Tom Brady (Getty Images)
Tom Brady spent 23 seasons building one of the greatest careers in NFL history. What initially looked like a $110 million business move has turned into an eye-catching financial story. With the franchise now valued at $10.3 billion, Brady’s 5% ownership stake could be worth approximately $515 million on paper, highlighting the growing financial appeal of NFL team ownership. His interest in becoming part of the Raiders organization first emerged in 2023, when he began working towards acquiring a minority stake in the franchise. The deal eventually reached its biggest milestone in October 2024. NFL owners unanimously approved Brady and businessman Tom Wagner’s purchase of a combined 10% interest in the Raiders. The two investors agreed to pay $220 million, giving each of them a 5% share. The transaction also involved an additional payment of approximately $24 million, known as a relocation-related fee or flip tax, connected to the Raiders’ move from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020, according to Sports Business Journal. The investment valued the franchise at around $3.5 billion for the transaction. His personal investment of approximately $110 million also gave him a new business opportunity after his playing career. When the franchise received approval for the ownership transaction in 2024, Forbes valued the team at approximately $6.7 billion. At that valuation, Brady’s 5% stake would have represented an estimated $335 million. However, the latest Forbes NFL team valuations, calculated in September 2026, place the Raiders at $10.3 billion. The franchise recorded a reported 34% increase in value over one year, making it one of the most valuable teams in professional football. Applying that valuation to Brady’s 5% ownership interest produces an estimated figure of $515 million. That is a substantial difference from his original investment of approximately $110 million. The implied increase stands at roughly $405 million. The NFL addressed those concerns by placing restrictions on his media responsibilities in August 2024. The former quarterback spent 23 seasons in the NFL, winning seven Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Forbes’ September 2026 figures place the franchise’s revenue at approximately $887 million, with operating income of $191 million. His estimated $110 million investment could be worth around $515 million based on the Raiders’ latest valuation.
Therefore, the $515 million figure is an illustrative estimate based on the franchise’s valuation, not a confirmed market price for Brady’s ownership interest. Because nFL broadcasters often meet players and coaches before games, these restrictions mattered. His Raiders investment therefore represents more than a financial interest in a football team.
He has not publicly announced a sale of his stake, either.
“It’s great that Tom Brady wants to invest in the NFL,” Goodell said. Brady could not attend in-person or online broadcast production meetings, according to the Associated Press report published by NFL.com. But retirement did not mean he was ready to walk away from football. The seven-time Super Bowl champion found another way to stay connected to the league by investing in the Las Vegas Raiders. Tom Brady’s journey into NFL ownership was not an overnight decision. For Brady, the agreement marked a major change in his relationship with professional football. He had spent years competing against the league’s best teams. Now, he had a financial interest in one of its franchises. Rather than limiting his involvement to television appearances and commercial partnerships, Brady became part of the ownership structure of an NFL team. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell welcomed the move when the league approved the agreement. The approval came after months of discussions among league officials and team owners. It also cleared the way for Brady to begin his next chapter in professional football. The biggest development in Brady’s ownership story is the remarkable rise in the Raiders’ estimated value. However, the figure needs some context. Forbes uses enterprise value, which includes equity and net debt, in its team valuations. The increase represents estimated value on paper rather than money he has collected. Still, the numbers show why NFL ownership has become an attractive long-term investment for wealthy individuals. Brady’s entry into the Raiders ownership group came with an unusual challenge. He was also preparing to work as Fox Sports’ lead NFL game analyst. The situation raised questions about a possible conflict of interest. As a minority owner of one team, Brady could potentially have access to sensitive information about other franchises through his broadcasting work. He was also prohibited from accessing other teams’ facilities, players and coaches. They also visit training facilities and attend practices to gather information that helps them prepare their coverage. Brady had to work around those limitations while beginning his broadcasting career alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt. The league also required him to follow rules governing public criticism of officials and other teams. He remained permitted to call Raiders games, but his ownership position meant that his role as an analyst came with additional responsibilities. The arrangement was unusual for someone with Brady’s football experience. He had spent decades studying opponents, understanding coaching decisions and preparing for major games. Now, some of the traditional access available to broadcasters was off limits. Despite the restrictions, the NFL eventually approved his ownership bid unanimously, allowing him to continue both roles under the league’s conditions. The financial growth of the Raiders is only one part of the story. Brady’s involvement also brings considerable football experience and public attention to the organization. Raiders majority owner Mark Davis has an opportunity to benefit from Brady’s understanding of the game. His experience could prove useful as the franchise works towards long-term stability, particularly at the quarterback position. The Raiders have also benefited from their move to Las Vegas, where Allegiant Stadium gives the organization access to a major entertainment and tourism market. The team’s commercial appeal, revenue streams and brand recognition all contribute to its rising valuation. Those numbers offer further insight into why the Raiders have become such a valuable NFL property. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Brady also brings a familiar face to the franchise’s growing business profile. His success on the field, media presence and commercial partnerships have made him one of the most recognisable figures in American sports. It gives him a chance to influence the sport from a different position. After years of chasing championships as a quarterback, Brady now has a different challenge. Whether that paper gain grows further will depend on the franchise’s future performance and the changing economics of the NFL. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.