NFL owners voted to allow private equity investment of up to 10% of a franchise last year. Plenty of teams took the opportunity immediately, including the Dolphins and the Bills. The New York Giants are also exploring a minority stake sale, per CNBC.
It turns out that the San Francisco 49ers are the latest team to join the bandwagon. Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that the team is exploring selling 10% of the franchise to a private equity firm or investors.
#49ers explore selling 10% minority stake to investors#FTTB
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) February 19, 2025
Read:https://t.co/Nk2Komkmql
Right now, the York family is the sole owner of the 49ers. This sale could bring other individuals or families into the organization but doesn't necessarily allow them voting rights. Jed York would continue to be the lone decisionmaker after this sale.
The franchise was recently valued at $7.4 billion by CNBC, but the York family is reportedly seeking a $9 billion valuation in this sale. This would put the 49ers in sixth place among NFL teams, behind the Cowboys, Rams, Patriots, Giants, and Raiders.
Selling minority stakes has become a popular way to generate more money that can be used for investments.
The 49ers are currently renovating the Levi's Stadium, which could have been an impetus for the decision.
Considering how much success San Francisco has had in recent years, there should be plenty of interest in becoming a minority owner.
While this is taking place, the 49ers have a tough offseason ahead of them. For the franchise, the biggest decision will be Brock Purdy and his looming extension. York has previously said that the 49ers would do everything in their power to keep him in San Francisco long-term. Whether the sides will be able to agree on a long-term extension remains to be seen.