NFL Approves Chargers Sale to Arctos, Expands Private Equity Ownership

Arctos Partners has become the first private equity firm to hold ownership stakes in multiple NFL teams, acquiring an 8% share of the Los Angeles Chargers while retaining a 10% stake in the Buffalo Bills. The Chargers remain majority-owned by Dean Spanos and his family with approximately 61% ownership, alongside other minority owners like Tom Gores, who holds a 27% stake. This transaction was approved by NFL owners amid recent expansions of minority equity holders, including new stakes in the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, and Miami Dolphins. Arctos, which already has investments in several major sports franchises across MLB, NBA, and NHL, expressed enthusiasm for supporting the Chargers' growth. Meanwhile, the private equity consortium involving Carlyle and Dynasty continues investment efforts after Blackstone and CVC exited the group. These developments reflect the NFL's ongoing trend of allowing private equity investments, driven by soaring team valuations and opportunities for liquidity among owners.