Tom Brady BetMGM Partnership Likely to End
Former QB Looking to But Minority Share in Raiders
Former quarterback Tom Brady drew some good reviews for his appearance in the BetMGM Super Bowl commercial. But that could very well be his one and only appearance for the sportsbook. The Tom Brady BetMGM partnership will likely come to an end once his bid to purchase a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders is finalized. But even that isn’t coming easy.
Some NFL owners didn’t believe he was paying a fair price for a piece of the Raiders. He increased his bid, and now everybody seems happy. The NFL Finance Committee is expected to consider the deal on March 4 or 5 when members meet in New York. Final approval could occur during the NFL Annual League Meeting in Orlando from March 24-27.
If Brady is ultimately approved, he’ll no longer be allowed to be featured in promotional material for BetMGM or other sports betting sites. The “Gambling Policy for NFL Personnel” report states, “NFL Personnel are prohibited from engaging in, using or permitting the use of one’s name or images in connection with activities or materials that depict, advertise, market or promote any form of gambling (including, but not limited to, sports betting) or any gambling entity.”
The Tom Brady BetMGM partnership could continue if Brady buys a minority stake in the company. NFL rules allow for NFL personnel to own a “a de minimis percentage of the company’s shares outstanding.” Most experts believe this to be about 5% of the sportsbook. But Brady would also be prohibited from having any role with the company. He could also have “no access to the company’s non-public information.”
NFL Personnel Face Tougher Restrictions
As a team owner, Brady will face more restrictions than he did as a player. The NFL holds personnel to a higher standard when it comes to sports betting. The league’s gambling policy says, “All NFL personnel other than players are further prohibited from placing, soliciting, or facilitating bets on any other professional (e.g., NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA, USTA, MLS), college (e.g., NCAA basketball), international (e.g., World Baseball Classic, World Cup), or amateur (e.g., Olympic, AAU) sports competition, tournament or event.”
There’s no doubt that Tom Brady remains one of the most popular figures in the NFL. It’s good for the league to still have him involved. But his 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox Sports also serves that purpose. So it’s unlikely the league gets lax on its gambling requirements with him. Brady will also be limited to owning anything more than 5% of a “sports betting operation.” The league defines this as “engaging in business operations directed towards sportsbooks or sports bettors.” That means sites that publish point spreads, have betting trends, a betting odds calculator, picks, etc.
The Tom Brady BetMGM partnership could continue if he is willing to take on a minority owner role. But the partnership as it stands now is about to come to an end. So far, Brady appears to be perfectly fine with that in order to become part owner of the Raiders.
For gambling news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
