Arctos Partners is in advanced negotiations to acquire a minority stake in the Los Angeles Chargers, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. 

If completed, the transaction would make the Chargers the third NFL franchise to secure private equity investment, following recent policy changes by the league.

In August 2023, NFL team owners voted to relax one of the strictest ownership structures in professional sports, allowing approved institutional investors to acquire up to 10% of an individual franchise. The move opened the door for private equity involvement across the league and marked a historic shift in the NFL’s approach to team ownership.

The Chargers have reportedly held discussions with all four private equity firms sanctioned by the league. Among them, Arctos is understood to be the frontrunner in ongoing negotiations. The firm previously acquired a 10% stake in the Buffalo Bills in December 2023 and was among the first institutional investors to capitalise on the revised ownership rules.

A successful agreement would further cement Arctos’ position as a key player in sports franchise investment and add to its growing portfolio of stakes across professional sports leagues.

Source: Bloomberg