Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion and legendary quarterback, has embarked on a new venture by securing a minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. This marks a significant shift from his illustrious playing career to the business side of football. The journey to become a part-owner of the $6.7 billion franchise was not without its hurdles, as NFL owners and league rules initially posed several obstacles.
Brady first reached an agreement with Raiders owner Mark Davis in March 2023 to acquire a 10% stake in the team. This venture was part of Brady’s broader interest in the Las Vegas sports scene, which also included becoming a minority owner of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. However, negotiations for the Raiders’ stake encountered roadblocks, as some NFL owners pushed back against what was perceived as a “sweetheart deal” from Davis. Concerns about potential conflicts of interest further complicated the process, considering Brady’s concurrent $375 million contract as a commentator for NFL games on Fox.
Despite these challenges, Brady’s bid moved forward and gained momentum when the NFL finance committee unanimously recommended his approval. In October 2024, during the NFL fall meeting in Atlanta, Brady was officially approved as a minority owner, making him only the third former player in history to own a share of an NFL team. “We’re excited for Tom to join the Raiders,” said Mark Davis. “It’s exciting because he will be just the third player in the history of the National Football League to become an owner.”
While Brady now holds a 5% stake in the Raiders, with other investors controlling an additional 5%, he is entering a franchise facing significant challenges. The Raiders’ current record of 2-4, including a disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, underscores the team’s struggles. Additionally, off-field drama, such as the recent trade of six-time Pro Bowl receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets, has added to the organization’s woes. The hope is that Brady’s involvement can help bring stability and a winning culture to the Silver and Black.
Brady’s ownership bid not only brings prestige but also raises questions about how his role will affect his duties as a Fox commentator. His broadcasting debut took place in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, calling the Dallas Cowboys’ victory over the Cleveland Browns. Given his new status as a Raiders owner, the league has implemented several restrictions to mitigate potential conflicts of interest. Brady is prohibited from attending in-person or virtual production meetings involving the Raiders and cannot access team facilities, players, or coaches. Additionally, he must comply with the NFL’s rules that prohibit public criticism of officials and other teams. Despite these limitations, Brady is still allowed to broadcast Raiders games, though his analysis will be carefully scrutinized to ensure impartiality.
The concerns from some NFL executives primarily revolved around the possibility of Brady leveraging insider knowledge gained through his role with Fox. There was also speculation about a potential return to playing football, given that Brady is theoretically just a phone call away from coming out of retirement. However, now that he is a minority owner, any return as a player is officially off the table according to league rules.
The acquisition of the Raiders stake represents a new chapter for Brady, who retired from the NFL after the 2022 season, concluding an extraordinary career that spanned 23 years. He leaves behind a legacy as the all-time leader in completions, pass attempts, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. Brady won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots before leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a championship in his first season with the team.
Looking forward, Brady’s transition into the ownership realm will test whether his winning mentality on the field can translate to the boardroom. The Raiders, a storied franchise with a loyal fan base, have struggled to regain their former glory in recent years. Brady’s involvement, although limited to a minority stake, could still have a meaningful impact on the team’s direction. His commitment to bringing a culture of excellence and championship pedigree aligns with the Raiders’ storied history of toughness and resilience.
As Tom Brady steps into this new role, the NFL and sports world will be closely watching to see if the football legend can replicate his on-field success as an executive. While his minority stake may not grant him day-to-day control, Brady’s influence could help drive changes that might set the Raiders on a path toward renewed success.
