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Robert Kraft Awaits NFL’s Decision After Big Patriots Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 10:41 AM ET

Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994, the New England Patriots have been one of the most successful franchises not just in the NFL, but in the entire sports world.

During Kraft's tenure, the Patriots have won six Super Bowls in 10 appearances. Additionally, New England made it to 15 AFC Championship Games across that span.

The Massachusetts native owns 100% of the Patriots franchise. Despite not being successful in recent years — New England has made the playoffs just one time since winning it all in 2019 — and remains one of the most successful sports organizations in history. However, following Kraft's latest move, that will likely change.

According to recent reports, Kraft has agreed to sell 3% of the franchise, which is valued at "a little over $9B," to Sixth Street. Furthermore, this is reportedly part of a plan for Kraft to eventually sell 8% of the franchise (h/t Ben Fischer of Business Sports Journal).

"In its first investment under the 2024 NFL private equity policy, Sixth Street has a deal in place to acquire 3% of the New England Patriots at a valuation of a little over $9B, sources said," Fischer wrote.

"It’s part of a larger plan to divest 8% of the franchise by owner Robert Kraft, who along with his family has held 100% of the team since he bought it for $172M in January 1994. The buyer of the other 5% is Dean Metropoulos, principal of the Metropoulos & Co. investment firm, sources said."

In its first investment under the 2024 NFL private equity policy, Sixth Street will acquire 3% of the New England Patriots, per sources

This is part of Kraft’s plan to divest 8% of the franchise, now valued at over $9B. Approval expected Oct. 21-22.

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— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) September 25, 2025

This is a big move for Kraft and the Patriots franchise, but it is not official yet. Instead, according to Fischer, the deal must be approved by NFL owners first, which is a big decision the 84-year-old is awaiting. However, Fischer wrote about the possibility of the owners rejecting this deal, and as it stands, that does not seem likely.

"The twin deals are subject to approval by NFL owners at their regular meeting Oct. 21-22, but it would be highly unlikely for owners to reject a deal that’s made it this far in league vetting," Fischer wrote.

Sixth Street Is No Stranger to Boston Sports

Despite being a California-based firm, Sixth Street has made its presence felt in Boston already.

In August, Bill Chisolm officially bought the Boston Celtics for $6.1 billion, which was set to be a North American record until the Los Angeles Lakers broke it with a $10 billion sale. Before the same officially went through, it was reported that Sixth Street was a part of Chisolm's bid. And now, they look to be doing the same with the Patriots as the team looks to return to its glory days and be a successful franchise once again.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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