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Panthers: Potential new franchise owners

By Brandon Scott

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks with Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on January 12, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks with Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on January 12, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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FORT WORTH, TX – APRIL 11: Speedway Motorsports Inc. owner/CEO Bruton Smith speaks to the media at Texas Motor Speedway on April 11, 2013 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images for Texas Motor Speedway) /

Bruton Smith

One potential candidate with ties to the Charlotte area includes Charlotte Motor Speedway owner and chairman of Speedway Motorsports, Bruton Smith. A native North Carolinian, Smith has ties to the area and is already well versed in both ownership and governing bodies after dealing with NASCAR for many years.

Not too long ago, Smith even entertained the idea of purchasing the Panthers should they ever become available. Despite being older than Richardson, Smith has two sons who would likely run the team if he takes over ownership.

Richardson’s part is expected to be valued at just over $1.0 billion, meaning Smith would have the financial capabilities to make an outright purchase.

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