Sports team owners are not only faced with the pressure of managing their teams but also with the challenges of planning for the future in terms of succession and taxes. As the average age of team owners increases and team values reach astronomical levels, owners are grappling with the question of how to ensure a smooth transition of ownership to the next generation. Despite having sophisticated tax and succession plans in place, unforeseen family disputes and tax changes can derail even the most well-thought-out strategies. Stephen Amdur, an expert in mergers and acquisitions and private equity practices, highlights the gravitas of the situation by emphasizing how team values now constitute a significant portion of owners’ long-term estates.
In the context of the National Football League (NFL), the issue of succession planning and taxes has taken center stage. With the average age of team owners in the league exceeding 72 and team values escalating rapidly, owners find themselves at a crossroads. They are confronted with the tough decision of either selling their teams during their lifetime, leading to substantial capital gains tax liabilities, or passing on the ownership to their families, triggering estate taxes or potential family conflicts. Past incidents involving NFL team owners such as Pat Bowlen, Bud Adams, and Tom Benson underscore the complexities involved in estate planning and succession.
The current U.S. tax laws stipulate that estates exceeding $13.6 million for individuals or $27.2 million for couples are subject to a 40% tax rate. Given that NFL teams are valued in the billions, owners face the prospect of substantial tax burdens unless appropriate planning is implemented. Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding the estate tax rates beyond 2025 adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Trust and estate attorneys recommend a range of strategies, including family limited partnerships, individual trusts, and transferring interests through irrevocable trusts to mitigate the impact of taxes on succession.
While owners may aspire to pass on their legacy to their children, the reality often diverges from this ideal scenario. The next generation may have different priorities and financial objectives, leading to the possibility of divesting some ownership in the team. Moreover, the recent decision by the NFL to permit private equity firms to acquire minority stakes in teams provides owners with an opportunity to access liquidity for reinvestment purposes. This move not only enables owners to bolster their teams but also diversify their investment portfolio beyond sports assets.
The realm of sports team ownership entails not only the thrill of competition on the field but also the intricacies of managing wealth, taxes, and succession planning off the field. As owners grapple with the dual challenges of aging demographics and escalating team values, the imperative of devising robust tax and succession strategies becomes paramount. By leveraging a mix of legal frameworks and financial instruments, owners can navigate the complex landscape of estate planning while ensuring a seamless transition of ownership to the next generation.