NFL owners have officially approved Tom Brady’s stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, making the legendary quarterback a limited partner in the franchise. Brady and his partner, Tom Wagner, now collectively hold a 10% stake in the Raiders, with Brady personally owning 5%. This move signifies a new chapter for the seven-time Super Bowl champion, who retired after the 2022 season and now steps into the realm of NFL ownership.
A Legendary Career Expands into Ownership
The NFL community welcomed Brady’s investment enthusiastically, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell noting, “It’s great that Tom Brady wants to invest in the NFL. He cares deeply about this game.” Brady’s influence has now extended beyond his impressive on-field career, where he was known for his competitive drive and commitment to excellence. In an official statement, Brady shared his excitement, saying, “Football has been part of my entire life… It’s a blessing to know I’ll be involved in the greatest league in the world for the rest of my life.”
Brady’s Statement Reflects His Vision for the Raiders
Expressing his dedication to the Raiders and the city of Las Vegas, Brady stated, “The Raiders franchise and the city embody the values of teamwork, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I’m honored to become part of that story.” He also extended gratitude to Raiders owner Mark Davis for welcoming him and acknowledged the influence of his supporters, including Don Yee and Jim Gray, who were instrumental in realizing this milestone.
Navigating Broadcasting and Ownership Roles
Brady’s ownership deal faced delays as the NFL and FOX Sports worked to clarify his role as both an owner and a broadcaster. The league ultimately placed restrictions on Brady’s broadcasting access related to the Raiders, limiting his participation in production meetings and interactions with players and coaches. Although he remains FOX’s top NFL commentator alongside Kevin Burkhardt, Brady must now operate within these unique boundaries to avoid conflicts of interest.
Commissioner Goodell stated, “Tom’s been abiding by the issues raised voluntarily… This wasn’t a big issue until recently.” Brady, meanwhile, is permitted to broadcast Raiders games, though he’s required to follow all NFL rules, including refraining from public criticism of officials and other teams.
The Future of Brady and the Raiders
With his ownership stake, Brady aims to help the Raiders honor their historic legacy while seeking new ways to elevate the team’s success. His entry into ownership mirrors a trend among former athletes investing in franchises, where their experience and competitive nature bring fresh perspectives. Hall of Famer Richard Seymour, Brady’s former teammate, has also joined the Raiders’ ownership group, adding further expertise.
This landmark investment by one of the NFL’s greatest players signifies his enduring connection to football, making Brady’s contributions to the Raiders a highly anticipated and exciting prospect for both the franchise and its fans.
