The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the most historic franchises in the National Football League (NFL). Known for their passionate fan base, iconic silver and black colors, and storied past, the Raiders have built a reputation as one of the most recognizable teams in football.
But who actually owns the team today? Let’s take a deep dive into the ownership structure of the Las Vegas Raiders, including its major shareholders and other key details.
Mark Davis: The Majority Owner
The current majority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders is Mark Davis. He inherited the team after the passing of his father, Al Davis, in 2011. Mark Davis has played a significant role in leading the Raiders through major transitions, including their relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020.
Who Was Al Davis?
Before Mark Davis, the Raiders were owned and controlled by Al Davis, a legendary figure in the NFL. Al Davis served as the team’s head coach, general manager, and eventually owner. He was instrumental in shaping the identity of the Raiders as a tough, rebellious, and winning organization. When Al Davis passed away in 2011, Mark Davis took over ownership of the team.
Mark Davis’ Contributions to the Raiders
Since taking over as the majority owner, Mark Davis has made several big moves, including:
- Relocating the team to Las Vegas – This move allowed the Raiders to build a state-of-the-art stadium (Allegiant Stadium) and significantly increase the team’s revenue.
- Expanding business opportunities – Under Davis’ leadership, the Raiders have entered new sponsorship and media deals.
- Investing in personnel – Davis has made important hires, including new head coaches and general managers, to improve the team’s competitiveness.
Tom Brady’s Minority Ownership Stake
One of the most recent additions to the Raiders’ ownership group is Tom Brady, the legendary 7-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback. In May 2023, Brady agreed to purchase a minority stake in the team. However, as of early 2024, the deal has not yet been officially approved by the NFL.
Why Did Tom Brady Invest in the Raiders?
Brady’s decision to invest in the Raiders likely stems from:
- His relationship with Mark Davis – The two have a strong business connection, and Brady also owns a minority stake in the Las Vegas Aces, a WNBA team that Davis owns.
- His interest in team ownership – Brady has expressed interest in transitioning into sports management and ownership after his playing career.
- Business growth opportunities – The Raiders, being in a growing sports market like Las Vegas, present a valuable investment opportunity.
Other Shareholders and Ownership Structure
While Mark Davis is the majority owner, and Tom Brady has a pending minority stake, there are other investors and stakeholders involved in the franchise. However, unlike some NFL teams that have multiple major investors, the Raiders remain family-controlled, with Mark Davis maintaining full decision-making power over the team.
Some NFL franchises have investment groups or multiple large shareholders, but the Raiders have largely avoided this model, keeping the power concentrated within the Davis family.
The Value and Financial Growth of the Raiders
Since relocating to Las Vegas, the Raiders’ financial value has skyrocketed:
- The franchise was valued at $5.1 billion as of 2023, making it one of the most valuable teams in the NFL.
- Allegiant Stadium, built for around $2 billion, has helped generate significant revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and events beyond football games.
- The Raiders have some of the highest merchandise sales in the league, thanks to their strong brand and devoted fanbase.
The Future of the Raiders’ Ownership
With Mark Davis still firmly in control of the team, the Raiders’ ownership structure is unlikely to change dramatically in the near future. However, if Tom Brady’s minority stake gets officially approved, it could signal a new era of leadership influence. Davis has expressed no intention of selling the team, meaning the Raiders will likely remain a Davis family-run organization for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
The Las Vegas Raiders are currently owned by Mark Davis, who inherited the team from his father, Al Davis, in 2011. While Tom Brady has a minority ownership deal pending approval, the team remains under Davis’ full control. With the move to Las Vegas, the Raiders have seen major financial growth, making them one of the most valuable franchises in the NFL. As the team continues to build its legacy, the Davis family will remain at the heart of its ownership and decision-making.