The Carolina Panthers are reportedly going to be involved in a bit of a bidding war. The sort that nets the owners up to $2.8 billion.
That is billion with a b. That is also the number two coming in the comma section associated with the billion. All of this is, yes, in American dollars.
Jerry Richardson, as well as minority owners, must be thrilled with all of this. Oddly enough, Richardson is selling the team because he is accused of inappropriate, likely illegal behavior. This includes racist comments, sexual misconduct, and a plethora of other less than awesome things.
The NFL has never really pushed forward with any of this after Richardson announced he would be selling, so if you forgot about that, it is likely why.
Viable names reported so far include billionaires David Tepper (by NFL Network) and Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta (by CBS' Jason La Canfora), Ben Navarro and a group that includes Charlotte businessman Felix Sabates.
Obviously, the Panthers will sell for whatever someone is willing to pay for the franchise. If a bidding war does actually happen, it can oversell for what it is actually valued at.
Nevertheless, I guess I am out of the running to buy the team.
