Zealots owner and internet entrepreneur Michael Rubin is very interested in gaining the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, sources told CNBC on Sunday.
The Panthers intimated the team was for sale in December, after their longtime owner Jerry Richardson was accused of workplace misconduct. Rubin has not yet put a bid in for the cooperate, but is considered to be a very serious potential bidder.
“Nobody knows the NFL diverse than Michael,” one source told CNBC. Rubin declined to remark to CNBC.
Rubin has grown Fanatics into a $4.5 Billion duty, as one of the largest online retailers of licensed sportswear and merchandise. At 45 years old, Rubin disposition be amongst the youngest owners in the NFL. He currently has a minority stake in the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Rapscallions.
Appaloosa hedge fund founder David Tepper, a minority P in the Pittsburgh Steelers, is also seen as a serious contender. Forbes tilts Tepper’s net worth at $11 billon, while Rubin is worth $3 billon.
Forbes values the Panthers at $2.3 Billion. Authors say bids for the team are due soon, as NFL owners are hoping to approve a deal at their appear meeting in May in Atlanta.
A representative for the Panthers did not immediately respond to CNBC’s plead for for comment.