The San Francisco 49ers are the latest NFL team to explore selling up to 10 percent of the franchise, according to multiple media reports on Wednesday.
The 49ers are valued at $6.86 billion — fifth in the league — according to Sportico’s most recent rankings. Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that the franchise could have a valuation of more than $9 billion — making it one of the most expensive sports teams in the world.
The NFL approved a policy in August that allows private equity firms to buy up to 10 percent of teams, leading some franchises to seek new limited partnerships, which is boosting valuations.
The 49ers, through a spokesperson, declined to comment on the reports. Jed York, the team’s chief executive officer, became the franchise’s principal owner in March 2024.
The team’s business arm, 49ers Enterprises, also has invested in a soccer club and reportedly is pursuing purchase of another. 49ers Enterprises in 2023 bought full control of Leeds United of the English Championship, a division below the Premier League. Rangers FC, a Scottish soccer club, is now on its radar, according to a Sportico report.
Three private equity firms got NFL approval in December to make deals to acquire limited partnerships in teams. Arctos Partners purchased 10 percent of the Buffalo Bills, and Ares Management bought a 10 percent stake in the Miami Dolphins and related assets.
The Bills were valued by CNBC at $5.35 billion before the sale, while the Dolphins were valued at $8.1 billion.
The New York Giants confirmed last Thursday that they are testing the market for a “minority, non-controlling stake” in the team and have hired Moelis & Co. as their banker. The Mara and Tisch families each own 50 percent of the franchise, which was founded by Tim Mara in 1925.
Forbes’ most recent valuation of the Giants came in at $7.3 billion, while CNBC pegged it at $7.85 billion.
For a recent comparison, the newly minted Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles had ranged in value from $6.6 billion (Forbes) to $7 billion (CNBC). Then in December, the Eagles sold a combined 8 percent to two families in separate transactions valuing the franchise at $8.1 billion and $8.3 billion, respectively.
Philadelphia owner Jeffrey Lurie still controls 85 percent of the team under terms of the sales.
