Eli Manning Abandons Giants Investment Deal Amid Soaring NFL Team Valuations

Eli Manning has officially withdrawn from his intentions to buy a minority share in the New York Giants due to the increasing price of NFL team valuations and contractual issues with his work as a broadcaster.

The two-time Super Bowl champion said that the NFL valuations have become too costly for him.

Skyrocketing NFL Valuations Become Too Costly

Eli Manning Abandons Giants Investment Deal Amid Soaring NFL Team

Manning disclosed via CNBC that the cost of even a fractional portion of the Giants was too high.

"Basically, it's too expensive for me. I mean, these numbers are getting very big."

When asked if even the 1% stake is costly, Manning said that it is still a very big number considering that it's valued at $10 billion.

Although Forbes estimated the Giants to be worth $7.3 billion in 2024, and CNBC set the value at $7.85 billion, what Manning said indicates actual figures might be even larger, the Sports Business Journal wrote.

Earlier in the year, there were reports that the Giants were thinking of selling as much as 10% of the team. Manning had already started putting together an investment group to seek the chance. However, recent sales of minority stakes in other NFL franchises such as the Eagles and 49ers surpassed valuation estimates by around $1 billion, showing the rapidly increasing financial hurdle for potential owners.

Broadcasting Career Has Conflicts of Interest

In addition to the prohibitively high money hurdle, Manning also explained that his media obligations caused problems.

As co-host of ESPN's "Monday Night Football with Peyton & Eli," which is also produced in association with Omaha Productions, Manning is still deeply entrenched in NFL media. The long-term ESPN contract allegedly made NFL ownership even tougher.

Manning said that it would affect his day job, which is why he withdrew from the Giants' offer. If he accepts this, he won't be able to speak to players or coaches at Pro Bowl events. He won't be able to conduct college football camps, as well.

Still Deeply Involved With Giants

Despite stepping back from the ownership pursuit, Manning remains close to the New York Giants organization. He joined the team's front office in 2021 and has been involved in various initiatives, maintaining strong ties with the franchise.

In contrast to Tom Brady, who negotiated for a minority interest in the Las Vegas Raiders despite his involvement with broadcasting, Manning chose to steer clear of the limitations that would accompany dual responsibilities.

Brady's contract was preceded by explicit limits, including such things as limited access to practice and team facilities.

According to Spotrac, Manning earned a total of $252.3 million in his 16-year career in the NFL.