Tag: Mark Davis

Oct 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) stretches during pregame warmups before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Raiders owner: Star DE Maxx Crosby not available for trade

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby is not available for trade, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis informed ESPN via email.

“We’re Not Trading Maxx Crosby,” Davis wrote. “Before Or After The Trade Deadline!!!”

Davis’ email comes on the heels of the Raiders — now 2-5 and in last place in the AFC West — trading three-time All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets on Oct. 15 for a conditional third-round draft pick.

The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 5.

For his part, Crosby addressed the trade rumors on his podcast this week.

“I’m sitting here innocently and just doing what I do, and I feel like I got to like address it with my teammates,” he said on “The Rush With Maxx Crosby” podcast. “I’m like, ‘I’m not trying to leave.’

“I don’t have 100 percent control and all that, but I want to be here. I want to be silver and black. I’ll say it loud and (expletive) clear: I want to be a Raider. I’ve said that over and over and over again.”

Crosby, 27, has recorded 6.5 sacks to go with 23 tackles in six games (all starts) this season.

He has totaled 58.5 sacks and 344 tackles in 89 games (83 starts) since being selected by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Eastern Michigan.

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis and part-owner Tom Brady talk before the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty during game one of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Reports: Owners to discuss Tom Brady’s ownership bid next week

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After nearly a year and a half, Tom Brady may soon find out if he will become a member of the Las Vegas Raiders’ ownership group.

According to reports from Sports Business Journal and The Athletic on Wednesday, the NFL’s financial committee will discuss Brady’s bid to purchase a part of the Raiders on Tuesday at the NFL Fall League Meeting in Atlanta. A vote on whether to approve the bid reportedly could soon follow.

He would need at least 24 of the league’s 32 owners to vote in favor of his bid in order to gain approval.

Brady and Knighthead Capital Management co-founder Tom Wagner in May 2023 agreed to purchase 10 percent of the Raiders from majority owner Mark Davis. Two main issues reportedly have held up the approval:

–Owners feared Davis had given too big a discount to Brady and Wagner. The Washington Post on Saturday reported that the pair had since altered their offer to make it more the owners’ liking.

–With Brady in his first year of a 10-year, $375 million contract to be an analyst on Fox’s No. 1 broadcast team, owners worried about a part-owner of one franchise getting access and insight to the coaches, players and game plans of other teams. The league has limited Brady’s access relative to that afforded to other analysts, restricting him from accessing team’s facilities and practices as well as broadcast production meetings, which usually include meetings with coaches and players ahead of games.

Brady’s job as a broadcaster could also be impacted on-air should he be approved. According to ESPN in August, as an owner, Brady could not publicly criticize game officials and other clubs. Doing so at a level deemed excessive could result in a fine or suspension. He would also be subjected to anti-tampering policies, according to the report.

Should the bid not be voted upon next week, the next time a vote could take place would be at the NFL Special League Meeting from Dec. 10-11 in Irving, Texas.

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis and part-owner Tom Brady talk before the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty during game one of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Tom Brady’s bid for stake in Raiders likely on hold

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tom Brady’s attempt to own a piece of the Las Vegas Raiders is likely to be delayed with no vote expected at the annual NFL meeting next week, according to a Washington Post report.

The retired NFL great had hoped to be on track to approval by league owners by adjusting his bid for 10 percent of the team after the finance committee’s earlier concerns about a price below market value.

Brady initially came to an agreement with Raiders majority owner Mark Davis in May that would make the seven-time Super Bowl champion a minority owner of the NFL’s Las Vegas franchise with a 10 percent stake for a reported $175 million.

The Raiders were valued by Forbes at $6.2 billion in August.

There are concerns that Brady is receiving too much of a discount from what is generally accepted for limited partners, the Post reported. Some owners also see a possible conflict of interest in Brady being an owner while working his new job in the broadcast booth as Fox’s lead NFL analyst. He reportedly is under contract for 10 years and $375 million, beginning next season.

Brady, 46, who retired after the 2022 season after a stellar career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, would be seeking access to other teams’ training facilities and practice fields as part of his preparations for Fox broadcasts.

He is partnering with Tom Wagner, the co-founder of Knighthead Capital Management, in the bid for a share of the Raiders.

The owners meeting is slated to begin Sunday in Orlando. The Raiders’ arrangement with Brady must be approved by at least 24 of the 32 league owners, who generally follow the finance committee’s recommendation.

The owners are meeting again in May in Nashville.

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis and part-owner Tom Brady talk before the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty during game one of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Tom Brady in line to be approved as part owner of Raiders

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After a lengthy delay due to concerns by other NFL owners about the potentially low price, it appears Tom Brady is on track to be approved as a part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, NFL Network reported on Sunday.

