Panthers new ownership contenders emerging
Top contenders for Carolina Panthers ownership are beginning to emerge as official bids are on the horizon…
Carolina Panthers founder and owner Jerry Richardson announced in late December his intention to sell the franchise. Amid workplace misconduct allegations and an ongoing NFL investigation, Richardson ultimately decided to part ways with his team after 23 years in action.
A former player, Richardson became an owner when the league announced its intent to expand and granted him a franchise in his native North Carolina. Having attended college at Wofford in neighboring South Carolina, Richardson has always made it a point to involve the Panthers as a team with two entire states supporting them.
The news of an ownership change came as a bit of a surprise. Not because of the allegations or Richardson’s age (81) and declining health but due to the timing. Although it was addressed that no offers would be considered until completion of the 2017 season, knowing Carolina would be entering the offseason absent an owner and general manager made for a difficult situation.
Chief Operating Officer Tina Becker was given the reigns to daily operations and has since seen the interim tag removed from general manager Marty Hurney, but no one is aware where the team is headed under new ownership, once determined.
A few serious contenders have emerged as candidates but until official bids are placed nothing is permanent except that the NFL would like to have an accepted offer available for vote during the May owners meetings.
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
Both David Tepper, who owns a minority stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers and South Carolina businessman Ben Navarro have already been named as front-runners in addition to a local group being orchestrated by Felix Sabates right in Charlotte.
Fanatics owner Michael Rubin is now also a serious contender for placing the winning bid. The billionaire internet entrepreneur is based out of Pennsylvania and already has ties to the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA, New Jersey Devils in the NHL and Crystal Palace from the Premier League.
He is also well known around the NFL and with owners due to his business arrangements dealing with Fanatics and the NFL licensing. His group runs the online store for the league as the NFL ownership group purchased a three-percent stake in the company last May.
Next: NFL Combine Prospects Performances
It is safe to say his ownership would be approved, should he win the bid as Richardson and Carolina are expected to begin fielding professional offers in just a few weeks.