Sources close to the situation have revealed that former NFL quarterback Tom Brady is currently in talks to become a limited partner of the Las Vegas Raiders. ESPN’s Seth Wickersham and Adam Schefter report that negotiations between Brady and the team have been going on for several weeks and could be wrapped up soon. However, it’s worth noting that should the partnership go ahead, Brady wouldn’t have any operational control or authority over the club, neither in business nor football affairs.
For the partnership to become a reality, approval is required from 24 current team owners. At present, the league office, Raiders, and Brady’s agent have all declined to comment on the matter.
This isn’t the first time Brady has expressed interest in investing in an NFL franchise. In fact, the former star player has previously discussed the possibility of purchasing a minority stake in the Miami Dolphins. However, after a six-month NFL investigation, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and limited partner Bruce Beal were found to have violated the league’s anti-tampering policy in conversations with Brady. Consequently, the Dolphins were stripped of a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and Ross was suspended.
It’s important to note that if the deal goes through, Brady’s 10-year, $375-million contract with Fox as a broadcaster, set to commence in 2024, wouldn’t be affected. Additionally, it’s highly unlikely that the 45-year-old would attempt to return to the field as a player for the Raiders.
In March of this year, Brady acquired ownership in the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. Both the Raiders and Aces are owned by Mark Davis, adding another layer of intrigue to the negotiations.
Brady retired from professional football earlier this year after 23 seasons, during which he won an incredible seven Super Bowl titles, three NFL MVPs, and set numerous records. Interestingly, the Raiders have acquired several familiar faces to Brady over the past couple of offseasons. These include general manager Dave Ziegler, head coach Josh McDaniels, and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, all of whom have ties to the former New England Patriots star.