Brady’s contribution to the ownership group reportedly has been adjusted to line up with the Raiders’ market value and will be reviewed by the NFL’s Finance Committee when it meets in New York on March 4 or 5.

Brady initially came to an agreement with Raiders majority owner Mark Davis in May that would make the seven-time Super Bowl champion a minority owner of the NFL’s Las Vegas franchise with a 10 percent stake for a reported $175 million.

However, several owners, including Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, expressed concern that Brady’s initial investment did not match the Raiders’ market value, necessitating the adjustment, according to multiple reports earlier this week.

“We’re trying to work through,” Irsay said of the ongoing review of Brady’s deal. “The number just has to be a reasonable number for purchase price for Tom, is the only thing. If reasonable value says that 10 percent should be $525 million, you can’t pay $175 million.”

The Raiders were valued by Forbes at $6.2 billion in August.

A league spokesman told NFL Network on Saturday the “matter remains under review by the finance committee.”

Final approval of the former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star’s ownership could come during the NFL Annual League Meeting on March 24-27 in Orlando.

Brady already is part-owner of a sports team primarily owned by Davis. In March, Brady acquired a minority stake in the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces.

Regardless of what happens with his ownership attempts, Brady will be watching the upcoming NFL season from his position in the broadcast booth as Fox’s lead NFL analyst. He reportedly signed a 10-year, $375 million contract for the gig.

–Field Level Media

Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on before a wild card game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Tom Brady finalizes deal for minority stake in Raiders

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tom Brady has finalized a deal to become a minority owner in the NFL.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion and three-time MVP has agreed to purchase a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders from Mark Davis, Sports Illustrated reported Monday.

The agreement has been sent to the NFL for approval, but that won’t come at this week’s owner meetings in Minneapolis. Brady needs approval from 24 owners to ratify the deal.

Brady, 45, already holds a stake in another one of Davis’ teams, the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.

Brady’s 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports reportedly would be unaffected by an investment with the Raiders, per reports. He’s not joining Fox until 2024.

Brady announced his retirement from the NFL on Feb. 1 after 23 seasons.

Brady set NFL records for wins by a quarterback (251), Super Bowl wins, passing yards (89,214) and passing touchdowns (649) during his career with the New England Patriots (2000-19) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-22).

–Field Level Media

Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on before a wild card game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Tom Brady in talks to purchase stake in Raiders

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tom Brady is in “deep discussions” with the Las Vegas Raiders to join the team’s ownership group, ESPN reported on Friday.

The stake would allow the seven-time Super Bowl champion to become a limited partner with the Raiders. Talks have been ongoing “for weeks and could soon be reaching a resolution,” per the report.

The Raiders are owned by Mark Davis.

Brady, 45, already holds a stake in another one of Davis’ teams, the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.

Any agreement between Brady and Davis on the NFL side would have to be approved by at least 24 owners in the league.

Brady’s 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports reportedly would be unaffected by an investment with the Raiders, per reports.

Brady announced his retirement from the NFL on Feb. 1 after 23 seasons.

A three-time league MVP, Brady set NFL records for wins by a quarterback (251), Super Bowl wins, passing yards (89,214) and passing touchdowns (649) during his career with the New England Patriots (2000-19) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-22).

–Field Level Media

Sep 11, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis (left) and coach Josh McDaniels during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders owner: Coach Josh McDaniels ‘doing a fantastic job’

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Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis said Monday he has “no issues” with the performance of first-year coach Josh McDaniels, despite the team’s 2-7 record.

Davis told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he hasn’t soured on McDaniels, the former Denver Broncos head coach and longtime offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.

It’s been a rough first half of the season for the Raiders. Six of their seven defeats have been by a touchdown or less, including Sunday’s 25-20 loss to the equally disappointing Indianapolis Colts at home on Sunday. Those six defeats have been by a total of 26 points.

The Raiders hired McDaniels on Jan. 31 to replace interim coach Rich Bisaccia, who guided the team to a postseason berth in 2021. The previous head coach, Jon Gruden, was fired in October after he was found to have sent inflammatory emails.

“As far as Josh goes, I have no issues,” Davis said. “I’m getting to know him a lot better. When you sign someone to a contract, don’t you expect him to fulfill the contract?”

The Review-Journal said McDaniels, 46, signed a four-year contract.

“I like Josh. I think he’s doing a fantastic job. That’s why I hired him,” Davis told the newspaper. “We did an exhaustive search and found the person we believe is going to bring the Raiders to greatness.”

