• Loading stock data...
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

NFL Debt Limit Increase Not As High As Anticipated

  • The NFL increased the amount of debt team owners can have to $700 million.
  • Some thought the league should make that figure as high as $1 billion.
Syndication: The Indianapolis Star

Amid skyrocketing NFL franchise valuations and rising operating costs, team owners are getting a little extra breathing room on the financial side of things — but not quite as much as some wanted.

At this week’s NFL fall meetings in New York, the league decided to allow existing owners an additional $100 million of debt. 

The ceiling now increases from $600 million to $700 million, but there was some discussion of raising that figure ever higher. The NFL owners’ finance committee had reportedly been exploring allowing up to $1 billion of debt. 

“I thought it should be closer to $1 billion,” Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said after the decision was made. “We’re always granting special waivers anyway — I’d rather see a higher debt limit in general.”

Still, the new $700 million figure is quite staggering when compared to recent years. In 2015, the debt limit was only raised from $200 million to $250 million.

Also under consideration was increasing incoming owners’ debt caps from $1.1 billion to as much as $1.6 billion. However, any new potential owners will simply see the same $100 million increase and will be allowed to carry $1.2 billion. Josh Harris’ group used $1 billion in debt to facilitate the recent $6.05 billion purchase of the Washington Commanders. 

Many anticipate that the Seattle Seahawks could be the next NFL franchise to be sold in the coming years — and with a recent valuation of $5 billion, any bidders may have to make full use of the new debt limits.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Olympics Power Play: Trump’s Influence Drives IOC Leadership Race

Notable candidate Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. diverges from his late father.

Cheryl Miller on Caitlin Clark’s Foes: ‘Big Dummies, You Getting Paid’

Cheryl Miller was a guest on the “All the Smoke” podcast.

Rays Stadium Deal Collapse Sparks Uncertainty: What’s Next for Team?

The primary options for the MLB club all contain significant complications.
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) and tight end Trey McBride (85) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Fanatics End 10-Month-Long Legal Battle

Fanatics initially filed the lawsuit last May for breach of contract.

Featured Today

San Diego Wave FC falls to Orlando Pride at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA on April 29, 2023.

The New Tailored Approach to Women’s Sports Uniforms

For new women’s sports leagues, every detail is custom.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) cuts down the net after beating LSU in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament between Iowa and LSU at MVP Arena, Monday, April 1, 2024 in Albany, N.Y.
opinion
March 9, 2025

Reader Mailbag: Leagues Need Must-Watch Moments

Readers responded to NHL success and what it means for other leagues.
Moolah Kicks
March 8, 2025

Breaking the Mold: The Brands Designing Footwear Specifically for Female Athletes

New companies are laser focused on changing the women’s athletic footwear landscape.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY, 22: Houston Astros play the Washington Nationals in Spring Training at Cacti Park of the Palm Beaches on February 22, 2025 in West Palm Beach, FL. (
March 6, 2025

Astros Strength Coach Stephanie Grubbs Is Building an ‘Arsenal’ of Skills

The MLB team’s first female coach talks to FOS about her trajectory.

NBA Fines Jazz for Markkanen Absence Amid Tanking Concerns

The NBA instituted its Player Participation Policy last season.
March 13, 2025

49ers Lead Adjusted NFL Salary Cap List As Seven Teams Exceed $300M

The league annually adjusts each team’s salary-cap number.
exclusive
March 13, 2025

How One Team Purchase Could Shake Up MLB Minor-League Valuations

The Dragons have sold out every home game since arriving in Dayton.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Mar 9, 2025; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second base Richie Palacios (1) and Tampa Bay Rays second base Brandon Lowe (8) run back to the dugout at the end of the inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Charlotte Sports Park.
March 12, 2025

MLB Rarely Forces Owners Like Stu Sternberg to Sell

The commissioner and fellow owners are reportedly pressuring the Rays owner to sell.
March 12, 2025

Former Coyotes Owner Says NHL ‘Compelled’ Him to Sell Franchise

The former NHL team wants to recoup a $3.5 million security deposit.
March 11, 2025

Still No Deal, but PGA Tour Commish Says Trump ‘Bolstered’ LIV Talks

The Players Championship is teeing off as men’s golf remains divided.
Cameron Brink
March 11, 2025

WNBA Announces Draft Venue 33 Days Out

Last year’s Brooklyn draft was the first with fans in years.