In a recent exclusive interview with CNBC, National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell revealed that the league is contemplating a change in its policies to allow for private equity minority ownership of up to 10% for its 32 teams. Previously, the NFL had prohibited such ownership, but with the rising valuations of teams, the league is rethinking its stance.

Goodell spoke about the evolving landscape of sports and the need for policies that reflect these changes. He expressed that there has been significant interest from private equity firms and believes that allowing limited private equity ownership could complement the existing ownership structure.

The NFL aims to finalize its new ownership policies by the end of the year, starting with a 10% cap on private equity ownership. However, Goodell mentioned that the league remains open to the possibility of increasing this cap in the future.

It is worth noting that other major U.S. sports leagues, including the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Soccer (MLS), already permit private equity ownership of up to 30%. The NFL has traditionally preferred individual or family limited partners rather than institutional funds like private equity.

The increase in team valuations, fueled by lucrative media deals, has made team ownership financially out of reach for many individuals. For instance, in 2023, the Washington Commanders were sold for a record-breaking $6.05 billion to a group led by private equity firm Apollo Global Management co-founder Josh Harris. Harris highlighted that raising such capital required a unique approach, involving contributions from various prominent individuals, including former NBA player Magic Johnson and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

The NFL's reconsideration of private equity ownership comes as a result of these financial challenges faced by potential team owners. The current trend of allowing private equity firms to have minority control over teams in other sports leagues, such as the National Women's Soccer League, has sparked a rethink within the NFL.

By adopting private equity investors, the NFL would potentially welcome individuals capable of providing the necessary investment returns. However, minority stakes usually offer limited decision-making power on team matters, which could appeal to the NFL as it aims to maintain control.

The league's proposed move towards allowing private equity ownership is likely to attract both support and scrutiny, as it could increase the financial accessibility of team ownership while potentially altering ownership motivations. The consideration also reflects the changing dynamics of professional sports and the need for evolving ownership structures that cater to the financial landscape of today.

As the NFL deliberates on these potential policy changes, it remains to be seen how private equity ownership could reshape the league's ownership landscape and further contribute to the financial growth of NFL teams.

The article is based on the information provided by Commissioner Roger Goodell during his exclusive interview with CNBC on Thursday.