Our Conversation with Bruce McNall the Legendary Former LA Kings Owner and Hollywood Icon

Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars

In this episode of the Criminal Code Podcast, host Tony along with Sam and Sonny, welcomes Bruce McNall, the man who transformed the LA Kings and famously brought Wayne Gretzky to Los Angeles. Bruce recounts his fascinating journey from his early love of ancient history and numismatics, leading to a booming business in ancient coins, to his ventures in the movie and horse business. A pivotal figure in sports history, Bruce shares intriguing anecdotes about high-stakes deals, including the acquisition of Gretzky and his astounding experience in the world of Hollywood and the racehorse industry.

The episode also delves into his dramatic fall, detailing his legal battles and eventual imprisonment. Bruce offers a raw look into his time in prison and how he managed life post-release, maintaining friendships and diving back into business. This episode is a conversation of a life filled with high-risk ventures, monumental successes, and steep declines, providing a rare look behind the scenes of Hollywood, sports, and high-value collectibles.

00:00 Intro
01:56 The Rise of a Coin Dealer
11:28 Venturing into the Horse Business
18:33 Hollywood Connections and Movie Ventures
21:16 The Gretzky Trade and Transforming the LA Kings
38:42 Expanding into Canadian Football
45:41 A Lunch with Spielberg
46:04 Hiring David to Run MGM
46:26 Financial Troubles and Rising Debt
48:43 FBI Investigation and Legal Troubles
50:34 Pleading Guilty and Prison Sentence
55:55 Life in Prison
01:12:35 Release and Rebuilding Life
01:24:27 Reflecting on Life and Future Goals
01:28:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts