The NFL is advancing Tom Brady’s bid to become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders alongside Mark Davis. However, it’s unclear how close the seven-time Super Bowl champion is to joining the league’s ownership ranks.
The owners did not vote on Brady’s proposal to add a stake in the Raiders during their March meeting. The league concluded its spring meetings in Nashville without a vote on Brady’s offer, which has been pending for about a year.
“The finance committee has done their work on this, and we have a little more to do,” said Commissioner Roger Goodell.
NFL owners are not scheduled to meet again until October.
One issue is the price Brady agreed to pay to join George Halas and Jerry Richardson as one of the few former NFL players to become an owner. Owners want to ensure Brady isn’t getting a discount, especially given the rising value of NFL franchises.
Another consideration is Brady’s new role as a broadcaster. The retired quarterback is starting his 10-year, $375 million broadcasting contract with Fox Sports this season, with his first game being Dallas’ season opener at Cleveland on September 8. Broadcasters have significant access to team practices and meetings, which could pose a conflict of interest if Brady has a financial stake in one of the teams.
“That was one of the factors about as a member of the media what would access be like every week as he prepares for the broadcast of the game,” Goodell said. “And we’ve addressed that also. So we’re making progress.”
The NFL also completed its fifth accelerator program, providing 28 coaches with training in crisis management, media relations, networking, and opportunities to interact with team owners.
Additionally, the league announced that the 2026 draft will be held in Pittsburgh.
PRIVATE EQUITY
As the value of NFL teams continues to rise, the league is considering allowing private equity firms or other groups to invest in its clubs. Current NFL rules prohibit such investments, limit the number of people in an ownership group, and require a lead owner to hold a significant stake.
The Washington Commanders sold for a record $6.05 billion in 2023, surpassing the $4.55 billion paid for the Denver Broncos in 2022. A committee has been studying potential changes to these ownership rules, and Goodell indicated that progress is being made, with an increase in allowable debt for purchasing a team being one approved change.
“We are going to continue to be very deliberate, but I would expect there to be something before the end of the year,” Goodell said.
CHAIN GANGS
Goodell was not asked about reports that the NFL will be testing a high-tech tracking system to mark the line to gain during the preseason. This system, approved by the competition committee in March, could be implemented as soon as this season if successful. Traditional chain gangs would remain as a backup.
The NFL has used microchips inside footballs for years.
“They want to be as accurate as they can,” said Kansas City Coach Andy Reid regarding the new tracking system. “Whatever technology helps them out, they’re open to as long as it’s done the right way and you can keep the flow of the game going.”
MUSIC CITY SUPER BOWL?
NFL owners toured “Titans House” during the meetings, as the Tennessee Titans and Nashville make their case to host a Super Bowl. The showcase features design elements of the Titans’ new enclosed stadium, set to open in 2027, including a detailed model, bar, luxury suite, and porch-style patios.
Goodell praised the stadium’s design and noted the city’s passion during the 2019 NFL Draft. While future Super Bowl locations are currently set through 2027, Goodell expressed optimism about Nashville’s chances.
“I think a Super Bowl here would be very successful,” Goodell said. “But we’ll get to that once we get a little further down the line with the stadium.”
