So, You Want to Own a Sports Team (2024)

By Dan Weil

Last year, hedge-fund mogul David Tepper paid $2.28 billion for the Carolina Panthers, a record price for a National Football League team. But you don’t have to be a billionaire like Mr. Tepper to own a piece of a sports team, or even an entire team.

There are plenty of opportunities under $5 million to acquire all of a team, with some independent minor-league baseball teams available for about $500,000. If you can’t afford that yourself, you can go in with some partners. There are a few minor-league baseball teams with more than 100 owners. In addition to baseball, individuals can buy teams on the cheap in minor-league hockey, soccer, tennis, lacrosse and rugby.

Copyright ©2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Next in Journal Reports: Wealth Management

So, You Want to Own a Sports Team (1)

Journal Reports: Wealth Management

The Expenses People Often Forget When They Plan for Retirement

By

Glenn Ruffenach

October 17, 2019 at 2:10 PM ET

Columnist Glenn Ruffenach also answers a reader’s question about auxiliary Social Security benefits.

More Journal Reports: Wealth Management Articles

I am a seasoned sports business analyst with a deep understanding of the intricacies of team ownership and the financial landscape of sports franchises. Over the years, I have closely monitored transactions, scrutinized market trends, and delved into the motivations of high-profile individuals like David Tepper, the hedge-fund mogul who made headlines with his $2.28 billion acquisition of the Carolina Panthers in 2018.

Let's dissect the key concepts from the provided article, dated October 18, 2019, which explores the accessibility of team ownership for individuals, even those without billionaire status.

  1. David Tepper's Record Purchase:

    • David Tepper, a prominent figure in the hedge-fund industry, set a record by paying $2.28 billion for the Carolina Panthers in 2018.
    • This transaction highlighted the escalating values of National Football League (NFL) teams and the increasing financial significance of sports franchises.
  2. Affordable Team Ownership Opportunities:

    • Contrary to the perception that team ownership is reserved for billionaires, the article suggests that there are opportunities for individuals with budgets under $5 million to own a sports team.
    • Specific emphasis is placed on the affordability of some independent minor-league baseball teams, which can be acquired for approximately $500,000.
  3. Collaborative Ownership Model:

    • The article proposes that individuals who cannot afford full ownership can explore joint ownership with partners. It mentions instances where minor-league baseball teams have more than 100 owners, showcasing a collaborative approach to ownership.
  4. Diversification of Sports:

    • Beyond football and baseball, the article mentions that individuals can explore ownership opportunities in various sports, including minor-league hockey, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, and rugby.
    • This highlights the diversification of the sports market and the potential for ownership in less mainstream sports.
  5. Financial Accessibility and Minor-League Teams:

    • The emphasis on minor-league teams implies that there is a tier of sports ownership that is more financially accessible to a broader range of individuals.
    • This information may be of interest to sports enthusiasts looking to engage with team ownership without the exorbitant costs associated with major professional leagues.
  6. Copyright Information:

    • The article concludes with a copyright notice indicating that the content belongs to Dow Jones & Company, Inc., and reiterates that all rights are reserved.

In summary, the article suggests a democratization of sports team ownership, challenging the notion that it is an exclusive domain for billionaires. The insights provided can be valuable for aspiring sports team owners, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving dynamics of sports business.

So, You Want to Own a Sports Team (2024)

FAQs

How do you own a part of a sports team? ›

You can also buy exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds that invest in the parent companies of select sports teams. Depending on the amount you have to invest, it is also possible to be part of an ownership group that focuses on teams in small markets, such as the minor leagues.

How do you make a successful sports team? ›

The 5 Key Components for Success
  1. 1) Leadership. It really does start at the top. ...
  2. 2) Team. The most important resources in the organization are the team members. ...
  3. 3) Strategy. ...
  4. 4) Performance. ...
  5. 5) Competition.

What can I say to motivate my sports team? ›

Here are some words of encouragement that you might find helpful:
  • **"Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM). ...
  • "In the face of challenges, remember that every setback is a setup for a comeback. ...
  • "Your hard work and dedication don't go unnoticed. ...
  • "Believe in yourselves as much as I believe in each one of you.
Nov 15, 2023

How do I choose a sports team to support? ›

Start by answering these simple questions:
  1. What is your hometown team? ...
  2. Who is your favorite player or coach? ...
  3. What team did you grow up watching in the house? ...
  4. Is there a place you want to live one day? ...
  5. If you like going to games, pick a team where you will be able to actually go see them play.

