Broncos Ownership Bidders ‘More Than 5, Less Than 20’

There is robust competition to be the new owner of the Denver Broncos, and team CEO Joe Ellis shed some light on the state of the sale.

“It’s more than five and less than 20,” Ellis told 9NEWS on Monday, referring to the number of bids for the team. 

• Ellis said the goal was to sell the team by the start of the next NFL season but could not guarantee that timeline.
• The price is likely to top $4 billion – a record for a sports team sale.
• The league wants bids to be fully capitalized.
• The NFL is encouraging at least partial minority ownership for the team.

Fire Repairs and More

A fire at Empower Field at Mile High last week damaged 14 suites and around 200 seats. 

“I’d be very surprised if those 200 seats are available this year,” Ellis noted, adding that the suites should be ready for the season. The team will need to replace steel risers, an issue compounded by supply chain issues.

Ellis said that the new owner will be faced with refurbishing the existing stadium or building a new one, but he would like to see the current one remain, featuring new developments in the south parking lot pre-approved by the city.

“I think the new owner is going to take a long, hard look at that and see whether he or she can use that as a stepping stone to improving the stadium and making it a year-round destination.”