The Carolina Panthers original owner announced in December that he would put his team up for sale. This development came after allegations swirled around the league regarding his inappropriate behavior.
Now, in the midst of crazy offseason moves and preparing for the 2018 NFL draft, Carolina has major players to consider. The owners will vote to decide who becomes the team’s second owner.
We already know that Carolina has plenty of needs to address come April, but they also need to find their owner(s) as well. Let’s look at some of the potential owners for this franchise.
A look at the Carolina Panthers Potential New Owner
Michael Rubin
The Charlotte Observer reported March 13 that Rubin, owner of Fanatics and minority owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, is interested in putting an investors group together to purchase the Panthers. He has no intentions of moving the team out of Charlotte should his group win the bid. Reports also surfaced last week that the billionaire was thinking of partnering with Joseph Tsai, co-founder of Alibaba and minority owner of the Brooklyn Nets.
Rubin is also contemplating adding Sean P. Diddy Combs and Stephen Curry (a Charlotte native and fan of the Panthers). Combs expressed interest in the “North Carolina Panthers” soon after hearing of Jerry Richardson’s intentions. He appears to be serious about his inquiry.
This group appears to be the more diverse group of potential bidders which could be beneficial to the team.
David Tepper
In Feb Tepper emerged as a frontrunner for the job and seemed like he would be the one expected to get it. He is a likely candidate mostly because of his experience in the league and his longstanding relationship with Richardson.
The hedge fund manager and minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has known Richardson for more than 20 years.
The only thing that is still unknown is his intentions with the franchise. If he does become owner, he does reserve the right to move the team wherever he likes. Business wise, moving the team would not be the best choice as Charlotte is constantly growing.
Something else to consider would be whether the new owner would build a new stadium. Bank of America Stadium recently underwent $47 million in renovations. It is unlikely the city would be willing to help pay for a new one.
May the best man win
All potential owners expressing interest in the team will place their bids on March 19 for consideration, per The Observer.
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