Eli Manning nearly pulled off what every New York Giants fan secretly wishes they could do—buy a piece of Big Blue. But after some months of exploring the idea, the two-time Super Bowl champ has backed off. His reason was pretty much the same one most of us would give.
“Basically, it’s too expensive for me,” Manning said in an interview with CNBC. “A 1% stake valued at $10 billion turns into a very big number.”
Eli was initially part of an investment group that was eyeing a minority stake in the Giants, following reports earlier this year that the Mara and Tisch families were exploring the sale of up to 10% of the franchise. Valuations have skyrocketed lately, with CNBC reporting recent NFL minority stake sales going well over projections.
So when Eli says it’s a bit too rich for his blood, he’s not exactly being dramatic.
Manning’s Giants ownership dream hits a $10 billion wall
Even if he could stomach the price tag, Manning says there were logistical headaches that made the move nearly impossible. Between broadcasting obligations with ESPN, working the Pro Bowl, and running his high school football camp, there were just too many lines he wasn’t comfortable crossing.
“It really was a matter of just some complications with the fact that I’m doing broadcasting,” Manning said. “I wouldn’t be able to talk to the players. I coached in the Pro Bowl. I do a high school football camp where college guys come. There was gonna be a lot of conflicts, and it was going to affect my day job, so kind of had to pull out of the Giants deal. But still, obviously, I’m here, and have access, and still very involved in the Giants organization.”
Eli’s exit doesn’t change his connection to the team—he’s still a regular around the building and has been involved in rookie outreach and other internal projects. But as long as he’s got a front-facing media role with ESPN and Omaha Productions, trying to balance team ownership on top of that was going to get complicated fast (looking at you, Tom Brady).
For now, the Giants’ minority sale continues without him. And honestly, the way he explained his reasons for backing out just feels... relatable, normal. It’s too expensive, and it wasn’t worth blowing up his post-football career. Makes perfect sense. Manning once again proves why he’s more relatable than any other star athlete.