Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady is reportedly in talks to become a limited partner with the Las Vegas Raiders, buying a percentage of one of Mark Davis’ franchises for the second time this year.
Brady purchased a share of the Las Vegas Aces in March, becoming a part-owner of the best WNBA team in 2023. As he moves away from his playing career, after retiring for the second time, the seven-time Super Bowl champion has now turned his attention to other avenues in sports.
- Las Vegas Raiders franchise value (Forbes): $5.1 billion
The 45-year-old has previously been under consideration for a minority ownership stake in an NFL team. Before the Miami Dolphins were disciplined for tampering with Brady, he was offered partial ownership of the club with the idea it could possibly be a stepping stone for him to return as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback months after his first retirement.
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Now, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Brady is in “deep discussions” with Davis to become a limited partner of the Raiders. While the specific percentage isn’t known, Brady he would join a short list of former football players who had an ownership stake in an NFL team.
The imminent deal comes just months after NFL rumors suggested Brady would sign with Las Vegas, replacing Derek Carr as the starting quarterback. When he officially retired, the Raiders signed Brady’s former backup Jimmy Garoppolo to be its starter and operate Josh McDaniels’ offense next season.
- Tom Brady career stats:Â 251-83 record, 89,214 passing yards, 649 passing touchdowns, 97.2 QB rating, 64.3 percent completion rate, 58 game-winning drives
In the months following his official announcement, some around the league have suggested Brady could unretire for a second time and sign with the Raiders. However, the future Hall of Fame quarterback has publicly stated his focus right now is on his family.
Can an NFL player own a team?
Under current NFL rules, a player is not allowed to have an ownership stake in a team and play at the same time. As Greg Auman of The Athletic explained in 2022, any active player would need three-quarters of the NFL’s 32 owners to approve him becoming the first active player and owner in league history.
If Brady and the Raiders were to attempt that in 2023, all three AFC West teams would vote against it as would the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins and likely other clubs. As a result, Brady buying an ownership stake in the Raiders should end any speculation of his return to the field.