Tom Brady has become one of the NFL’s elite. Again.
Already the greatest quarterback of all-time, Brady was approved on Tuesday as a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Brady will be hoping to replicate the success he had as a player in his role as part ownerGetty
The seven-time Super Bowl champion has purchased a ten percent stake in the Raiders with business partner, Tom Wagner (five percent each).
Brady and Wagner have also invested in Birmingham City.
While the longtime New England Patriots QB is now associated with Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft in NFL ownership circles, Brady also faces a unique dilemma.
He’s being paid $375 million by FOX to be the lead NFL TV commentator for the network’s football coverage.
Normally, Brady would be part of pre-game team production meetings, interviewing coaches and players behind the scenes.
But Brady’s part-ownership of the Raiders blurs that line, and it was reported by ESPN that some NFL teams were wary of the former New England and Tampa Bay quarterback receiving privileged inside information.
Added to that is the fact that Brady is theoretically still one phone call away from returning to the NFL as a player.
For that to happen, multiple roadblocks would have to be lifted to grant the 47-year-old permission, since he’s now a minority owner in a Raiders franchised valued at $6.7 billion by Forbes.
The Raiders relocated from Oakland to Las Vegas after the 2019 NFL season.
Brady’s bid began in May 2023 but was delayed due to the valuation of his purchase price.
Tom Brady statement
The former QB posted this statement on his social media channels following the news he is now a Raider.
“I’m incredibly humbled to have been unanimously approved as an owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Throughout my NFL career, I’ve learned that at its core, football is game of teamwork, resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Raiders’ franchise and the city of Las Vegas embody these same values, and I’m honored to be a part of that story.
“Football has been part of my entire life growing up in the Bay Area and in so many ways, my football life and journey has come full circle. I love the sport, I love my teammates, coaches, and the fans in every organization I’ve been part of. Sports brings us together in a while nothing else can. I grew up on the field, and it’s a blessing to know I’ll be involved in the greatest league in the world for the rest of my life.
“I’d like to thank Mark Davis for welcoming me into his family and the tireless work he’s done to help build on the organization that so many fans know and love today. Also, thank you to commissioner [Roger] Goodell for his support as well as all the NFL owners that supported my dream — I’m forever grateful. I’d also like to thank my partner Tom Wagner, Don Yee, Jim Gray, Alex Spiro and Larry Delson as they have been instrumental in helping me achieve this incredible milestone.
“I’m eager to contribute to the organization in any way I can, honoring the Raiders’ rich tradition while finding every possible opportunity to improve our offering to fans … and most importantly, WIN football games.”
Now that he owns part of the Raiders, Brady can’t attend in-person or virtual TV production meetings.
He can call Las Vegas games, though, which could create an odd look for the NFL.
Brady also won’t be allowed to publicly criticize officials or teams, further restricting his abilities as a TV broadcaster.
As a player, Brady spent 23 years in the NFL with the Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He won six Super Bowls with New England and Bill Belichick, and is expected to be a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.
After early struggles in the TV booth, Brady has begun to find his voice and was praised by fans for his commentary during Detroit’s recent blowout of the Dallas Cowboys.
His buy-in to the Raiders adds to his increasing sports portfolio.
As part of the Shelby Companies Limited group, Brady is a minority owner of the League One English soccer team, a deal that was completed in July 2023 and has seen him on the club’s board.
His first move into ownership was with the Las Vegas Aces, having become a minority owner – alongside Raiders owner Davis – in the WNBA powerhouse.
He watched on in March 2023 as they became WNBA champions for the second time in their history.
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