The New York Giants are exploring the sale of a minority stake in the franchise, a move expected to set a record valuation for an NFL team. With the Mara and Tisch families looking to offload up to 10% of the organization, the bidding process has already begun.
Given the team's historic significance, massive market, and continued brand strength despite on-field struggles, the final sale price will likely eclipse the $8.3 billion valuation recently set by the Philadelphia Eagles.
While private equity firms are expected to be in the mix, the Giants should be looking at a much more fitting candidate: Eli Manning. The two-time Super Bowl champion and franchise icon has already expressed interest in owning a piece of the team. With his deep ties to the organization, involvement in business operations, and fan-favorite status, Manning stepping into ownership just makes too much sense.
Manning himself has previously admitted that he never thought an opportunity like this would arise. But now, with the Giants opening the door, there’s no better time for the franchise legend to get involved. If the team is serious about reconnecting with its past glory, there’s no better move than bringing Eli back—not just as an ambassador, but as an actual stakeholder.
Why Eli Manning is the perfect fit for Giants ownership
Manning isn’t just any former player. He’s the player most associated with modern Giants' success, delivering two Super Bowls while embodying everything the franchise claims to stand for. His impact on the team and the city is unmatched, and adding him to the ownership group wouldn’t just be a PR win—it would be a strategic move.
For one, Manning already has experience in sports ownership. He’s a co-owner of the NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL, showing he’s got an eye for both the business and branding sides of professional sports.
He’s also remained deeply involved with the Giants post-retirement, serving in a business and fan engagement role while keeping a strong connection to the franchise. His work on ESPN’s ManningCast has only increased his profile, proving he still has a massive presence in the football world.
More importantly, Manning could bring a much-needed culture shift.
The Giants have been spiraling into irrelevance, with mismanagement, bad drafting, and poor roster decisions defining the past decade. Having a voice in the ownership group who actually understands what winning looks like in New York could go a long way toward turning things around.
At the end of the day, the Giants don’t just need an investor—they need a leader. And there’s nobody more qualified to fill that role than Eli Manning. If the team wants to show fans they’re serious about reclaiming their status as an elite franchise, they should be calling Manning today.