Patriots owner Robert Kraft is attempting to revitalize his franchise with rather drastic measures. Eight percent of the shares are to be sold to two partners.

Robert Kraft is keen to ensure that the New England Patriots remain at the top of their game financially in the future. In order to free up more capital, the owner is now selling shares in the franchise to two parties. According to unanimous media reports, an agreement has already been reached with two partners for the sale of eight percent of the shares. Three percent will go to the investment firm Sixth Street, while Dean Metropoulos will receive five percent. The billionaire is the owner of the Pabst Brewing Company. The remaining 90 percent will remain in the hands of the Kraft family. It has only recently become possible for NFL franchises to sell shares in the private equity sector. The Kraft family’s motive is clear: the proceeds will be used to invest profitably in the team and enable maximum sporting success. The Patriots are currently valued at around $9 billion. Only the New York Giants have been valued even higher, at $10 billion, when the Koch family secured a ten percent stake.

Kraft looks back on enormous success with the Patriots

The Kraft family itself invested 172 million euros in 1994 to acquire the New England Patriots. Since then, the owners and team have had regular milestones to celebrate. These include the opening of Gillette Stadium in 2002.

More importantly, however, the Patriots have won the Super Bowl six times since Kraft took over, something they had never achieved before. The Patriots were in a class of their own in the early 2000s in particular, securing the most important football trophy at the end of the 2001, 2003, and 2004 seasons.

Head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady in particular are among the greatest legends the NFL has ever seen and have brought enormous fame to the franchise.

Patriots go through a minor slump

However, their last success, in February 2019, is now a little way back. New England last made the playoffs in 2021. It needs new stars who can shape an era.

This is another reason why Kraft may have seen a need for action. It’s time to finally achieve some notable successes again, even if sacrifices are necessary to do so.

In the current season, the franchise has one win and two losses, but is still in second place in the AFC East.