• Loading stock data...
Monday, July 14, 2025

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

NFL’s New Headsets Are Designed to Survive Coach Tantrums

New NFL coaching headsets underwent “extensive drop testing.”

MLB’s HR Derby’s $1M Prize Tops Salaries for Three Rising Stars

Three derby competitors could more than double their 2025 salary.

SEC’s Greg Sankey: Conference Not Sold on Private Equity—for Now

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said he’s taken PE meetings.
NFL

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
The 153rd Open Championship at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland

Open Championship Considers Ireland: Portrush ‘Will Open’ Gates

Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland is hosting this week’s tournament.
July 13, 2025

Nationals Take HS Star Willits No. 1 in MLB Draft, Eye Potential..

Washington shocks observers by selecting a 17-year-old high schooler.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC defender Reece James (24) lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates as U.S. president Donald Trump after the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.
July 14, 2025

Four Things We Learned From the $1 Billion Club World Cup

FIFA now turns to U.S. World Cup next summer.
Sponsored

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

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 13, 2025

Chelsea Wins $110M in FIFA’s Revamped $1B Club World Cup

Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final match.
July 13, 2025

Bill Ackman to Give $10M to Tennis Hall of Fame After Tournament..

Ackman defended the decision and closed with a challenge to Andy Roddick.
July 13, 2025

Sinner Outduels Alcaraz for First Wimbledon Title and $4M Payday

The best two players in men’s tennis battled once again.
Ken Griffey Jr. won the 1998 Home Run Derby at Coors Field.
July 12, 2025

Players With the Most Home Run Derby Appearances

Ken Griffey Jr. had eight Home Run Derby appearances—and three wins.