When Tom Brady was spotted in the Las Vegas Raiders’ coaches’ booth during “Monday Night Football,” wearing a headset and reportedly sharing his expertise with the coaching staff, it sparked a wave of nostalgia among New England Patriots fans. Many couldn’t help but wonder how much better it would be if Brady were sharing his insights with the Patriots, the franchise he led to six Super Bowl victories.
Brady, now a minority owner of the Raiders, has faced scrutiny regarding potential conflicts of interest in his broadcasting role. However, fans in New England are more focused on the fact that Brady’s involvement with another team raises questions about why he wasn’t brought back into the Patriots’ fold. The situation became even more relevant this week when it was disclosed that Robert Kraft, Patriots owner, has agreed to sell an 8% stake in the team to two investors. This news has led to speculation about whether Kraft should have considered offering a piece of the team to Brady before selling it to others.
Brady’s journey to becoming a partial owner of the Raiders began in 2023 when his investment group agreed to buy a 10% stake from majority owner Mark Davis. Critics noted at the time that he received favorable terms. When NFL owners approved the deal last October, Brady secured 5% of the franchise, while his partners took the remaining 5%. The deal valued the Raiders at $3.5 billion, with Brady’s group reportedly paying about $244 million, which was significantly less than what typically would be expected.
Considering the current valuation of the Patriots, estimated to be around $9 billion, the 8% stake being sold would be worth approximately $720 million. This figure dwarfs the amount Brady’s group paid for their stake in the Raiders and reflects a substantially higher valuation. The stake is divided between billionaire Dean Metropoulos, owning 5%, and Sixth Street Partners with a 3% share, which translates to a smaller investment relative to what Brady holds in Las Vegas.
From a business perspective, Kraft’s decision to sell a minority stake rather than bringing Brady into the ownership fold makes sense, especially considering Kraft purchased the team for $127 million in 1994. Selling less than 10% for around $720 million ensures he retains full control while realizing significant profit.
However, from a nostalgic angle, seeing Brady as part of the Patriots organization would have been a natural fit for fans. Instead, Brady now stands as an opponent to his former team, as he was rooting against the Patriots during a recent matchup. The juxtaposition of Brady’s football acumen aiding the Raiders in contrast to the struggles of the Patriots—having won only 33 games out of 84 since his departure—does feel somewhat unsettling.
While both parties have made financially astute decisions, the longing for Brady to be part of the Patriots is palpable. His mentorship could have been invaluable, particularly in light of the tumultuous periods the team has faced since he left. As the Patriots navigate uncertain waters, the football knowledge that Brady could have provided seems to be missed—underscoring the bittersweet irony of the situation.