The New York Giants, under the ownership of the Mara and Tisch families since 1991, are considering selling a minority stake in the franchise, marking a significant shift in their ownership structure. While the families are not looking to sell the team outright or relinquish control, they have decided to explore the sale of a non-controlling share, potentially up to 10%. This development has sparked curiosity and speculation about the future of the team and its ownership.
To facilitate this process, the Mara and Tisch families have enlisted the help of investment bank Moelis & Company, which will assist in evaluating the sale of this minority stake. The news was confirmed by the Giants in an official statement, though they made it clear that there would be no further comments regarding the process at this time.
This move does not signify a total change in leadership or direction for the team, as the families remain in charge. However, it does open the door for outside investors to acquire a stake in the historic franchise. While fans have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the team’s performance in recent years, particularly after a string of underwhelming seasons, this sale does not indicate a fundamental shift in decision-making power.
The Giants have been a staple in New York since their founding in 1925. For nearly 70 years, the Mara family owned 100% of the team before selling half of the franchise to the Tisch family in 1991. The team is now valued between $7.3 billion and $7.85 billion, according to recent estimates from Forbes and CNBC, respectively.
A new policy approved by the NFL in August 2024 allows private equity firms to purchase up to 10% of team ownership, a move that could bring substantial investment into teams like the Giants. So far, several teams have conducted similar sales, including the Philadelphia Eagles, who sold 8% of their ownership to wealthy families last year for values around $8 billion.
The sale of a minority stake in the Giants could provide a fascinating benchmark in the NFL’s evolving ownership landscape. Experts suggest that the Giants’ valuation could even exceed that of the Eagles, especially given the size of the New York market, which has a population of approximately 19.5 million compared to Philadelphia’s 6.2 million. However, the Giants’ recent struggles on the field may impact the price they could command.
In addition to the potential sale, another interesting aspect of this development is the possibility of former Giants quarterback Eli Manning becoming a part of the ownership group. Manning, who spent 16 seasons with the Giants and led the team to two Super Bowl victories, recently expressed interest in becoming a minority owner. In a CNBC interview, Manning noted that the only team he would be interested in pursuing as an owner would be the Giants, making it a perfect fit.
Manning’s potential involvement in the Giants’ ownership structure would be a full-circle moment for the franchise. After a legendary playing career, Manning has continued to remain connected to the team and its fanbase. His involvement as an owner would bring a sense of continuity and perhaps inspire renewed confidence among the team’s supporters, who have seen their team struggle for much of the past decade.
While it remains to be seen if Manning will indeed pursue this opportunity, his interest has created significant buzz. If he does emerge as a potential buyer, it could signal a new era for the Giants, one in which a former player takes on an active role in shaping the future of the franchise. Whether Manning becomes a part of the ownership group or not, the Giants’ decision to explore a minority stake sale will undoubtedly have long-term implications for the team and its fanbase.
As the Giants look to rebuild and regain their competitive edge in the NFL, the ownership structure could play a crucial role in their future success. The sale of a minority stake could attract fresh perspectives and ideas, which might be just what the team needs to turn things around. Whether it’s through an infusion of capital, new leadership, or a combination of both, the Giants are entering an exciting and potentially transformative period in their history.
The upcoming months will provide more clarity on whether Eli Manning or other potential investors will play a role in the team’s ownership. For now, all eyes will be on the Giants as they navigate this new phase in their storied history. One thing is certain: the future of the Giants could look very different with new ownership in place.