• Loading stock data...
Friday, May 30, 2025

Bankers See Chargers As Next Team To Hit Open Market

  • Chargers controlling owner Dean Spanos’ sister went to court last April in a bid to force a sale.
  • Despite legal family feud, Spanos and two other siblings remain firm on keeping team in family.
Chargers Drama
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

The Denver Broncos will hit the market after the Super Bowl, and the jockeying among the uber-rich is already underway

Investment bankers interviewed by Front Office Sports are now looking at the next team to potentially hit the market. The consensus is the L.A. team not playing for a championship on Sunday: the Chargers

The main reason why there is renewed scrutiny of controlling owner Dean Spanos’ grasp of the franchise is the family legal battles being played out in multiple California courts, along with other cases. 

  • Dea Spanos Berberian, Dean’s sister, filed a petition in April in an attempt to force a sale. Berberian claimed in a filing that the family trust has “debts in excess of $435 million.” Dean Spanos’ attorneys have disputed those claims. 
  • Berberian’s sons, Dimitri and Lex Economou, filed their own petition on Jan. 22 over alleged misuse of funds in the trust. 
  • Dea and Dean are actually on the same side in one legal battle: a petition in U.S. Tax Court on Jan. 10 to challenge $5.8 million in back taxes and penalties
  • Former San Diego city attorney Michael Aguirre filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit last month against the NFL and all 32 clubs over the Chargers’ relocation. 

Numbers In Spanos’ Favor

Even with unfavorable rulings, it’s still unlikely Dean Spanos would be forced to put the team on the market as long as his two other siblings remain on his side. 

Between the trust and their individual ownership of the Chargers, the three control 72% of the team and are willing to buy out Berberian.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Chiefs, Royals Stadium Plans Hit Political Wall As Both Parties Say No

Both Republicans and Democrats in Missouri oppose public funding for stadiums.
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) scores on a pass in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium.

Why the NFL Isn’t a Sure Bet for Private-Equity Firms

Three teams have gotten PE investments since owners approved the rule change.
Mar 16, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) drives to the basket as Memphis Tigers forward Nicholas Jourdain (2) defends during the first half at Dickies Arena.

Prospects Picking College Over NBA Draft at Record Rate

The 2025 NBA draft has its lowest number of early entrants since 2015.

Terry Bradshaw Calls Steelers Pursuit of Aaron Rodgers ‘a Joke’

The Pro Football Hall of Famer lambastes the courtship of the mercurial star.

Featured Today

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
May 24, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Basketball Universe—Thanks to Both Pro Teams

The Fever and Pacers are thriving at the same time.

Steve Cohen Taps USTA’s Lew Sherr to Reshape Mets Off Field

The MLB club hires a top executive from the U.S. Tennis Association.
May 29, 2025

T-Wolves Face Roster-Building Questions After Another WCF Loss

The team has ownership stability entering this offseason.
Ovi
May 29, 2025

Capitals Say Ovechkin Retirement Email Was Sent in Error

Ovechkin is the NHL’s all-time scoring leader and has one Stanley Cup. 
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
SGA
May 29, 2025

Thunder Poised to Dominate for Years After Winning West

OKC has the NBA’s best shot at a dynasty with the new CBA.
May 28, 2025

Mets Casino Project Moves Forward As Cohen Shakes Up Front Office

Scott Havens will depart as team president of business operations.
Ted Leonsis
exclusive
May 27, 2025

Where Do the Mystics Fit in a Rapidly Evolving WNBA?

The WNBA is increasingly divided between the new- and old-guard owners.
May 27, 2025

Caitlin Clark Injury Sends Fever Road Ticket Prices Plummeting

Clark has never missed a game in her WNBA career.