The NFL is continuing its slow road to introducing private equity into team ownership, but only to a point. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is still on track to formally approve PE investment by the end of the year, as has been long expected. However, Goodell said NFL owners will likely cap that investment at 10% of a team’s equity, a figure that also has been frequently discussed.

The 10% threshold remains below those in other leagues, such as the NBA, NHL, and MLB, that go as high as 30% for private equity involvement, and could ultimately prove insufficient to help address franchise values that are now soaring beyond $6 billion in some cases. But Goodell said it’s critical not to just mirror what other properties are doing in this space.

The NFL eyes private equity involvement in teams

While discussing other pressing league issues, Goodell also addressed the NFL Sunday Ticket verdict, saying the league remains steadfast in its position. He expressed optimism that NFL owners will agree to change league policy to allow private equity ownership of its teams by the end of 2024.

In other news, the top wide receivers from the 2023 NFL season in yards per route run have been announced. Tyreek Hill, who racked up 1,861 yards from 500 routes run, led the pack, followed by Nico Collins, who enjoyed a breakout season. The full list includes Hill, Collins, Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua, CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyuk, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle, A.J. Brown, and Keenan Allen.

Tyreek Hill led the league in yards per route run

The NFL is committed to making its sport available to the broadest possible audience, and introducing private equity into team ownership could be a step in the right direction. As the league continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of sports and media, one thing is certain - it’s an exciting time for football fans everywhere.

NFL Sunday Ticket verdict update

PRIVATE EQUITY AND THE NFL

Private equity in the NFL is a topic of much discussion and debate. While some see it as a way to increase team valuations and bring in new revenue streams, others are more cautious, citing concerns over the potential impact on the sport.

Private equity in the NFL - a double-edged sword

In other league news, Goodell expressed optimism that the NFL’s new, three-year pact with Netflix for Christmas games does not signal an abandonment of a foundational priority of placing games on free, over-the-air television. He said the league wants to be paid fairly, but the focus is on reaching fans and being on a free platform like CBS allows the NFL to do just that.

Netflix deal does not signal shift away from free TV

The NFL’s relationship with Paramount-Skydance Media merger deal, worth more than $8 billion, is also being closely watched. Goodell declined to say whether the option to renegotiate the rights deal with CBS Sports would be exercised, saying the league is paying close attention to the process.

Mergers and acquisitions in the NFL

As the league continues to evolve and adapt to the changing sports landscape, one thing is clear - the NFL is committed to making its sport available to the broadest possible audience. Whether through private equity, media deals, or other means, the NFL is always looking for ways to grow and improve the game we all love.

The NFL - always looking for ways to grow and improve