Tom Brady is reportedly nearing a “resolution” in talks to purchase an ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.
ESPN reported Tuesday that the three-time NFL MVP quarterback has been talking with Raiders owner Mark Davis for weeks. The two already have a working relationship. Brady has a limited interest in the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, which is primarily owned by Davis.
There is a question of how Brady’s potential limited ownership would affect his role as a Fox Sports announcer. He’s set to begin a 10-year, $375 million contract with the network in 2024. But according to ESPN, Fox has given Brady its blessing to pursue the deal.
It’s not the first time Brady has been tied to the Raiders in a proposed deal. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported last year that UFC President Dana White had talked Brady into joining the Raiders in 2020, and he would also bring tight end Rob Gronkowski with him. But then-Raiders coach Jon Gruden reportedly blocked the deal.
Of course, Brady remains a classic villain in Raiders history, a distinction he earned in a 2002 NFL postseason game when he led the New England Patriots over the Raiders thanks in part to the infamous “Tuck Rule” play.
20 Years Ago Today: @TomBrady and the New England Patriots in the vs the Raiders get a second chance on the “Tuck Rule.”
Force overtime and win it. Get to Super Bowl. Tom Brady wins first title pic.twitter.com/24NCvqesqx
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) January 19, 2022
ESPN reached out to Brady’s agent, the NFL and the Raiders for comment, but no one responded.
NFL fans quickly reacted to the report, with many poking fun at the prospect of Brady as an owner.
He just wants to keep owning Jimmy G like he did for years in NE
— 🏈A Mandalorian🏀Your Sports Fantasy Girl⚾️ (@sexysportslover) May 12, 2023
Tom Brady is idolized in NFL circles. I understand why some Raider fans wouldn’t like this but I feel it would be great for the franchise. People want to be associated with winners. https://t.co/8oZmdMwlB3
— Capt Jack (@CaptJackRaider) May 12, 2023
If Tom Brady becomes a minority owner of the #raiders, then part of his entry fee should be the same haircut as Mark Davis #initiation
— Ryan Marchand (@CoachMarchand) May 12, 2023
Well Tom Brady has a history of owning the raiders anyway
— VeryDepressedBruinsFan (@paSTANrnak88) May 12, 2023
When I first saw “Tom Brady” and “Las Vegas Raiders” together, I thought it was saying he was coming out of retirement again and I about spit out my water for the sake of Jimmy G
— Brandon (@bmaas18) May 12, 2023
My Take: GET HIM IN. He has the winning mentality, he has the connections, he has the reputation and, with all due respect, he knows more about the business than Mark does. I am okay with this. We have nothing to lose.
— Gavin80 🐂 🆗 (@Gavin_80) May 12, 2023
[ESPN]
