their fans," Iger said in a statement. "L.A. football fans will enjoy unprecedented access to games during the season, in a state-of-the-art stadium designed to deliver the most entertaining, exciting and enjoyable experience possible."

Under the terms of his five-year contract, Iger would continue to serve as chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company. The contract between the two also allows Iger to recuse himself in situations of conflict. His annual salary for the project will be only $1.

Carson Mayor Albert Robles said Iger's announcement is a huge boost to his city's project.

"It's exciting, it's just further evidence that the best site for the return of football to Southern California is in the great city of Carson," he said.

The Carson project is in direct competition with St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke's venture to build an 80,000-seat stadium at the site of the former Hollywood Park horse track in Inglewood.

The news comes as representatives from San Diego, Oakland and St. Louis meet Wednesday with top NFL brass in New York. Each city is expected to make their case to keep teams in their respective cities.

All three teams have Los Angeles ties. The Rams called the area home from 1946 to 1994, the Raiders were here from 1982 to 1994 and the Chargers played their inaugural 1960 season in L.A.

Disney is the parent company of ABC7.