Tom Brady Poised to Become Minority Owner of NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders

Former NFL quarterback and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady is set to become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, pending approval from NFL owners. The deal, which would see Brady acquire roughly a 10% stake in the Raiders alongside his business partner Tom Wagner, founder of Knighthead Capital, is expected to receive the necessary approval at the upcoming league meeting in Atlanta.

The Raiders, valued at $7.8 billion, are currently the fifth-most valuable franchise in the NFL, according to CNBC’s Official 2024 NFL Team Valuations. Their value has surged since the team relocated from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020, coinciding with the opening of the state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium. In 2023, the Raiders generated $780 million in revenue, making them the third-highest earning team in the league.

Brady’s Investment Journey and Role as an Owner

Brady’s pursuit of ownership began in May 2023, though the process was delayed due to concerns among some NFL owners that the initial offer undervalued the team. Despite this, the deal is expected to move forward, and Brady will become just the third former NFL player to own part of an NFL team.

Although the exact price of Brady’s investment remains undisclosed, his entry into ownership will come with specific restrictions due to his role with Fox Sports, where he signed a 10-year, $375 million broadcasting deal in 2022. While Brady will be allowed to broadcast Raiders games, he will not be permitted to attend production meetings or access team facilities, players, or coaches directly. Furthermore, he will have to comply with NFL rules that restrict owners from publicly criticizing officials or other teams.

Raiders’ Success in Las Vegas

The Raiders’ move to Las Vegas has significantly bolstered the team’s financial standing. Allegiant Stadium, though one of the smallest in the NFL with a capacity of 65,000, commands the highest ticket prices in the league. In 2023, the average ticket price was $169, reflecting the premium that fans are willing to pay to see the team play in one of the most entertainment-driven cities in the world.

In addition to NFL games, the stadium hosts numerous non-NFL events, further boosting the franchise’s revenues. This diversified business model has contributed to the Raiders’ rise in value and positioned them as a top-earning franchise.

Brady’s Expanding Presence in Las Vegas Sports

In addition to his new role with the Raiders, Brady is also a minority owner of the Las Vegas Aces, a WNBA team also owned by Mark Davis, who owns the Raiders. Brady’s growing influence in Las Vegas sports signals his broader ambitions beyond football.

If approved by the NFL owners, Brady will join a small, elite group of former players to become team owners. His involvement with both the Raiders and the Aces highlights his transition from legendary player to influential sports business figure.