NFL insider opens up about Saudi Arabia’s chances to own NFL team

The PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF) shocked the sports world when they announced their plans to partner, effectively merging the Tour with rival LIV Golf. It generated chatter about the role the Saudis could play in American sports after deals with golf and WWE, in addition to the soccer teams they own.

Could they wind up owning an NFL team? Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer attempted to answer that Wednesday.

Breer opened up the MMQB mailbag and got a question about whether the Saudis could own an NFL franchise down the road. While he doesn’t think it happens soon, based on conversations he’s had. However, he noted how good it would be for the Saudis from a business standpoint.

“I hit up a couple team president types, and while I think starting a whole league isn’t happening, I don’t think it’s out of line to consider the idea that they could someday bid on an NFL team, and maybe even buy one,” Breer wrote. “The nation’s public investment fund, which owns the LIV Golf tour (which just merged with the PGA Tour) and Newcastle United of the English Premier League, has poured endless money into sports, and few investments in any sport worldwide are as sure as buying an NFL team.

“So it’d be a good business move for the Saudis to do it, and would give them the show of power and prestige, without question, they’ve looked for in all these investments—Going into the States and running a prominent pro sports team would be quite the flex.”

As it currently stands, the NFL still has to approve the sale of the Washington Commanders. The Seattle Seahawks are also rumored to be going up for sale soon as the five-year anniversary of Paul Allen’s death comes and goes. They’d have plenty of suitors from the U.S., Breer wrote.

Depending on who — state-side — wants to buy teams, Breer said the Saudis could have a chance at a team down the road if they choose to try their hand.

“Now, as of right now, I can’t imagine NFL owners would approve such a purchase,” Breer said. “But the Commanders are going for $6.05 billion, and eventually the Seahawks will probably sell for more, with others likely to top wherever that price lands, as heirs inherit teams and face the reality of facing crippling estate taxes if they don’t sell. And as the price point goes up and up and up, the pool of capable buyers will continue to shrink.

“Today, the NFL can still say no, because there are buyers willing and capable to pay the freight (Seattle could have Jeff Bezos and Steve Ballmer bidding). But eventually, that well will run dry, and the league will have to change its rules, and probably welcome in parties that it traditionally wouldn’t to keep raising the stakes on what these teams are worth. Which is where the Saudis would eventually have their shot.”

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