A moment of celebration and the beginning of a new chapter unfolded when Tom Brady walked into the Las Vegas Raiders facility as the new co-owner of the franchise.
After a long delay in his ownership bid, Brady received official approval from his now NFL co-owners on Tuesday.
The next morning, the seven-time Super Bowl champion was warmly greeted by staff members as he arrived at Raiders headquarters with majority owner Mark Davis.
In a video posted by the Raiders’ X (Twitter) account, Brady is seen entering through the glass doors, wearing a gray shirt and black pants, when he was greeted with a standing ovation. Members of the Raiders family filled the first three floors of the lobby to commemorate an important day in their franchise’s narrative.
Brady then took a moment to collect himself before returning the applause and hugging Davis, who was all smiles after the long process to bring Brady on board was finally given the green light.
Tom Brady received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the Raiders facility on Wednesday.
In a series of photos posted to the Raiders’ social media, Brady was seen speaking to the crowd with a microphone, although what he said has not been made public.
Hours after his ownership was made official, Brady issued a statement saying: “I am incredibly honored and excited to have been unanimously approved as the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Throughout my NFL career, I have learned that, at its core, football is a game of teamwork, resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
“The Raiders franchise and the city of Las Vegas embody these same values, and I am honored to be a part of that history.”
The legendary quarterback initially agreed to become a limited partner of the Raiders in May 2023, months after ending his legendary playing career.
His deal to take a 10 percent stake in the organization, which he is splitting in half with business partner Tom Wagner, has been delayed for the past 17 months amid concerns from other NFL owners about their 10-year deal. and 375 million dollars with Fox. .
Brady was joined by majority owner Mark Davis after his partial ownership bid was approved.
Brady addresses the Raiders staff on his first day as co-owner of the Las Vegas franchise.
Brady’s role as lead NFL analyst for Fox Sports was one of the points of contention in the approval process. His position in the chain was also the basis for the limits he faces as a co-owner.
Brady is prohibited from entering another team’s facilities, attending practices and attending broadcast production meetings virtually and in person.
Brady is also not allowed to criticize game officials or other clubs. Additionally, you are subject to the NFL’s gaming and anti-tampering policies.
‘I would like to thank Mark Davis for welcoming me into his family and the tireless work he has done to help build the organization so many fans know and love today. Also thanks to Commissioner Goodell for his support, as well as all the NFL owners who supported my dream. “I will be forever grateful,” Brady’s statement continued. “I would also like to thank my partner Tom Wagner, Don Yee, Jim Gray, Alex Spiro and Larry Delson as they have been instrumental in helping me achieve this incredible milestone.”
Brady owns stakes in three Las Vegas teams; the Raiders (NFL), Aces (WNBA) and Night Owls (MLP)
The former quarterback initially agreed to become a limited partner of the Raiders in May 2023.
On the field, the Raiders have struggled as they are 2-4 and fourth in the AFC West to start.
“I look forward to contributing to the organization in any way I can, honoring the rich tradition of the Raiders while finding every possible opportunity to improve our offering to fans… and most importantly, WIN football games,” he concluded.
The Raiders add another valuable element to Brady’s impressive business portfolio.
The future NFL Hall of Famer owns stakes in the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, Birmingham City in the EFL Championship, the Las Vegas Night Owls in Major League Pickleball and the E1 Series in electric boat racing.
While Brady’s arrival to the front office is cause for celebration, the Raiders have been having problems on the field. Antonio Pierce’s team is 2-4 and in fourth place in the AFC West.
They will face the Rams in Los Angeles on October 20 and close out the month by hosting Super Bowl champions Kansas City on the 27th.