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Private equity ownership in the NFL could be terrible for fans
It was only a matter of time before private equity infiltrated the NFL. While the most valuable sports league in the world held out for a while — perhaps because of how lucrative ownership is — it finally relented. Thanks to a 31-1 vote (with the Bengals dissenting) private equity firms can now buy into franchises.
This doesn’t mean that managers at Blackstone will make choices about roster cuts or coaching changes just yet, as companies are only able to purchase up to 10 percent of a franchise. However, this could end up having a major impact on teams and their fans.
Even though NFL owners are some of the richest folks in the world, they’ve welcomed private equity with open arms simply because it will infuse billions of dollars into the league. This could make it easier and faster to raise cash for things like real estate deals. For example, if a team wanted to build a new stadium.
Real estate is often a huge reason why private equity firms are interested in owning a team, as the land a stadium sits on — and the surrounding parking lots, shops, restaurants, etc. — can be enormously valuable. Teams also have many revenue streams, along with media rights. Plus, there is the status that comes with owning a piece of a rare commodity. And, of course, if/when a team is sold, there will almost certainly be a massive payday, and this is the thing that fans should perhaps be most concerned about.
Private equity firms are typically focused on making as much money as possible in short periods of time. The new NFL rules stipulate that they need to keep their investment for at least six years, so it makes sense that they will want to get the biggest ROI in that timeframe. This means that they may want decisions to be made to increase the profitability of a team with the intention of selling. This could result in knee-jerk reactions that mortgage a team’s future, all for the sake of a few extra wins right away.
But having just a 10 percent stake in a team would limit decision-making power, right? Well, yes, but also possibly no. Due to the many other business ventures of owners, it could actually end up being significant, as they will almost certainly do what they can to make — and keep — these firms happy.
The NFL is the last major sports league in the U.S. to allow private equity funding, as it has been allowed in the NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS for several years now. While it doesn’t seem to be having a negative impact, fans may want to keep a closer eye on who’s pulling the strings for their favorite football teams.
More must-reads:
- NFL owners vote to approve private equity investment
- Bengals' ownership family continues longstanding tradition as NFL passes new private equity rule
- The 'Season rushing TD leaders by NFL team' quiz
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Commanders looking to trade offensive star amid Terry McLaurin drama
The Washington Commanders have another offensive player on the radar for the preseason trade market. Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Commanders are shopping running back Brian Robinson Jr. in the final year of his rookie contract. "Sources: The Commanders have been shopping RB Brian Robinson Jr. to teams around the NFL," Schultz posted on X. "The former 3rd-round pick out of Alabama is entering the final year of his contract." Robinson's situation with the Commanders comes at a time when Terry McLaurin's future with the team is unclear. The star wide receiver requested a trade early during training camp amid an impasse in negotiations with the front office for a contract extension. On Saturday, the Commanders took McLaurin off the physically unable to perform list, but the move doesn't mean anything has changed on the stalemate front. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has been frustrated with injuries and McLaurin's contract situation making it hard on the staff to prepare and evaluate the unit for the regular season. Robinson's potential trade is another obstacle Kingsbury will have to think about in the preseason. Kinsbury recently praised Robinson for his performance last week against the New England Patriots. "He's a guy that when you put the pads on and you really practice full speed is when he really shows up," Kinsbury said, via JP Finlay of NBC Sports. "I thought he had his best practice against New England when we did the competition versus them before the game." Robinson has appeared in 41 games and started 37. He's rushed for 2,329 yards and 15 touchdowns during his first three years in the league. He's added 587 receiving yards and five touchdowns in the passing game. With one more preseason game remaining, the Commanders have their No. 1 receiver and running back attached to the trade market.
TSN Analyst Shoots Down Bold Canadiens-Ducks Trade Idea
Speculation swirled this week about a possible blockbuster trade between the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks, but TSN/Forbes legal analyst Eric Macramalla was quick to pour cold water on the idea. The proposed deal centered around swapping top prospects: Montreal defenseman David Reinbacher and Anaheim forward Mason McTavish. On the surface, the trade has appeal. Reinbacher, a right-shot blueliner with legitimate top-pairing potential, would give the Ducks the kind of defensive cornerstone they’ve been searching for. Meanwhile, McTavish could provide the Canadiens with a much-needed second-line center behind Nick Suzuki, filling a hole that’s lingered for several seasons. But as Macramalla pointed out, the trade simply doesn’t add up for Montreal. Moving Reinbacher would leave the Canadiens dangerously thin on the right side of their defense, an area that already lacks long-term depth. While McTavish would be a strong addition, sacrificing a potential top-pairing defenseman is a price too steep for GM Kent Hughes to consider at this stage of the rebuild. Ultimately, while the concept may generate fan debate, Macramalla stressed that the Canadiens aren’t in a position to weaken their blue line just to address their center depth. For now, the deal “won’t work.” Fan Feedback: A Split Reaction Canadiens fans were quick to weigh in on the trade chatter, with opinions ranging from firm rejection to cautious interest. Some backed Macramalla’s stance, with one fan suggesting Montreal could use “other assets the Ducks would like” and another noting the Habs’ young defense core “will be a strength of the team for the next decade.” The Curfew Boys Podcast called it “1 step forward, 2 steps back.” Others saw more merit. One account argued he’d, “Do it one for one,” calling McTavish “more established at this point.” Another echoed that sentiment: “McT is a proven player, make the trade!!” Skeptics highlighted Reinbacher’s lack of NHL experience, and others questioned his durability. Meanwhile, Gord of Thunder took a playful shot at the concept, invoking The Princess Bride: “You never trade a defenseman with top pairing ability for a second line player — it’s inconceivable.” Even creative alternatives emerged, with one fan proposing a three-way deal involving Calgary. The verdict? While many fans respect McTavish’s value, most agree that giving up Reinbacher would leave the Canadiens with a hole too big to fill.
