New England Patriots - NESN.com
Robert Kraft’s days of owning 100% of the New England Patriots reportedly are nearing an end.
The Patriots owner plans to divest 8% of the franchise in a two-part deal with separate private equity firms, according to a Thursday report from Sports Business Journal’s Ben Fischer. In the arrangement, which is subject to approval by NFL owners at their next meeting on Oct. 21-22, Sixth Street Partners would purchase 3% with Dean Metropoulos, principal of the Metropoulos & Co. investment firm, buying 8%.
The Patriots currently are valued at a little over $9 billion, per Fischer, who added it’s “highly unlikely” that owners strike down the deals next month. Kraft purchased the Patriots for $172 million in 1994 and has owned 100% of the franchise ever since.
The deals were made possible in August of 2024 when NFL owners approved a measure allowing private equity investment in franchises. Notably, Sixth Street recently purchased a minority stake in the Boston Celtics — reportedly over $1 billion — under new majority owner Bill Chisholm.
Kraft teased this outcome last year when he reacted to the new private equity measure by saying, “I never thought I would sell anything out, but I’m considering it.”
In his report, Fischer added: “Sources said the Krafts are not taking money off the table, and will hold the proceeds on the balance sheet for future opportunities. Kraft has no intention of relinquishing control of the team.”
This story will be updated when pertinent information becomes available.
