Several National Football League (NFL) teams, including the Los Angeles Chargers and the Miami Dolphins, are in discussions to bring in private equity investors, according to a report by Pensions & Investment citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
The Spanos family, owners of the Chargers, are reportedly in advanced negotiations with two private equity firms to sell a stake in the team, while the Dolphins are also engaging in talks with private equity groups, as well as individual buyers, the sources said.
Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills are exploring similar opportunities, according to one source.
The discussions are all ongoing though, and none of the teams involved have made any final decisions regarding the sale of ownership stakes.
Representatives for the Dolphins and the NFL declined to comment, while requests for comment from the Chargers, Eagles, and Bills went unanswered.
NFL owners recently approved a rule-change allowing private equity firms to acquire stakes in teams, potentially opening the door for billions of dollars in fresh capital and further boosting already surging franchise valuations. The NFL hopes to finalise select deals before the year’s end to set valuation benchmarks and resolve long-term ownership challenges.
So far, four private equity groups have been authorized to invest in NFL franchises: Arctos Partners, Ares Management, Sixth Street Partners, and a consortium that includes Dynasty Equity, Blackstone, Carlyle Group, and CVC Capital Partners. These firms can acquire up to 10% of a team and must hold the investment for at least six years.
