Robert Kraft has agreed to sell an 8% minority stake in the New England Patriots, valuing the team at $9 billion, with the sale proceeds staying on the team's balance sheet. The deal involves buyers Sixth Street Capital and Dean Metropoulos and requires NFL approval. This sale is part of a broader trend of NFL team stake sales, with other teams like the Giants, 49ers, and Bears also undergoing similar transactions.
Tom Brady's involvement as a part-owner and FOX Sports analyst raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially as he interacts with NFL teams and players, though the NFL states he is restricted from in-person team facility access to prevent unfair advantages.
The article criticizes Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for prioritizing business and personal interests over winning football games, highlighting his history of contentious contract negotiations, especially with Black players, and his focus on profit over team success, which has hindered the franchise's ability to achieve sustained success despite its financial wealth.
Eli Manning has decided not to pursue a 10% stake in the New York Giants due to the high cost, while fellow Giants legend Michael Strahan remains interested in investing alongside Marc Lasry.
Eli Manning considered buying a 10% stake in the Giants but declined due to the high cost, citing the large financial commitment and potential conflicts with his broadcasting career. The article also contrasts Manning's decision with Tom Brady's purchase of a stake in the Raiders at a much lower valuation.
For the first time in NFL history, private equity firms have purchased stakes in league teams, with Ares Management acquiring 10% of the Miami Dolphins and Arctos Partners and Gridiron Capital buying into the Buffalo Bills. This move, approved by NFL owners, allows for increased liquidity as franchise values rise. The Dolphins' valuation was set at $8.1 billion, while the Bills' was $5.8 billion. The sales aim to diversify ownership and expand market reach, particularly in Toronto for the Bills.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie is exploring the sale of a minority interest in the team, valuing the franchise at $7.5 billion. The size of the stake and terms are still undetermined, and talks are in early stages with no guarantee of a sale. Lurie has owned the Eagles since 1994, purchasing the team for $195 million.
The Pegula family, owners of the Buffalo Bills, is considering selling a minority interest in the team, with reports suggesting around 25 percent, though the exact figure is not confirmed. The potential sale is being facilitated by Allen & Company, and while Terry Pegula may ultimately decide against it, the increasing valuations of NFL teams and estate taxes have made sole ownership challenging. The Bills, currently valued at $3.7 billion, were purchased for $1.4 billion in 2014, and the team's new stadium costs could exceed initial projections, with the Pegulas bearing responsibility for any overruns.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ranked poorly in the NFL Players Association's report card, with low grades for team travel and ownership. Players criticized the Glazer family for ownership and complained about issues such as expensive game-day child care and outdated facilities. Despite some positive marks for the dietician, training staff, and strength coach, the overall ranking was affected by concerns about the team's facilities and travel policies. In contrast, the Miami Dolphins ranked first overall in the survey.
Kansas City Chiefs players gave their team owner, Clark Hunt, low ratings in an NFL Players Association survey, expressing frustration over unkept promises and subpar facilities despite the team's on-field success. This reflects a growing trend of NFL players using their newfound power to voice concerns about workplace conditions, with the survey providing a protected opportunity for players to critique their team environments. The report card has put a spotlight on the Chiefs' internal culture, highlighting the impact of player feedback on team ownership and the willingness of players to speak out.
Washington Nationals' principal owner Mark Lerner announced that the team is no longer for sale, ending a nearly two-year search for a new owner. The Lerner family, which has owned the team since 2006, had been exploring a potential sale since April 2022. This decision comes after the recent agreement for businessman David Rubenstein to buy the nearby Baltimore Orioles. The Nationals have struggled in the past four seasons after winning the World Series in 2019.
The Washington Nationals, previously on the market for nearly two years, are no longer for sale as principal owner Mark Lerner announced that his family has decided to keep the team. This decision comes after the Lerner family explored a potential sale following the passing of Ted Lerner in 2023. The news follows businessman David Rubenstein's agreement to buy the Baltimore Orioles, a neighboring team. The Nationals have struggled in recent seasons after winning the World Series in 2019.
The NFL is considering relaxing its rules on team ownership to allow passive investment from private equity firms, a move that could significantly impact team valuations and the culture of ownership. A committee of team owners, including Arthur Blank and Greg Penner, is expected to weigh in on the issue at the league's annual meeting in Florida, with questions arising about the potential involvement of sovereign investors.
The NFL's soaring franchise values have created succession-planning challenges for aging owners looking to pass teams to their heirs without exposing them to hefty tax liabilities, prompting consideration of allowing private equity investments. With average team values reaching $5 billion and the league's most popular franchises worth billions, the potential tax burden on heirs could force some families to sell. The league is considering a plan to allow private equity investments, which could lead to a series of deals and minority stake sales. The NFL's strict ownership rules and the need for unity among team representatives pose additional challenges for families navigating succession planning and potential sales.
Six highly positioned league sources ranked the NFL's open head-coaching jobs from least to most attractive, considering team ownership, roster, and salary-cap load. The Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans were ranked as the least attractive due to concerns about ownership and roster issues. The Washington Commanders emerged as the most attractive due to a new ownership group's commitment to investing in winning, a high draft pick, and ample salary-cap space.
