Peter Guber did. Here’s who he is and how he did it.
You might not know Peter Guber by name, but I guarantee you have seen movies he has produced. Consider these three blockbusters: Batman (1989), Rain Man (1988), and Tango & Cash (1989). And he recently produced all ten episodes of the TV miniseries, The Last Dance (2020).
After graduating from Syracuse University (B.A.) and New York University’s law school, Guber entered the film industry. He joined Columbia Pictures in 1968, and within three years, was promoted to studio chief. Columbia had one hit film after the other during Guber’s time in charge. Then, he shifted to become SONY’s CEO.
Guber with Kerr (photo, ABS-CBN)
How did sports come into the picture?
Always a fan, Guber formed Mandalay Entertainment Group, which includes a sports division, Mandalay Sports Entertainment. The hometown LA Dodgers were one investment, and, later, he became co-owner (with Joe Lacob) of the Golden State Warriors. Guber doubles as the franchise’s co-Executive Chairperson.
Guber was a driving force behind hiring Steve Kerr as head coach and drafting Steph Curry. Those acquisitions laid the foundation for winning multiple NBA titles, which was quite a feat for what had been a moribund franchise.
So, you see, it IS possible to transition from film producer to become a championship sports executive. (HINT: It’s about how to build a successful business and–very importantly–both films and pro sports are … drum roll… entertainment.)
