Tom Brady’s Surprise Role: Las Vegas Raiders Investor

Tom Brady’s football legacy set to expand as he ventures into team ownership with the Las Vegas Raiders.

At a Glance

Tom Brady expected to become minority owner of Las Vegas Raiders
NFL owners to vote on Brady’s bid at fall meeting in Atlanta
Brady and partner Tom Wagner to acquire approximately 10% stake
Brady to join elite group of former NFL players turned team owners
Approval follows initial concerns over financial terms

Brady’s Bid for Raiders Ownership Nears Approval

Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback with seven Super Bowl rings, is on the verge of adding another impressive title to his resume: NFL team owner. Brady’s bid to become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders is expected to receive approval at the NFL’s fall owners’ meetings in Atlanta. This move would make Brady only the third former NFL player to own a team, joining the ranks of George Halas and Jerry Richardson.

The proposed deal, initially agreed upon in May 2023, would see Brady and his business partner Tom Wagner acquire approximately a 10 percent stake in the Raiders. The NFL’s finance committee has already reviewed and unanimously approved Brady’s bid, paving the way for the final vote. For the transaction to be finalized, it requires approval from 24 of the league’s 32 owners.

Tom Brady is expected to be approved as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders at Tuesday’s NFL fall owners’ meeting in Atlanta, league sources told ESPN.https://t.co/X84O5ZKijJ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 13, 2024

From Player to Owner: Brady’s Post-Retirement Strategy

Brady’s transition from player to owner is part of a broader strategy to remain involved in professional sports following his retirement from playing. This move into team ownership mirrors the path taken by other high-profile athletes such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Dwyane Wade, who have leveraged their on-field success into off-field business ventures.

“We’re excited for Tom to join the Raiders,” Davis told ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez at the time of the initial agreement. “And it’s exciting because he will be just the third player in the history of the National Football League to become an owner.”

The Raiders ownership bid is not Brady’s only post-retirement venture. He has also signed a lucrative 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports to become a lead color commentator for NFL games. Additionally, Brady has invested in other sports franchises, including Birmingham City Football Club and the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA.

Overcoming Hurdles in the Approval Process

The path to ownership has not been without its challenges for Brady. The initial agreement faced scrutiny from other NFL owners who expressed concerns about the proposed price for Brady’s stake. This led to adjustments in the deal to address the financial committee’s reservations. Despite these hurdles, the revised agreement has now gained traction and is expected to receive final approval.

Brady’s relationship with Raiders owner Mark Davis, which began in January 2020 when they were photographed together at UFC 246 in Las Vegas, has likely played a role in facilitating this deal. However, Brady’s new role as a potential team owner has already impacted his broadcasting duties with Fox Sports, with restrictions placed on his access to teams and facilities to maintain competitive fairness.

As Brady prepares to enter this new chapter in his football career, his move into team ownership represents not just a personal achievement but a continuation of his legacy in the sport. For the Raiders, bringing on board one of the most successful and recognizable figures in NFL history as a minority owner could provide valuable insights and potentially enhance the team’s profile both on and off the field.