Walmart’s heir, Rob Walton, has put in a sizeable bid of around US$4.5 billion (AU$6.2 billion) to purchase National Football League (NFL) franchise, the Denver Broncos.
The takeover will make him the richest owner in NFL history with a net worth of US$59 billion (AU$82 billion), eclipsing Panthers owner, David Tepper, who’s worth US$16.7 billion (AU$23 billion).
The club has had a significant number of suitors who have visited various Bronco facilities back throughout May, but few are willing to match Walton’s bid.
Forbes indicated that the bid has not been finalized yet, but is expected to be announced later this month, however, according to CBS Sports, NFL Insider, Josina Anderson said any notion that a favourite has emerged, or a that a figure has been finalized is categorically false.
On the takeover, a Forbes statement said: “There’s always a chance that a deal of this magnitude could fall through, but it seems highly unlikely at this point, considering Walton’s wealth and vast resources.”
The new price tag if accepted would double Carolina Panthers’ acquisition for $2.275 billion (AU$3.1) in 2018.
Pat Bowlen’s trust has been running the club since his death in 2019 after the late lawyer bought the franchise for US$78 million (AU$108 million) in 1984, where he saw the franchise win three Super Bowls.
The news comes after the NFL, NFL Players’ Association and Mythical launched play-and-own NFT videogame, NFL Rivals.
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