- Hamilton successfully concluded a $3.85 billion buyout of the Denver Broncos
- The acquisition deal was submitted by the Walter-Penner group
- The acquisition sets a new record for the cost of purchasing a franchise in a sport
A group that includes seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has successfully concluded a $3.85 billion buyout of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL).
This make the British F1 driver a co-owner of the club. The acquisition deal submitted by the Walter-Penner group was given unqualified backing on Tuesday, and the Mercedes driver is a member of that group.
The acquisition sets a new record for the cost of purchasing a franchise in a sport. It is almost twice as much as the previous record, which was held by the New York Mets baseball team.
A special gathering of NFL owners was held in Minnesota. And during that meeting, it was decided that the new owners would also control the enormous American retail chain Walmart.
In a tweet sent after the takeover was confirmed, Hamilton expressed his excitement at the prospect of becoming a part of the franchise and joked that his devoted dog Roscoe probably already considered him to be a member of the club.
Denver Broncos. Photo/NFL.com
The 37-year-old Mercedes AMG driver added that he was excited to join an exceptional group of owners and become a part of the Broncos story.
He said that it delights him that he has the opportunity to contribute to the success of a world-class team and to serve as a model for the importance of greater diversity in leadership positions across all sports.
He added another pun: ‘ Roscoe’ is already convinced he will be on the team.
Rob Walton, the leader of the Walter-Penner group, gave an impassioned speech about the significance of having Hamilton as one of the owners.
He emphasized the efforts to assist in the achievement of worldwide equality. The American stated that they are thrilled to have the seven-time Formula One World Champion as a part of their ownership group.
Walton described Hamilton as an advocate of worldwide equality, especially in sports history.
“He is a champion competitor who knows what it takes to lead a winning team and a fierce advocate for global equality, including in his own sport. With over 100 race wins, Lewis is considered the most successful F1 driver of all time,” said the American.
“His resilient spirit and standard of excellence will be an asset to the ownership group and the Broncos organisation.”
Lewis Hamilton . Photo/Sky Sports
Hamilton is widely regarded as the most successful driver in the history of Formula One, having won more than 100 races. His tenacious nature and high level of professionalism will be an addition to the Broncos ownership group and organization.
It is not the first time that Hamilton has been a part of an effort to purchase a sports franchise. In fact, it is the second time. After Roman Abramovich placed Chelsea Football Club up for sale in April, the British national was a member of the group that Sir Martin Broughton led in its attempt to acquire ownership of the club.
As he attempted to extend his influence throughout the sporting world, the great tennis star Serena Williams assisted him in this endeavour.
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