• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Manchester United Sale Process Hits Roadblocks

  • The Glazers reportedly could end up keeping the Premier League club as bids come in lower than expected.
  • Manchester United, Commanders expected to surpass current worldwide record price for a sports team.
An exterior view of Old Trafford, home of Manchester United FC.
MUFC

The Washington Commanders and Manchester United both went on the market in November, and each was expected to surpass the current worldwide record for a sports franchise set in 2022 with the $5.4 billion purchase of Chelsea FC

As slow as the Commanders’ process has been, Manchester United’s potential sale has had more twists of late — including the possibility that the Glazers could end up keeping the club. 

Malcolm Glazer’s heirs, who own Manchester United and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, may decide not to sell their Premier League club since the ongoing banking crisis has kept bids lower than expected, The Guardian reported

The Raine Group, the firm advising the Glazers on the sale, extended the deadline for second-round bids last month.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, one of the frontrunners, faces questions regarding regulatory issues over the Qatar Islamic Bank’s UK unit that he’s run since 2006. 

U.K. officials aren’t expected to block Al Thani’s bid, but Bloomberg reported Tuesday that government ministers could pressure the Premier League to take a closer look.

Jim Ratcliffe, the richest person in Britain, is seen as the other top contender for the club. 

Commanders Sale Drags Along

It’s been a week since Front Office Sports reported that a group led by Josh Harris entered a bid of slightly less than $6 billion for the Commanders. 

Harris remains the leading contender for Washington, although sources with knowledge of the process haven’t ruled out a last-minute bid by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Commanders’ $3.8B D.C. Stadium Nears Key Council Vote

The Commanders’ proposed $3.8 billion stadium deal is poised for final approval.
Jon Gruden

NFL Asks Nevada Supreme Court to Rehear Jon Gruden Case

The arbitration fight between Gruden and the league continues.
Terry McLaurin

Terry McLaurin, Commanders End Standoff With 3-Year Deal

McLaurin has had 1,000 yards receiving in the past five seasons. 

Premier League Sets New Highs: $3.2B Spent, Record U.S. Viewership

The league’s transfer spending beats the rest of Europe’s Big Five combined.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
June 24, 2025

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
June 25, 2025

Rockets Get $20 Million in Wiggle Room From New VanVleet Deal

VanVleet first signed with the Rockets in 2023.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
April 20, 2025

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.
March 20, 2025

Maxx Crosby’s Agent: Edge Rushers Set to Dominate NFL’s Non-QB Market

Maxx Crosby just signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension.