Donald Trump has made it clear that he will remain close with the NFL for as long as he is in office. Whether that has meant attending the Super Bowl, inviting multiple teams to the White House, or criticizing current rules.
However, a video recently went viral of his discussing his attempt to buy one NFL franchise.
Attempt to buy NFL team leaked by Donald Trump, rejected immediately (watch)
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; President Donald Trump walks on the field before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Since 2014, Terry Pegula has owned the Buffalo Bills, but Donald Trump was close to purchasing the NFL franchise before becoming president:
The Bills are one of the most exciting franchises in the NFL, with a reigning MVP at quarterback and a new $2 billion stadium under construction. Although the Bills have never won a Super Bowl championship, Buffalo fans are optimistic that this season could be different.
A stunning comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 has heightened expectations further, but things could have been very different. Trump was outbid by Pegula, but has nothing but respect and admiration for the Bills’ owner.
After losing four straight Super Bowls during the 1990s, the turn of the millennium hit the Bills hard. From 2000 until Pegula acquired the Bills for $1.4 billion in 2014, Buffalo failed to reach the playoffs.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) greets President Donald Trump before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Bills began to improve as soon as Pegula took over, and with the New England Patriots struggling ever since Tom Brady left in 2020, Buffalo is now top dog in the AFC East. The Bills franchise is now worth close to $6 billion.
Trump could have been $5 billion richer if he had acquired the team, but the deal was never closed. When asked about his attempt to buy the Bills during an appearance on ‘Bussin With The Boys,’ Trump said: “Not close. The owner who got it is a very good man.
President Trump on the time he almost purchased the Buffalo Bills: “The owner who got it is a very good man. I think he’s done a great job. Well, he made a great pick. He picked a great quarterback, right — Josh.” pic.twitter.com/meaSnH5aDp
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 15, 2024
Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd during a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
“I think he’s done a great job. Well, he made a great pick – he picked a great quarterback in Josh (Allen). I bid $1 billion and I put up a letter of credit. I thought I might get it because it was in Buffalo, which was having some troubles in terms of the place, and he (Pegula) bid $1.4 billion, so it’s $400 million more.
“I don’t think it was a very serious (offer), but I gave him the guarantee of $1 billion, so that’s always serious. But he bid $1.4 billion, he’s in the oil business, and he’s got a great daughter who is a tennis player.
“Very unusual that happens. He owns the team, and she’s one of the top tennis players. But, he’s a very nice guy, I think he’s terrific. He’s done a great job with that team.”
Trump also praised Pegula for his pre-draft tactics in 2018, as Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen was projected to go first overall. Buffalo had the No. 7 pick, but that didn’t stop Pegula from getting his way.
“He drafted a quarterback who was going to be the No. 1 draft pick, and then he said things on the internet that weren’t good,” Trump added. “They passed him… six teams fired their scouting systems, right?
“He’s an exciting quarterback, too; he’s a great one. He was going to be No. 1, and then they found things that people didn’t like, so they passed on him.
“Then, No. 7 was the Bills, and he picked him… ends up with one of the best quarterbacks, which is pretty good.”
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; President Donald Trump talks with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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