From CNBC: 2024-07-11 12:19:00

The NFL may allow minority private equity ownership of up to 10% for its 32 teams, says Commissioner Roger Goodell. The league is considering the change to reflect evolving sports trends and address rising franchise valuations. Goodell hopes to finalize new ownership policies by year-end, with the 10% cap as a starting point.

In 2023, the Washington Commanders were purchased for $6.05 billion, the most ever for a U.S. sports team. Josh Harris, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, led the deal with private equity backing. Other notable investors included Magic Johnson, Eric Schmidt, and David Blitzer. The NFL may reconsider allowing institutional investments due to rising ownership costs.

The National Women’s Soccer League allows majority control by private equity firms, unlike other major sports leagues. For the NFL, it may be a challenge to balance the financial benefits of private equity investment while maintaining ownership control. Interested individuals may be deterred by the lack of decision-making power that typically comes with minority stakes.



Read more at CNBC: NFL open to private equity team ownership, Roger Goodell says