NBA Legends Expand Influence Beyond Basketball
Basketball Hall of Famers Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady have officially joined the Buffalo Bills ownership group as limited partners. The Associated Press reports that the two NBA legends, along with eight other minority investors, were approved during the NFL’s winter meetings on Wednesday, December 11. This marks the first time in the Bills’ franchise history that minority owners have been added to the organization.
Terry Pegula Welcomes New Partners
Bills owner Terry Pegula expressed his enthusiasm for the new additions, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and ties to the region.
“The team has added a diverse array of limited partners spanning the world of business, sports, and entertainment,” Pegula said in a statement. “Most of them have a personal attachment with our team, Western New York, or Southern Ontario, which was a very important factor to me.”
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Pegula also emphasized the strategic benefits of including Carter and McGrady, noting their potential to expand the Bills’ market in Toronto, a region where both players gained prominence during their NBA careers.
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A Historic Move for the NFL and the Bills
This development comes in the wake of a new NFL rule passed earlier this year that allows private equity funds to invest in franchises. The rule change has made NFL ownership more accessible, broadening the scope for investors from diverse industries. The Bills’ new ownership group includes private equity firm Arctos and various corporate executives and venture capitalists.
Carter and McGrady’s Basketball Legacy
Both born in Florida, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady share more than a connection to basketball—they’re cousins who began their NBA careers as teammates on the Toronto Raptors. Their time in Toronto, particularly during the Raptors’ formative years, cemented their popularity in Southern Ontario, a region that will now benefit from their involvement with the Bills.
Carter, who played an unprecedented 22 seasons in the NBA, was named Rookie of the Year in 1999 and was an eight-time All-Star. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023, with McGrady serving as one of his presenters.
McGrady, a seven-time All-Star and a two-time NBA scoring champion, was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft and entered the Hall of Fame in 2017.
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Final Thoughts
The addition of Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady to the Buffalo Bills ownership group signals a progressive step forward for the franchise and the NFL. With their sports legacy and connections to key geographic markets, Carter and McGrady bring a unique blend of expertise and influence to the Bills organization. Fans in Buffalo and Toronto alike can look forward to the potential impact of their involvement, both on and off the field.
