On the latest Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including a trio of athletes–Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Jozy Altidore–nearing deals to purchase minority stakes in the NFL‘s Buffalo Bills.
Small, celebrity-owned pieces of equity have been common in other leagues, but were relatively unheard-of in the NFL until recently. The league is loosening some of its ownership rules, and it has made equity more attainable for a wider swath of rich people. It has also diversified the owner box. Celebrities that have bought into the NFL in the past few years include Magic Johnson (Commanders), Lewis Hamilton (Broncos), Condoleezza Rice (Broncos) and Dominique Dawes (Falcons).
All three of the prospective Bills investors also have ties to Toronto. Both Carter and McGrady played for the NBA’s Raptors; Altidore played for MLS club Toronto FC. The hosts discuss whether that’s a coincidence (unlikely) or an indication of more Bills games being played in Toronto (also unlikely).
Next they talk about another NFL minority stake sale–Tom Brady buying into the Las Vegas Raiders. The former quarterback is keeping his $375 million day job with Fox Sports, and despite a series of other restrictions, will call Raiders games if they come up. They discuss potential conflicts of interest, and also the two-year history of Brady’s negotiations with both Mark Davis and the NFL.
Next they talk about a Sportico story detailing a little-discussed consequence of more legal sports betting. Doctors are being harangued for injury information that might be useful for gaining an edge in wagering.
Lastly, they talk about the shaky unveiling of the name for the new NWSL expansion team in Boston. BOS Nation FC announced itself this week with a video campaign centered around a “Too Many Balls” slogan. Backlash came quickly from fans and players who thought the launch was transphobic or unfair to other professional women’s teams in the area. The video was taken down, merch was pulled from shelves, and the team’s owners apologized.
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