5 NFL teams that could be sold following Denver Broncos' record-breaking sale
It is rare for an NFL team to change hands, but that is exactly what happened this week when Rob Walton acquired the right to purchase the Denver Broncos for $4.65 billion.
The sale price captured the fact that teams are worth more than most people originally thought. During the 2021 NFL season, the Broncos were estimated to be valued at $3.75 billion. However, according to Forbes, their real value was the price of $4.65 billion that Walton ultimately paid.
The Denver Broncos and the Walton-Penner family have entered into a purchase and sale agreement to acquire the team.
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The increased value of the franchise is largely attributed to economic circumstances and the general popularity of the team. Moreover, the valuations of most franchises naturally rise each year, explaining why the team is worth more in 2022 compared to 2021.
5 nfl-combine' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>nfl-combine" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">NFL teams that could be sold in the next few years
#1 New Orleans Saints
The Saints may not be the next NFL team to be sold, but they will definitely be on the market in the future. The current owner, Gayle Benson, made it clear in September 2021 when she revealed her plans to replace the franchise. However, she stated that she wants the team, currently valued at $2.83 billion, to stay in New Orleans despite wanting selling it.
"I want them to stay in New Orleans forever."
In an interview with the New Orleans Advocate, the 75-year-old said that after her death, the team would definitely be sold, and all proceeds would be donated to various local charities.
#2 Seattle Seahawks
Paul Allen bought the Seattle-based NFL team for $194 million in 1997. Currently valued at $3.5 billion, the team is now managed by Jody Allen, the younger sister of Paul, who died in October 2018. The team is owned by the Paul Allen trust, which Jody manages.
Nike founder Phil Knight offered to buy the trust, which also owns the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers, in June.
#3 Chicago Bears
George Halas purchased the Bears for only $100 in 1920. Selling it today will naturally make for an unprecedented profit.
However, it's unclear what will happen to the team when the current principal owner, Virginia McCaskey, who is 99 years old, leaves. There was speculation last summer that the Bears would be auctioned, but the story has watered down in recent months.
At this point, selling an NFL team will bring huge profits to the McCaskey family. The Bears were estimated to be worth around $4.075 billion towards the end of the 2021 season, but that figure will likely increase in the next 12 months.
#4 Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos has claimed that he would never sell the team. However, since he's now embroiled in legal controversy, he might change his mind. Spanos' main problem is that his sister, Dea Spanos Berberian, filed a lawsuit against him for ruinous business practices.
The Spanos family has owned the team since Alex Spanos bought 60% of it for $70 million in 1984. Over the years, Spanos' share rose to 96% and he handed it over to succeeding family members when he passed away in October 2018.
If the Chargers were sold for $4 billion, each family member's 15% share would be worth $600 million.
#5 Washington Commanders
Daniel Snyder bought the Commanders for $800 million in 1999. Despite its current value of $4.2 billion, it seems unlikely that he's looking to sell the NFL team. However, his tenure as the owner has been an absolute disaster and things have been getting worse over the past 12 months.
Last July, the franchise was fined $10 million following an NFL investigation into suspected workplace scandals, including sexual harassment. After the findings were released, Snyder was ordered to abandon the team's daily operations.
If the investigation reveals that Snyder knew about the incidents, he may find his team to be worth a lot less than he initially might have thought.