Denver Broncos sold for record $4.65bn, Walmart heir Rob Walton set to take over
- Sean Fisher
- 9 June 2022
The Walton-Penner family, heir to the Walmart brand, tabled a record-breaking $4.65billion bid for the Denver Broncos, making them the most expensive American sporting franchise in history.
The Denver Broncos are set to have new owners in place for the upcoming 2022/23 season, with Rob Walton spearheading a bid to buy the NFL franchise.
The Walton-Penner ownership group, led by Walton, his daughter Carrie Walton Penner and her husband Greg Penner, tabled a $4.65bn bid for the Broncos, which would make the side the most expensive purchase in American sporting history.
The previous record sat with NBA side Brooklyn Nets, who were purchased for $3.2bn back in 2019, while Walton's bid doubles the previous NFL record, held by the Carolina Panthers, who were sold for $2.28bn back in 2018.
The deal now lies with the NFL's finance committee and league ownership, who need to approve of the purchase before the takeover takes place.
Can the season start already? pic.twitter.com/2V4Ks6zWGW
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 9, 2022
Should the NFL give the green light, Walton will Broncos from the Pat Bowlen Trust. Bowlen enjoyed a 35-year ownership of the franchise before sadly passing in 2019 aged 75.
During his ownership, the Broncos won three Super Bowls, with Peyton Manning as the face of the franchise.
The Broncos recently made a big-money trade by signing quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks - a player they'll hope can emulate Manning's success in Denver.
Not photoshopped. pic.twitter.com/ZNFXxCwcQa
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 2, 2022
Walton added that he was "thrilled" to be moving forward with the takeover process, while the Broncos president Joe Ellis also expressed his excitement for the future of the side.
"I am confident that their leadership and support will help this team achieve great things on and off the field," said Ellis.
Provided that the takeover goes smoothly, Walton will enjoy his first game as Broncos owner in September, when the side start the new season on the road to the Seahawks.
