Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady Join Buffalo Bills Ownership Group in Historic Move
In a groundbreaking moment for the Buffalo Bills, the team has officially added 10 noncontrolling minority owners to its ownership group. This move, approved during the NFL league meetings in Dallas on Wednesday, includes two Basketball Hall of Famers: Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. Yes, you read that right—two NBA legends are now part of the Bills Mafia!
This marks the first time in franchise history that the Bills have brought in minority owners, making it a significant milestone for the organization. Among the new minority owners is Arctos, a private investment firm that has been making waves in the sports world. This addition comes after NFL owners approved a measure in August allowing private equity firms to purchase up to a 10% stake in NFL teams. The Bills are now one of the first teams to take advantage of this new rule, and they’re not alone.
Other Teams Join the Trend
It wasn’t just the Bills making headlines at the league meetings. The Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins also had minority noncontrolling ownership additions approved. The Dolphins, like the Bills, added a private equity firm—Ares—to their ownership group, making these AFC East rivals trailblazers in this new era of NFL ownership.
For the Eagles, the NFL approved the sale of an 8% interest in the team to two family investors. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, this sale was based on a valuation of the team that could reach up to $8.3 billion. Despite the sale, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie retains complete control of the team. It’s a fascinating development that shows how NFL teams are diversifying their ownership structures while maintaining stability at the top.
A Star-Studded Bills Ownership Group
Back in Buffalo, the addition of Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady has fans buzzing. These two former NBA stars were teammates with the Toronto Raptors in the early 2000s, and now they’re teaming up again—this time in the NFL. They join a growing list of celebrity owners in sports, which also includes Jozy Altidore, a former U.S. National Team soccer player and MLS champion with Toronto FC.
For Carter, this new role is more than just a business move—it’s a chance to make an impact. “It’s a huge honor to join this historic Bills organization,” Carter said in a statement. “I’m truly thankful the Pegula family has given me the opportunity to help the franchise continue to grow and thrive in player growth, community service, and of course winning the Lombardi trophy. See you soon, Bills Mafia!!!!”
McGrady hasn’t released a statement yet, but fans are already speculating about what his involvement could mean for the team. Could we see more NBA stars crossing over into NFL ownership? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Bills are setting a new standard for what an ownership group can look like.
What This Means for the NFL
The addition of minority owners and private equity firms is a game-changer for the league. It opens the door for more diverse ownership groups and brings in fresh perspectives that could help teams innovate both on and off the field. For the Bills, this move is part of a larger effort to position the franchise for long-term success.
“This has been an incredible journey to add such an impressive and diverse group of limited partners along with a reputable private equity partner in Arctos that has an extensive track record of success with professional sports franchises,” Bills owner and CEO Terry Pegula said in a statement. Pegula’s vision for the team is clear, and with Carter, McGrady, and others on board, the future looks bright for Buffalo.
Key Takeaways
- The Buffalo Bills added 10 noncontrolling minority owners, including Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.
- This is the first time in franchise history that the Bills have brought in minority owners.
- Private equity firm Arctos is also part of the new ownership group.
- The Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins made similar moves, with the Dolphins adding private equity firm Ares.
- The Eagles’ sale was based on a valuation of up to $8.3 billion, with Jeffrey Lurie maintaining full control.
As the NFL continues to evolve, these ownership changes could have a ripple effect across the league. For now, Bills fans can celebrate the fact that their team is not only making history but also setting itself up for success in the years to come. And with Carter and McGrady in the mix, who knows? Maybe the Lombardi Trophy really is within reach.
Originally Written by: Unknown
