In a groundbreaking development that is set to shake up the world of NFL team ownership, the storied New York Giants franchise is exploring the sale of a minority stake in the team. This move comes in the wake of the league’s August 2023 decision to allow private equity firms to acquire up to 10% of a team, opening the door for a potential record-setting valuation for one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises.
Giants Retain Moelis & Co. To Oversee Minority Stake Sale
According to a report from Sports Business Journal, the Giants have hired investment bank Moelis & Co. to manage the process of selling a limited stake in the team. While the exact reasons for exploring this option remain undisclosed, the timing aligns perfectly with the NFL’s recent policy change that allows private equity firms to invest in franchises.
It’s important to note that the Mara family, who have owned the Giants since the team’s inception in 1925, will maintain their majority stake and control over the franchise. Current team president John Mara, grandson of founder Tim Mara, will continue to lead the organization.
Record-Setting Valuation on the Horizon
As one of the NFL’s most valuable and historically significant franchises, the Giants are poised to set a new benchmark for team valuation through this minority stake sale. Recent estimates from Forbes and CNBC have pegged the Giants’ value at $7.3 billion and $7.85 billion, respectively, putting them among the most valuable sports teams in the world.
The sale of a minority stake in the Giants is likely to eclipse the recent transactions involving the Philadelphia Eagles, who sold a combined 8% to two separate investor groups in late 2024. Those deals valued the Eagles at a staggering $8.1 billion to $8.3 billion, with majority owner Jeffrey Lurie retaining 85% control of the team.
NFL’s Evolving Ownership Landscape
The Giants’ decision to explore a minority stake sale is part of a growing trend within the NFL, as teams look to capitalize on the league’s new private equity investment policy. In December 2024, three deals were approved involving the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and their related assets:
- Arctos Partners acquired a 10% stake in the Bills, who were valued at $5.35 billion prior to the sale
- Ares Management purchased a 10% stake in the Dolphins and related assets, with the team valued at $8.1 billion
As more teams explore minority stake sales and partnerships with private equity firms, the NFL’s ownership landscape is set to undergo a significant transformation. The Giants’ move, in particular, will be closely watched by industry experts and fans alike, as it has the potential to redefine the upper limits of franchise valuation in professional sports.
Looking Ahead
While the Giants have struggled on the field in recent seasons, their status as a marquee franchise in the nation’s largest media market ensures that the minority stake sale will generate significant interest from prospective investors. As the process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Giants and Moelis & Co. to see just how high the valuation will climb and what impact this transaction will have on the future of NFL team ownership.
