Quick Read
- Julia Koch has acquired a 10% minority stake in the New York Giants, valuing the team at $10.3 billion.
- The sale marks the highest-ever valuation for an NFL franchise in a minority stake transaction.
- The Mara and Tisch families remain in control, with Koch’s investment expected to strengthen the team’s growth and community impact.
- NFL team values are rising due to anticipated media rights renegotiations and increased private equity interest.
- Similar minority stake sales were approved for the Patriots and 49ers at $9B and $8.6B valuations, respectively.
Julia Koch’s Groundbreaking Investment: Setting a New NFL Record
On October 22, 2025, the National Football League made headlines by approving Julia Koch’s purchase of a 10% stake in the New York Giants. Valued at $10.3 billion, this deal has set an unprecedented benchmark for NFL team sales—surpassing all previous records and spotlighting the surging value of professional sports franchises. Koch, a philanthropist and businesswoman with deep roots in New York, now joins the iconic Mara and Tisch families as a minority partner, marking a new chapter in Giants history.
The sale was announced jointly by the Giants and the league, after months of negotiations and speculation. Koch’s investment is not just a financial transaction; it’s a signal of shifting dynamics in NFL ownership, where family legacies are increasingly intersecting with the capital and strategic vision of outside investors.
Inside the Deal: Who’s Involved and Why It Matters
The Giants, one of the league’s oldest and most storied franchises, had been quietly seeking buyers for up to 10% of the team since early 2025. Multiple sources, including CNBC and Newsday, report that Koch’s $1 billion investment for a 10% stake places the Giants’ overall valuation at $10.3 billion—the highest ever for a minority sale in NFL history. For context, the previous record belonged to the Chicago Bears, who sold a minority piece at an $8.9 billion valuation just last month.
The Mara and Tisch families remain firmly in control, with John Mara serving as President and CEO and Steve Tisch as Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Board. The leadership structure will not change, but the infusion of new capital and perspective from Koch’s family is expected to support growth, deepen community outreach, and prepare the Giants for future opportunities.
Beyond the Giants, the league also approved minority stake sales for the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers. Private equity firm Sixth Street Partners and Dean Metropoulos acquired 8% of the Patriots, while Fortress Investment Group’s Pete Briger Jr. bought 3.2% of the 49ers. Each deal required the approval of at least three-quarters of NFL owners—a testament to the gravity and impact of these transactions.
Why NFL Team Values Are Soaring
What’s driving these eye-popping valuations? First, the NFL’s media rights are on the verge of a seismic shift. Commissioner Roger Goodell told CNBC that the league could soon renegotiate its 11-year, $111 billion media deals, which are widely considered undervalued given the NFL’s dominance in television ratings. According to Nielsen data, the league is averaging 18.5 million viewers per game this season—the highest since 2010 and second highest on record. As new media contracts loom, expectations for even higher revenues are fueling investor appetite.
Second, the league’s recent embrace of private equity has added a new layer of liquidity and competition. Firms are eager to buy into the NFL, setting a floor for franchise valuations and alleviating concerns for existing partners about exit strategies. This has transformed the economics of team ownership, with minority stakes now seen as attractive, tradable assets rather than mere family heirlooms.
Finally, the Giants themselves are a unique draw. Established in 1925, they celebrated their 100th season in 2024 and remain the only NFL team to win championships in four consecutive decades. Their legacy, coupled with New York’s market power, makes them a top-tier investment for anyone seeking a foothold in American sports.
Who Is Julia Koch—and What Does She Bring to the Giants?
Julia Koch’s entry into the Giants’ ownership group is more than a headline—it’s a reflection of her family’s growing influence in New York’s civic and philanthropic circles. Koch serves on the boards of Koch, Inc., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Alongside her children, she founded the Julia Koch Family Foundation in 2023, deepening their commitment to philanthropy. In 2024, the family also invested in BSE Global, the parent company of the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, and the Barclays Center.
In a statement released by the Giants, Koch expressed her excitement: “My family and I are honored to join the Giants organization, a storied franchise with deep roots in New York. We look forward to supporting the Mara and Tisch families to advance the team’s continued success and appreciate the partnership with two great families.”
For the Giants, Koch’s involvement is expected to bring fresh energy and new connections, especially in areas of social responsibility and community engagement. Her reputation for thoughtful, strategic giving could help expand the team’s impact beyond the field.
The Broader Impact: A New Era for NFL Ownership
The Giants’ deal is part of a larger movement reshaping the NFL. As the league welcomes more private investors and minority partners, the traditional model—dominated by family dynasties—is evolving. Teams are now operating like major corporations, leveraging outside capital and expertise to stay competitive in a rapidly changing sports landscape.
Advisors on the deal included Moelis & Company LLC for the Giants and CAA Evolution for Koch, with legal counsel provided by Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and Paul, Weiss, respectively. The process was closely watched by industry insiders, as each new partnership has the potential to set precedent for future sales and valuations.
Yet, the core of the Giants remains unchanged. John Mara emphasized the importance of continuity: “It was clear during our discussions that Julia and her family understood the importance of this franchise to the Mara and Tisch families and the relationship we have with our fans and community. Our discussions were productive, and we are pleased to have them as a part of the New York Giants.”
As the NFL enters an era defined by media innovation, financial complexity, and global reach, the Giants’ latest sale is a sign of what’s to come. The league’s ability to attract world-class investors without sacrificing tradition could be its greatest strength—or its biggest challenge.
Julia Koch’s acquisition of a minority stake in the New York Giants is both a personal milestone and a bellwether for the NFL’s future. With record valuations, increasing private investment, and evolving media landscapes, the league stands at a crossroads. Whether these changes will enhance the sport’s legacy or dilute its roots remains to be seen—but for now, the Giants’ deal sets a new standard for what ownership means in American football.