NFL team sells stake at 11-figure valuation as firm nears limit by owning four franchises worth $31.2bn

Aug 21, 2026 - 11:45

Private equity group Arctos is buying a 10 percent stake in the Atlanta Falcons.

The deal, which values the team at $10.6 billion per CNBC, means the Dallas firm will have an interest in four NFL franchises.

Tua Tagovailoa has been given a second chance in Atlanta

Arctos, which is owned by KKR, already owns stakes in the Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns.

Per Sportico, the latest move will come in two stages with a 7.5 percent stake followed by a smaller purchase.

A vote is expected in October.

The maximum stake a firm can buy is 10 percent and there is a six-team limit.

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Falcons owner Arthur Blank holds just under 73% of his franchise and it is not known if he is selling any shares.

NFL owners voted 31–1 to approve private equity companies buying minority stakes in 2024, with the Cincinnati Bengals the lone objection.

Sixth Street Partners three percent of the New England Patriots and Ares Management has a 10 percent stake in the Miami Dolphins.

Arctos, Sixth Street, and Ares are among a small group of approved bidders with Carlyle Group, Dynasty Equity, and Ludis so far not taking up the opportunity.

Arctos also has interest in the NBA’s Warriors, Jazz, and Kings, the NHL’s Lightning, Mammoth, Wild, Penguins, and Devils, and MLB’s Giants, Astros, Padres, Dodgers, and Red Sox, as well as international investments.

Once ratified, the Atlanta sale would value the Falcons at around $1 billion more than the world champion Seattle Seahawks.

Arthur Blank owns the Falcons, who are valued at $10.6 billion

New head coach Kevin Stefanski has a job on his hands this season

The NFL has opened the floodgates for private equity cash

The Browns ($8.6 billion), Chargers ($6 billion) and Bills ($6 billion) all come in well under the latest addition.

The Falcons boast an elite selection of skill players with Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts all capable of dominating defenses.

Falcons a QB1 short of competing

Unfortunately, there are huge question marks over head coach Kevin Stefanski’s quarterback room.

Michael Penix Jr. is injured and has struggled to live up to early hype.

New signing Tua Tagovailoa has struggled in training camp, but is currently expected to be under center Week 1.

He may want ta ask younger brother Taulia for some tips after he scored five touchdowns in a sensational upset win for American Samoa over the United States at the Flag Football World Championship.