{
  "id": 16024660,
  "title": "Apollo and Blackstone seek approval for NFL investments",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/apollo-and-blackstone-seek-approval-for-nfl-investments",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-22T08:53:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Private Equity Wire",
    "slug": "private-equity-wire",
    "url": "https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/apollo-and-blackstone-seek-approval-for-nfl-investments/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apollo Global Management and Blackstone are exploring the possibility of becoming approved private equity investors in the National Football League (NFL), with the aim of acquiring minority stakes in US football franchises, as reported by Bloomberg. While the firms are still in the preliminary stages of discussions and approval is not expected before 2027, they may need to identify specific franchise investments prior to gaining approval.\n\nIn 2024, the NFL opened up team ownership to institutional investors, allowing approved private equity firms to purchase minority interests in franchises and provide team owners with additional funds for stadium development and estate management. Apollo is pursuing this opportunity through its dedicated sports investment platform, Apollo Sports Capital, which launched in 2025 and has invested or committed around $13bn across sports transactions.\n\nBlackstone, on the other hand, had previously participated in an approved investment consortium alongside CVC Capital Partners, Carlyle Group, and Dynasty Equity Partners. However, both Blackstone and CVC later withdrew from the consortium. Currently, Blackstone is seeking approval independently. Other firms that have already been approved to invest in NFL franchises include Arctos Partners, Ares Management, and Sixth Street, along with the Carlyle-Dynasty partnership. Arctos has already made investments in four NFL franchises, including the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers.\n\nInstitutional interest in NFL franchises has been on the rise, with rising franchise valuations contributing to this trend. The Seattle Seahawks recently changed hands for a record $9.6bn, surpassing the $6bn sale price of the Washington Commanders in 2023.",
  "summary": "Apollo Global Management and Blackstone are in preliminary discussions with the National Football League (NFL) to become approved private equity investors eligible to acquire minority stakes in US football franchises, according to a report by Bloomberg.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}