What is the benefit of owning a sports team? ›

Increasing Profitability of Sports

One of the primary advantages of sports investments is the rapidly increasing revenue and value of the sports industry.

Why do owners buy sports teams? ›

Prestige and Status: Owning a team is often a symbol of ultimate success. It's a prestigious club that offers status, recognition, and influence, transcending traditional measures of wealth and power. Community Influence: Many owners embrace the opportunity to impact local communities positively.

What are the values of a sports team? ›

Values of fairness, teamwork, discipline, inclusion, perseverance and respect play an important role, not just when participating in sport, but also in everyday life.

What makes a team a winning team? ›

Why do teams win? Basically, winning teams are about people working well together. Successful teams are comprised of people with purpose, vision, and skill. Winning teams are groups of people who are wisely led, motivated to work hard, work together, and persevere to make something meaningful happen.

How do you build a positive team culture in sports? ›

Developing an Effective Team Culture
  1. Clear Goals and Expectations. As I am sure you know from past coaching successes and failures, clear expectations is one of the most vital ingredients in leading a team. ...
  2. Use Your Supporting Cast. ...
  3. Praise Your Culture. ...
  4. Show Off Your Culture.

What are inspiring words? ›

50 motivational quotes
  • "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." — ...
  • "Your self-worth is determined by you. ...
  • "Nothing is impossible. ...
  • "Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you." — ...
  • “You have brains in your head. ...
  • "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." —
Nov 30, 2023

What is positive motivation in sport? ›

Positive and negative forms of motivation are at opposite ends of a continuum for motivation. Motivation will either be positive or negative, but this is often specific to the athlete's view of positive and negative, though some things are universal. Positive motivation is a reward for good performance.

How do I choose my team? ›

How do you choose the best team members?
  1. Define the roles and skills.
  2. Assess the fit and potential.
  3. Consider the diversity and balance.
  4. Involve your team and stakeholders.
  5. Communicate your expectations and vision. Be the first to add your personal experience.
  6. Here's what else to consider.
Jun 21, 2023

How do you get a team to want to win? ›

Review the list below to decide what you need to do to motivate your players to win.
  1. Motivation Starts With You. ...
  2. Build a Company People Want to Work For. ...
  3. Provide Clear, Measurable Expectations. ...
  4. Provide Regular Motivation, Recognition & Praise. ...
  5. Provide a Clear Understanding of the Big Picture. ...
  6. Care About People. ...
  7. Ask.
Apr 2, 2024

How do you choose a winning team? ›

Tried and tested ways to pick a winning team
  1. Shared belief in the direction the business is taking;
  2. Open communication and willingness to embrace conflict; and.
  3. Safe risk taking, innovation and meaningful renewal.

How much does an owner of a sports team make? ›

Having made their money in modern industries such as tech and finance, the new generation of NBA owners is also wealthier than their NFL counterparts with an average net worth in excess of $16.5 billion, while the NFL's average is a “paltry” $8.5 billion.

Do you get paid for owning a team? ›

The sources of how sports teams and leagues make their money has not changed much over the past 40 years. Tickets, sponsorships and broadcast rights continue to be the main buckets of revenue, while concessions, parking, merchandise and non-team events fill out the income statement.

How much does it cost to be a part owner of a football team? ›

Prospective buyers and partners must be ready to buy a minimum 30% stake in a team. To put that into perspective, Forbes reported that the NFL team with the lowest valuation is the 2022 Cincinnati Bengals, at $3 billion. To own a stake in the 2022 Bengals, you would have had to put down $900 million in cash.

Does the owner of a sports team own the stadium? ›

Most sports facilities are owned publicly with the team owner having a master lease. Because the stadium is not privately owned, there is no property tax (though some teams make payments in lieu of taxes, PILOTS). Were the land used for other private development, the city would generally receive property taxes.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Last Updated:

Views: 6400

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Birthday: 1998-01-29

Address: Apt. 611 3357 Yong Plain, West Audra, IL 70053

Phone: +5819954278378

Job: Construction Director

Hobby: Embroidery, Creative writing, Shopping, Driving, Stand-up comedy, Coffee roasting, Scrapbooking

Introduction: My name is Dr. Pierre Goyette, I am a enchanting, powerful, jolly, rich, graceful, colorful, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.