Tom Brady is approved as part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders - officially ending his NFL playing career
Tom Brady's long-awaited bid to become a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders has finally been approved.
The seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback initially agreed to become a limited partner of the Raiders back in May 2023, a few months after calling time on his legendary playing career.
His deal to take a 10 percent stake in the team - which he is splitting down the middle with business partner Tom Wagner - was held up over the last 17 months amid concerns from other NFL owners regarding his quoted price and new role as an analyst for Fox Sports.
Yet according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, this week Brady has been granted official approval by his now co-owners in the league.
The 47-year-old's minority stake in Las Vegas also confirms the end of his playing career, given active players are prevented from investing in or owning NFL teams by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Tom Brady's bid to become a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders has finally been approved
Despite hanging up his cleats over 18 months ago, he has been frequently linked with a return to the field, most recently with the Miami Dolphins.
Brady's Raiders deal will now put those rumors to bed as he focuses on his new chapter as a former player, which also includes broadcasting work with Fox.
After becoming a part-owner will now be facing a number of restrictions in his role on the network.
The New England Patriots legend will not be permitted to enter another team's practice facility, witness a practice or attend broadcast production meetings - access Fox and other networks are typically afforded.
He will also have to be careful about what he says in the booth, as he could face a fine or even a suspension for criticizing game officials or other teams too strongly.
Brady, who is also a minority owner of the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, previously told the AP that his role with the Raiders would be a 'very passive' one.
'This is not something that I'm into it for a year or two years. You know, I've got a lot of responsibility with my Fox job, which I take very seriously,' he said.
Brady initially agreed to become a limited partner of Mark Davis' Raiders back in May 2023
His long-awaited deal for a 10 percent stake in Vegas means his playing career is officially over
'But if I'm looking over the course of my life, to have the opportunity to be involved in the NFL is a dream come true. And if I could help the NFL and continue to contribute in a positive way, then you know, that´s been a very enjoyable part of my life.'
As well as his role with Fox, Brady's bid to take a 10 percent stake in the Raiders was also held up due to reported concerns around the discounted price he was getting from Raiders owner Mark Davis.
The Washington Post was previously told that Davis had at one point offered Brady as much as a 70 percent discount. The franchise is valued at $6.7billion by Forbes.