The Raiders had two coaches — John Madden and Tom Flores, who combined to win three Super Bowls — in the 19-season span from 1969-87. Since Flores’ departure, the Raiders have made 17 head-coaching hires or promotions for interim head coaches in 35 seasons.

The team lost in the Super Bowl following the 2002 season under head coach Bill Callahan. They have just two playoff appearances — both wild-card losses — since.

When asked, Davis said he believes McDaniels can fill the job for the long term, replying, “Why wouldn’t I?”

–Field Level Media

Jul 26, 2022; Chicago, IL, USA; Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis before the team's game against the Chicago Sky during the Commissioners Cup-Championships at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Davis chooses his Aces over his Raiders

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Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis is skipping his football team’s home opener on Sunday to be in Uncasville, Conn., where his Aces are bidding to win the WNBA title, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

The Aces hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. A Game 4 win over the Connecticut Sun would give Las Vegas its first major pro sports title.

“I knew if it was a potentially (series) deciding game, I would be with the Aces,” said Davis, who watched the Sun win Game 3, 105-76.

The Aces are scheduled to tip off just a few minutes before the Raiders meet the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.

Last Sunday, Davis missed Game 1 of the WNBA Finals to attend the Raiders’ season opener in Los Angeles, where they lost to the Chargers 24-19.

“I’ll be 100 percent into the basketball game,” David told the Review-Journal. “I won’t be worried about the football game until the basketball game is over.”

Given that the Raiders have not won a Super Bowl since after the 1983 season, Davis knows the struggle to win a league title.

“We went back to the Super Bowl (in 2003) and got blown out and haven’t sniffed one since,” he said. “I know how hard it is. Even though (the Aces) are up 2-1, I’m not counting any chickens. You have to go do it. But when you do, it’s so rewarding. If the Aces can do this — be the first major league professional team in Las Vegas — I’d be very proud of that. It would be a statement that would last forever.

“This has never been a hobby for me. We’re looking for success on and off the court, and we’re making progress in both endeavors. This is very important to me. I’ve said it before — these women are the greatest athletes in the world at what they do. It’s really good basketball, and we have some of the greatest fans in the world.”

Davis entered into a deal to buy the Aces from MGM Resorts International in January 2021.

If necessary, a deciding Game 5 of the WNBA Finals will be held Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

–Field Level Media

Nov 14, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A detailed view of the Las Vegas Raiders shield logo at midfield at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders donate $1 million to Uvalde schools

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Las Vegas Raiders donated $1 million to bolster security in schools in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two teachers were killed in a school shooting on May 23.

Raiders owner Mark Davis announced his donation to the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District in an online meeting with school administrators. According to the Uvalde Leader-News, the funds will be spent on security features such as doors that can’t be penetrated, fences that can’t be climbed and cameras.

Davis said he was moved to make the donation after speaking with former Raiders safety Vann McElroy, who grew up in Uvalde and still lives there.

“We are proud to be part of something to make the children in these schools safer,” Davis said, per the newspaper. “Two weeks ago, I had a conversation with Vann. He told me about the hurt his hometown was going through. … He said that Uvalde was in pain and needed help. I asked him what we could do to help ease that pain.”

McElroy responded that the superintendent said the district needed about $1 million for the enhanced security measures.

“Mark said, ‘Let’s do it,’” McElroy told the newspaper.

McElroy, 62, played nine NFL seasons and made the Pro Bowl twice (1983-84) as a member of the Raiders.

–Field Level Media

Dec 12, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders’ Dan Ventrelle out as team president

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Las Vegas Raiders president Dan Ventrelle no longer is with the team after a short stay in his new role.

“Dan Ventrelle is no longer with the organization. We will have no further comment at this time,” Raiders owner Mark Davis said in a statement posted to Twitter.

After 17 years with the Raiders, Ventrelle was promoted to the position in July to replace Marc Badain, who resigned.

Prior to becoming team president, Ventrelle was the executive vice president and general counsel, and his duties included contract negotiations with coaches and players. His team biography said he “has played a key role in the organization’s most significant milestones, including the move to Las Vegas from Oakland.”

He was in charge of aspects of the move that included the stadium lease agreements, the development and construction agreements for Allegiant Stadium, and the establishment of the Las Vegas Stadium Authority for the team.

This move continues the leadership upheaval for the Raiders.

Badain had been with the Raiders for 30 years when he stepped down as president last July. Head coach Jon Gruden resigned Oct. 11 after leaked emails revealed derogatory comments he made about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, players union chief DeMaurice Smith and various team owners as well as statements categorized as racist, misogynistic and homophobic.

General manager Mike Mayock was fired in January after three seasons.

Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler, both out of the New England Patriots organization, have taken over as head coach and general manager, respectively.

–Field Level Media