In the wake of sexual misconduct allegations, Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced he is selling the team at the end of this season. The Panthers are in the thick of the playoff race, sitting at 10-4 after an impressive home win against the Green Bay Packers this weekend. And they're just two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance.
After Richardson's announcement, several celebrities tweeted their interest in purchasing the team. Chief among them? Music mogul Diddy.
https://twitter.com/Diddy/status/942572662311841797
Diddy followed that tweet up with a handful of additional posts, wanting to "make history" by becoming the first majority African-American owner.
Diddy also shared a photo of himself wearing a Panthers jersey, taken back in 2003:
https://twitter.com/Diddy/status/942596768067411969
A handful of celebrities quickly jumped in on the conversation. Steph Curry said, "I want in!" Colin Kaepernick echoed Curry, saying "I want in on the ownership group! Let's make it happen!"
Diddy has also said one of his first orders of business would be signing Kaepernick, who threw 16 touchdowns to just four interceptions last season. Yet after a tumultuous year highlighted by his kneeling during the national anthem, no teams have offered Kaepernick a contract this season.
And based on his tweet, Kaepernick might rather sit in an owner's box than take the field. Who can blame him?
The Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets both sold for upwards of $2 billion this decade. As NFL franchises are typically even more valuable than those in the NBA – at least for the moment – it stands to reason the Panthers are worth at least that much, if not more.
Where things get really interesting is with Curry's involvement. The two-time NBA MVP grew up in Charlotte and sported a Panthers jersey while hitting a drum on the field when the team was in the Super Bowl.
If Curry does indeed join the ownership group, he would be the first current athlete to own a franchise. He'd have to get the approval of other NFL owners, who may be hesitant to sign off on an NBA player joining their ranks. Much of the NFL season takes place concurrently with the NBA season.
By the end of this season, Curry will have made about $91.4 million on the court, plus his endorsement deals. Diddy's net worth is about $820 million. The pair would likely need some financial assistance from other investors, though they could certainly be in the majority group that ends up purchasing the team.
Diddy would be the latest rap mogul to make a splash in the world of professional sports. Jay-Z once owned a minority portion of the Brooklyn Nets before selling the team to avoid a conflict of interest with his Roc Nation Sports agency.
An ownership group of Diddy, Curry, and Kaepernick would be fascinating to watch as this story unfolds and other investors express interest. Will other celebrities join in on the fun?
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