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The basics:
Koch family acquires 10% non-controlling stake in the New York Giants
NFL owners approve $10.3B valuation
Mara and Tisch families retain control of the franchise
First minority stake sale for the Giants since 1991
The New York Giants announced Julia Koch and her family acquired a minority, non-controlling interest in the football franchise.
Bloomberg first reported news of the deal in September.
League owners approved the 10% ownership stake during the Oct. 22 NFL League Meeting. CNBC reports that the minority ownership deal valued the franchise at $10.3 billion.
The Giants say the partnership will further support the growth of the organization, deepen its community impact and embrace future opportunities.
The new partnership does not affect the Giants’ current leadership structure. President and CEO John Mara and Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Board Steve Tisch will continue in their respective roles.
The Giants’ next century
The Mara and Tisch families are the longtime owners of the Giants. Tim Mara founded the team in 1925, which celebrated its 100th season in 2024. The last time the Giants sold a minority stake sale came in 1991. At that time, the Tisch family acquired a 50% interest.
“On behalf of the entire Mara family, I would like to welcome Julia and her family to the New York Giants,” said Mara. “It was clear during our discussions that Julia and her family understood the importance of this franchise to the Mara and Tisch families and the relationship we have with our fans and community. Our discussions were productive, and we are pleased to have them as a part of the New York Giants.”
With an ever-evolving sports landscape, we have a partnership that will strengthen our organization.
— Steve Tisch, executive vice president and chairman of the board, NY Giants
“The Tisch family is proud to have Julia and her family join the Tisches and Maras as we enter this new century of New York Giants football,” said Tisch. “With an ever-evolving sports landscape, we have a partnership that will strengthen our organization.”
The New York Giants announced the 100th Season Community Caravan at an Aug. 1, 2024, launch event at Hackensack University Medical Center. Hackensack Meridian Health, the presenting sponsor of the Caravan, also unveiled a special 100th season mural at the event. From left: former Giants quarterback Phil Simms; Hackensack Meridian CEO Robert Garrett; Giants CEO and President John Mara; and former Giants player Justin Tuck. – PROVIDED BY HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
An emerging trend
Koch is the widow of late billionaire industrialist, philanthropist and executive vice president of Koch Industries David Koch. She serves on the boards of Koch Inc., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Koch family (including her children David Jr., Mary Julia and John) is based in New York City. It has previously invested in sports and philanthropic ventures, including BSE Global, parent company of the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty and the Barclays Center; as well as the Julia Koch Family Foundation, founded in 2023.
“My family and I are honored to join the Giants organization, a storied franchise with deep roots in New York,” said Koch. “We look forward to supporting the Mara and Tisch families to advance the team’s continued success and appreciate the partnership with two great families.”
Moelis & Co. LLC and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP handled financial and legal advisory for the transaction for the Giants, respectively. CAA Evolution and Paul, Weiss provided those services for the Koch family.
The deal reflects a growing trend in professional sports of minority ownership stakes as team valuations surge — particularly in the NFL, which continues to grow in popularity and value.