Tom Brady’s bid to purchase a stake in the Raiders gets the green light from NFL owners after a long wait
Tom Brady’s journey to NFL ownership is finally complete.
During the league’s fall meeting on Tuesday in Atlanta, NFL owners unanimously backed Brady’s proposal to acquire about 10% of the Las Vegas Raiders, collaborating with his business partner Tom Wagner.
“I’m truly honored and thrilled to have received unanimous approval to become an owner of the Las Vegas Raiders,” Brady expressed in a statement. “Throughout my NFL career, I’ve come to realize that football is fundamentally about teamwork, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The Raiders franchise and the city of Las Vegas embody these very principles, and I am proud to be part of that narrative.”
This vote concludes a lengthy process that commenced in May 2023, which faced delays due to inquiries about the financial specifics of the deal, particularly concerns about whether Brady was receiving overly beneficial terms as the franchise’s value increased.
Nonetheless, Brady’s share, which stands at 5% on its own, received unanimous endorsement from the league’s finance committee, making the vote on Tuesday a mere formality.
Tuesday was a significant day for Raiders owner Mark Davis as well, as his team also dealt wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets.
“We traded Davante Adams for Tom Brady and a third-round pick,” Davis remarked. “While Tom can’t play, he can definitely assist us in selecting and potentially training a future quarterback. So, this is a substantial advantage for our organization.”
Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour also announced on Tuesday that he secured a stake in the franchise.
“I’m thrilled to be an NFL owner. This is an important achievement,” Seymour shared with YSL News Sports’ Jarrett Bell. “I take pride in this opportunity and feel a sense of responsibility that goes beyond simple numbers.”
Davis commented on Seymour’s involvement, stating, “It’s essential to have the right individuals as part of your organization. Richard had an incredible rapport with my father; there was profound mutual respect between them.”
This partnership marks the second occasion where Brady has collaborated with Davis, as the former quarterback agreed to buy a portion of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces in March 2023.
At 47 years of age, Brady retired after the 2022 NFL season but remains connected to the league’s spotlight. Before hanging up his jersey, he signed a deal with Fox to become the network’s lead in-game analyst, a position he commenced this season.
However, amidst his pursuit of partial ownership in the Raiders, Brady faces a number of restrictions typically granted to broadcasters. He has been prohibited from attending team practices or taking part in production meetings, and he cannot enter other teams’ facilities. Furthermore, as an owner, he is not allowed to publicly criticize officials.
(This story has been updated with additional information.)