Raiders’ Pete Carroll gushes about key offseason acquisition after loss to 49ers
While most Las Vegas Raiders fans are excited about Ashton Jeanty in the preseason, other players under the radar made an impact in the 22-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday. When the Raiders signed former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds, people were wondering how he would perform, as he’s already caught the attention of head coach Pete Carroll. After Edmunds recorded five total tackles (fourth on the team), three of them solo, against San Francisco, Carroll would be asked about his thoughts on the former first-round pick’s performance. Carroll would say how much he “really” likes Edmunds and how much of a “very versatile player” he is for the system, according to Anthony Galaviz. “I like him. Yeah, I really like him. I like the experience that he brings,” Carroll said. “He’s been in a lot of situations. He’s been a very versatile player in the style that he’s been asked to play, and that’s shown up already.” Edmunds would speak with reporters for the first time last Tuesday since being signed by Las Vegas and shared how “excited” he was to start a new chapter in his NFL journey. “My first thoughts when the opportunity presented itself, I was just excited,” Edmunds said, via the team’s YouTube page. “Excited to come and join a new team, excited to come and join these guys. I saw how much they were grinding. I watched the (preseason) game before I even came out here.” Pete Carroll on the Raiders losing to the 49ers in the preseason Despite the loss from the Raiders to the 49ers, Carroll would point out the one positive being that it was a “hard-fought game from start to finish,” with many areas that need correction. “First off, I thought this was a really good, hard-fought game from start to finish,” Pete Carroll said in his post-game press conference, via the team’s website. “We had some things that we needed to correct from the practice that we had, and we did. Played the running game much more with impact than we did in practice.” “The adjustments the coaches made worked out well, players were able to adapt in just a couple days time,” Carroll continued. “Against a really formidable running team that loves to run the football, I thought we did that really well. Just a terrific game back and forth the whole time.” Consequently, as Edmunds looks for Las Vegas to be his permanent team, they open the season on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the New England Patriots.
Proposed Arena Deal Puts Brady Tkachuk in Different Jersey
The Ottawa Senators’ long-awaited push to move downtown has revived more than just arena talk—it has also sparked speculation about the future of captain Brady Tkachuk. On episode 400 of the DFO Rundown podcast, NHL analyst Jason Gregor suggested that the timeline for the Senators’ new home at LeBreton Flats may not line up with Tkachuk’s contract, potentially influencing whether he stays in Ottawa. Tkachuk’s deal, an eight-year, $57.56 million pact signed in 2021, runs through 2028. By then, the Senators’ proposed arena—still facing construction and approval hurdles—might only just be opening. According to reports from the Ottawa Citizen, the building is expected to take at least two years to complete once the land is ready. That mismatch in timing could prove crucial. “Is that building done in three years? Probably not,” Gregor said. “So I’m going to actually sell [on him staying]. By the time that building is done, he’ll have moved on. I get a sense that he might be going to the USA.” Which Team Would Brady Tkachuk Join? It’s key to point out that Brady has never said he has intentions on leaving Ottawa. He’s excited about the upcoming season and working with the team to get better and become a legitimate playoff contender. His contract also includes a full no-move clause. It’s the control over any trade scenario he has that makes this interesting. In the past, he’s been loosely linked to the New York Rangers. In December, “The Post’s Larry Brooks reports the Blueshirts have been in trade talks with multiple teams — with Senators forward Brady Tkachuk their primary target.” The article added, “The 25-year-old Ottawa captain would bring a jolt to the lifeless Rangers lineup and in multiple ways.” Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen later ruled out there being any truth to the speculation. Of course, there is also the Florida Panthers, where Brady’s brother Matthew plays. Matthew loves Florida and is signed until 2030. Could bringing in the younger brother be one of the things that gets both players to sign team-friendly deals and extensions? The Senators have made it clear that Tkachuk remains central to their long-term plans, but without a finished arena to market as a franchise reset, Gregor wonders if Ottawa could face a challenge convincing its captain to stick around for the next chapter.
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