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NASCAR: Felix Sabates interested in buying the Carolina Panthers

By Alex Herbst

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 28: Felix Sabates, co-owner of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, speaks with the media during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour at Charlotte Convention Center on January 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 28: Felix Sabates, co-owner of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, speaks with the media during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour at Charlotte Convention Center on January 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Could the new owners of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers come from the NASCAR garage? Felix Sabates could step into that leadership role.

The biggest question mark entering 2018 in sports business comes from the world of professional football. It isn’t about national anthem protests or television ratings, however, but all about ownership. Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced he will sell his stake in the team following revelations of sexual misconduct claims. Could his replacement also come from the Queen City of Charlotte, and perhaps from the NASCAR garage?

Kickin’ The Tires reports that Chip Ganassi Racing and Charlotte Hornets minority owner Felix Sabates is putting together a group of investors to bid on the Carolina Panthers. The main goal of the group reportedly is to keep the team in Charlotte, as any new owner could relocate the team out of North Carolina as early as 2019. With the majority of NASCAR teams based in the Charlotte metro, it makes sense to see those with major financial backing step up to protect their NFL team.

Sabates was quoted as saying this about his group’s efforts to buy the Panthers, according to kickinthetires.net:

"They’re not looking to make money. They’re looking for appreciation long term. For us, staying in this community, staying in this TV market, is very important."

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However, this may not be the only group within stock car racing looking to bid on the team. Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith previously expressed interest in the Panthers prior to the team being on the market. The family’s interest may be growing as well, as their efforts to bring Major League Soccer to the Carolinas has stalled and will likely not be included in their next wave of expansion.

Of course, many expect there will be additional bidders on the team from outside NASCAR too. The Carolina Panthers are the first team since the Buffalo Bills in 2014 to go up for sale. This will not be an outright sale, but the majority of the team will be available to a buyer or group of buyers. Among other interested parties at this point include music star Sean Combs and basketball player Stephen Curry.

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Do you think Felix Sabates and his group have a chance to become the new owners of the Carolina Panthers? Will they be able to keep the team in the Charlotte area, near most of the NASCAR garage and fanbase?

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