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The NFL is the only of the four major sports leagues that does not allow private equity investment, but that is debatable. There is a committee of owners considering whether to lift the NFL rule, and that committee has several votes to overturn the bylaw at the next owners meeting to be held in Orlando from March 24-27. Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he could present options. front office sports.
“The value of franchises has reached these levels, and we have the opportunity to provide more flexibility in financing and maintain control over the family without having to sell a major block of ownership. We have a model that works.” says Blank. A five-person committee to discuss PE. “This is something that the NFL is looking at in a positive light, but we’ll have to wait and see how it’s resolved.”
The NBA, MLB, and NHL each allow limited private equity investments and maintain their limited partnership status, and a number of investment companies specializing in sports franchises have emerged. Blank would not say what his position is on allowing sovereign wealth funds, which the other three leagues do.
As NFL team valuations soar, it becomes harder to find a wealthy enough buyer. Josh Harris bought Commanders for $6.05 billion after struggling to find enough investors to finance it. The league has already increased the amount of debt available to new buyers, but with the rapidly increasing prices of sports teams, a private equity path seems inevitable for the NFL.
Blank suggests another reason for allowing PE. It’s about keeping the team within the family in case the owner leaves after paying a hefty tax bill. Selling part of the franchise to private equity could raise money for his heirs.
blank spoke Foss Last week, a few days before the Super Bowl, in a hotel room in Las Vegas. His answer below has been edited for brevity and clarity.
On whether the Falcons want to make another Super Bowl
“We will do our best for the next Super Bowl.” [for the 2028 or ’29 game]”
On his comfort with the NFL’s gambling policy
“Gambling is here to stay after the Supreme Court ruled. The league’s position on that is ‘defend the game at all costs,’ which is obviously absolutely critical. And all the implications it has for club officials, players, gambling, and I’ve never even stepped foot in a casino. [in Las Vegas this week]. I don’t want to be seen there. In theory, if you want to go to the slots, you can, but I don’t know. …But it is what it is. The league will be a participant and will participate in any economy generated by the league. We all know that some of these things can be addictive, so I hope the league will be more careful and promote responsible betting. ”
The NFL Players Association’s position on the hypocrisy of installing a grass field at the Falcons’ Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the 2026 World Cup game in Atlanta
“The league spends a tremendous amount of time and money verifying whether fields are natural grass or artificial turf.[are safe]. They he works closely with the NFLPA, 25 to 30 engineers and scientists. The NFL is committed to creating the best and safest environment possible for its players. However, I don’t know if it will ultimately take shape. ”
Strategic Sports Group’s involvement in multi-billion dollar investment in PGA Tour
“This new interest… [the PGA Tour] have [in switching from a nonprofit to a for-profit model] It’s very positive for the game. When I met the players, I said: The products are great and the profits are great, so I know I can get all the money I want.What should you really be when it comes to choosing the person you want as a partner? [is] extremely sensitive to What can they bring to the table that will really help the Tour grow as a platform: business experience, life experience, sports perspective?””
PGA Tour loses players on LIV Golf threat
“I think there are seven of the top 100 players in the world.” [LIV]. So keep everything in perspective. ” (Editor’s note: This number is dynamic. As of Tuesday, that number was nine.)
about whether he is thinking of something new 3-way sports streaming combination There will be less competition for streaming rights, as some feared
“There’s a lot of competition for media rights in the NFL. If we cut it down to this few numbers, we’d have no chance at all, but I don’t think the league is worried about that at this point.”
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