Sports Biz Journal
Being an NFL team owner is often described as one of the country’s most exclusive memberships.
Now, after seeing only three team sales this decade, a trio of clubs simultaneously find themselves potentially ready to change hands, underscoring that the bear market and credit crisis have done little to dampen the allure of owning one of the league’s 32 teams. The possible sales also reflect the complications that can arise from the sharp increase in franchise values the NFL has enjoyed.
The St. Louis Rams have hired an investment bank to find a group of possible buyers; the Jacksonville Jaguars are once again testing the market; and well-publicized infighting among the five Rooney brothers could imperil their family’s 75-year-ownership of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“The NFL is an incredibly strong league and continues to attract serious investment capital and lenders,” said sports consultant Marc Ganis, who has advised several NFL teams. “The NFL’s best days are still ahead of it, and the smart money understands that.”
Or just into new ownership? A bit messed up to sell their mothers organization what, a year after her passing?