Falcons Reportedly Sell Minority Stake at $10.6B Valuation Ahead of 2026 NFL Season

Private equity firm Arctos is purchasing a 10 percent stake in the Atlanta Falcons, according to CNBC's Michael Ozanian and Jessica Golden.

The deal values the NFL franchise at $10.6 billion. By comparison, the Seattle Seahawks are slated to change hands in a sale worth a league-record $9.6 billion.

The NFL amended its ownership rules in 2024 to allow for private equity firms to purchase minority stakes. The 10 percent sought by Arctos is the maximum share permitted.

One firm is also allowed to buy into multiple teams. Ozanian and Golden noted Arctos has already invested in the Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns.

In the case of the Falcons, it's unclear whether majority owner Arthur Blank is cashing in on some of his shares or if Arctos worked with Atlanta's limited partners.

The Falcons having a valuation of more than $10 billion is another sign of the NFL's robust financial health. CNBC's Alex Sherman explained in 2024 how that prompted the league's owners to open the door for private equity.

The already small pool of candidates that can purchase a controlling interest in an NFL team is only getting smaller. Selling off a 10 percent stake is a way to attain some cold hard cash without divesting entirely.

Bringing Arctos into the fold probably won't impact how the Falcons operate day-to-day.