Byron Allen plans to make a bid for the Denver Broncos, the comedian-turned-media magnate said Wednesday.
Allen, the founder and chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group, could become the first Black majority owner in NFL history.
Allen said that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft approached him in November of 2019, encouraging him to bid on an NFL team, according to Bloomberg.
“After serious consideration, I strongly believe I can effectuate positive changes throughout the league,” Allen said. “And for that reason, I will be making a bid for the Denver Broncos.”
A message left with an NFL spokesperson was not immediately returned.
The Broncos are expected to fetch around $4 billion, a record price for any sports franchise sold. Under NFL’s current requirements, Allen would need to put up $1.2 billion (30% of the sale price) and that amount can’t be financed.
Allen, 60, rose to fame as a comedian before he pivoted to media ownership with the creation of Allen Media. The company’s portfolio includes The Weather Channel and 27 network affiliate television stations in 21 markets.
Other Possible Bidders
Allen is the biggest name to publicly express interest in bidding on the Broncos as a controlling owner.
There were six groups reportedly seeking to purchase the Broncos with former Broncos quarterbacks Peyton Manning and John Elway linked to two of the groups. Brittany Bowlen, a daughter of late Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, is also exploring a bid to buy the team.
