The NFL has approved a significant sale of a 10% minority stake in the New York Giants to Julia Koch and her family, valued at over $1 billion, which has elevated the franchise's valuation to more than $10 billion.

This transaction marks the highest-ever valuation for a minority stake in an NFL team, surpassing previous records held by the Chicago Bears, Patriots, and 49ers.

While the Koch family now holds a minority share, the Mara and Tisch families continue to control the team, with John Mara serving as president and CEO and Steve Tisch as chairman, maintaining their leadership roles.

The sale reduces the Mara and Tisch families' ownership shares from 50% each to 45%, ending their 34-year co-ownership since 1991.

Julia Koch expressed her honor and enthusiasm about joining the Giants organization and supporting the team’s continued success, bringing her experience in philanthropy and community engagement.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed the transaction during league meetings, which also included announcements about changes to the Pro Bowl flag football game and the scheduling of Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California.

The league announced that the Pro Bowl flag football game will be moved to the Tuesday of Super Bowl week and held indoors at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.

The NFL is considering renegotiating its current $111 billion media rights deals, which are viewed as undervalued given the league’s high television ratings, with new 11-year contracts expected to significantly boost revenues.

These potential media rights deals are expected to increase league revenue and further elevate team valuations, driven by the league’s high TV ratings and the undervaluation of current contracts.

Rising private equity interest in NFL teams has contributed to escalating valuations, as stakes are seen as attractive, tradable assets, and investors are increasingly involved in the league.

The recent surge in private equity investments has helped establish valuation floors and alleviate liquidity concerns, fueling the overall increase in franchise values.

The New York Giants, established in 1925 and celebrating their 100th season in 2024, are a historic franchise with multiple Super Bowl titles, and their location in New York makes them especially attractive as an investment.

The team’s value has grown significantly over the years, with estimates reaching around $10.1 billion, making it the third most valuable NFL franchise.

The deal was discussed during NFL league meetings in Manhattan, with the Mara and Tisch families attending, amid public disclosures about John Mara’s recent cancer treatment.

This transaction is part of a broader trend of NFL teams selling minority stakes to institutional investors, including recent deals involving the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers.

Other NFL ownership transactions include Dean Metropoulos and Sixth Street Partners acquiring an 8% stake in the Patriots at a $9 billion valuation, and Pete Briger Jr. purchasing a 3.2% stake in the 49ers at about $8.6 billion.