Arctos to Acquire 10% Stake in Falcons Valued at $10.6 Billion

Arctos has announced its intention to acquire a 10 percent stake in the Atlanta Falcons, valuing the team at $10.6 billion. This move highlights the increasing involvement of private equity in the NFL.

Arthur Blank, the current owner, holds 73 percent of the franchise. It remains uncertain if Arctos is buying from Blank's share or from other limited partners. The NFL has recently permitted pre-approved private equity firms to invest up to 10 percent in teams, a shift from its previous resistance to such investments.

Other NFL teams have also sold limited shares at valuations exceeding $10 billion, although no team has sold a controlling stake for more than that amount. A record price for control of a team is expected to be established soon, pending approval for the Seahawks' sale at $9.612 billion.