Basketball Hall of Famers Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are two of the 10 minority partners added to the Buffalo Bills’ ownership group, the team announced during the NFL league meetings in Dallas on Wednesday.
“It’s a huge honor to join this historic Bills organization,” Carter said in a statement. “I’m truly thankful the Pegula family has given me the opportunity to help the franchise continue to grow and thrive in player growth, community service and of course winning the Lombardi trophy. See you soon Bills Mafia!!!!”
Former United States men’s national team member Jozy Altidore and private investment firm Arctos were also added to the ownership group.
This marks the first time in the franchise’s history that it has added minority owners.
“This has been an incredible journey to add such an impressive and diverse group of limited partners along with a reputable private equity partner in Arctos that has an extensive track record of success with professional sports franchises,” Bills owner Terry Pegula said in a statement.
“They all have all achieved high levels of success in their respective industries and we’re grateful for their interest in our team, our sport, and the future of the Buffalo Bills. Most of them have a personal attachment with our team, Western New York or Southern Ontario which was a very important factor to me.”
The remaining minority owners are Rob Palumbo, co-managing partner of Accel-KKR, a technology-focused private equity firm; Sue McCollum, CEO and owner of beverage distribution companies Eagle Brand Sales and Double Eagle Distributing; Theresia Gouw, co-founder and managing partner of the venture capital firm Acrew Capital; Rob Ward, co-founder and general partner of venture capital firm Meritech Capital; Mike Joo, COO of Global Corporate & Investment Banking and head of North America Corporate & Investment Banking at Bank of America; Tom Burger, co-founder and managing partner of the investment firm Gridiron Capital.