KKR-backed Arctos in talks to acquire 10% stake in Atlanta Falcons
KKR-backed sports investment firm Arctos Partners is in discussions to acquire a 10% minority interest in NFL franchise the Atlanta Falcons, according to a report by Bloomberg citing unnamed people familiar with the matter.
KKR-backed investment firm Arctos Partners is engaged in discussions to acquire a 10% minority stake in NFL team the Atlanta Falcons, according to Bloomberg. If the acquisition is completed and approved, Arctos would own interests in four NFL franchises, the most of any private equity investor. The firm currently holds stakes in the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and Cleveland Browns.
This move aligns with the growing trend of private capital expanding its presence in professional sports, with institutional investors increasingly seeking minority positions in teams. The NFL permits private equity firms to own up to 10% stakes in a single franchise, with a maximum of six teams per firm. Only the controlling owner of a franchise can sell a stake to a private equity firm.
Arctos is among a select group of approved investors by the NFL. Other permitted investors include Ares Management, Sixth Street Partners, Carlyle Group, and Dynasty Equity Partners. The Atlanta Falcons are controlled by Arthur Blank, the co-founder of Home Depot, who acquired the team for $545 million in 2002. Blank has since diversified his sports interests to include Atlanta United, an MLS franchise, and an expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League.
With an estimated fortune of $10.7 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Blank's sports ventures also include a stake in PGA Tour Enterprises.
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