NBA Legends Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter Become Minority Stakeholders in NFL’s Buffalo Bills
In a historic move for the franchise, the Buffalo Bills have announced that NBA legends Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter, along with former U.S. men’s national soccer team star Jozy Altidore, have joined as minority stakeholders in the team’s ownership group. This marks the first time that the Pegula family, the principal owners of the Bills, have brought in secondary shareholders.
The addition of McGrady and Carter brings a wealth of sports experience to the ownership group. McGrady, a seven-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017. Carter, who spent 22 seasons in the NBA and earned eight All-Star bids, had his No. 15 jersey retired by the Toronto Raptors, where he spent the majority of his career.
Ownership Runs in the Family
Interestingly, McGrady and Carter are not only NBA legends, but they are also cousins who played together as teammates on the Toronto Raptors early in their careers. Their shared experience on the court has now translated into co-ownership of an NFL team.
Arctos Private Equity Firm Joins the Fold
Joining McGrady, Carter, and Altidore in the ownership group is the private equity firm Arctos. Arctos has stakes in various sports leagues, including the NHL, NBA, MLB, and MLS, making them a valuable addition to the Bills’ ownership group.
Financial Details Remain Confidential
While the exact amount paid by each new shareholder has not been disclosed, the Buffalo Bills are currently valued at $4.2 billion, according to Forbes. This makes the addition of McGrady, Carter, and Altidore as minority stakeholders a significant investment in the team.
A Legacy of Success
McGrady and Carter’s involvement in professional sports goes beyond their playing careers. Both players have left a lasting impact on the NBA and have now shifted their focus to team ownership. McGrady’s All-Star seasons came primarily with the Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets, while Carter’s notable tenure was with the Toronto Raptors.
McGrady went on to play for the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and ended his career with the Atlanta Hawks in 2012. Carter, on the other hand, had stints with the New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and also retired in 2020.
Conclusion
The addition of Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter, two NBA legends, along with Jozy Altidore and the private equity firm Arctos, as minority stakeholders in the Buffalo Bills’ ownership group marks a significant milestone for the team. With their wealth of sports experience and success, these new stakeholders bring a fresh perspective and expertise to the organization.
