Robert Kraft Plans Sell 8% Patriots Stake to Private Equity Firms

Robert Kraft, who has owned the New England Patriots since 1994, is selling an 8% minority stake in the franchise, with 3% going to private equity firm Sixth Street and 5% to Dean Metropoulos of Metropoulos & Co. The deal values the Patriots at over $9 billion, making it the second-highest NFL team valuation after the Giants. This marks the first time Kraft is divesting any part of the team, which he originally purchased for $172 million. The sale follows the NFL's new private equity policy enacted in 2024, allowing team owners to sell portions of their franchises to investment firms. Kraft intends to retain control of the team despite the minority sale, and the deal requires approval from NFL owners at their upcoming October meeting. Sixth Street, which has also invested in the Boston Celtics and Legends Hospitality, confirmed the transaction but declined further comment.