Jason Whitlock reported that Robert Kraft rejected a bid by Tom Brady to buy a large part of the New England Patriots. Brady wanted a major piece of the team.
Whitlock said Kraft was very direct with the legendary quarterback. He saidon the Fearless podcast, “Tom Brady is irate. He wanted ownership, and Bob [Robert] Kraft was like, ‘Nah, we’re good.’ And Tom Brady’s got some animus over that.” This response ended Brady’s hope.
The former player wanted a stake as a reward for his years of service. Brady took lower pay for 20 years to help the team win. He felt he earned a discount on the price.
Kraft only offered Brady a 1% stake in the team. Brady viewed this offer as a vanity move. He compared it to small stakes held by other celebrities. He found it insulting.
The 7-time champion moved on to another team. He bought a 5% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders in October 2024. This move showed his final break from New England.
Relations between the 2 men stayed cold through 2025. Brady reportedly refused to support the Patriots during Super Bowl 60. He even blocked a trade that would have helped his old team.
Sep 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Fox Sports broadcaster Tom Brady looks on from the field before the game between Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Fox Sports broadcaster Tom Brady looks on from the field before the game between Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Kraft decided to sell pieces of the team to other groups instead. In September 2025, Kraft sold 8% of the Patriots. This deal valued the entire franchise at a record $9 billion.
Sixth Street Capital bought a 3% stake in the team. Billionaire Dean Metropoulos bought another 5%. These sales happened while Brady was left out of the ownership group in Foxborough.
The Kraft family still owns more than 90% of the club. They want to keep the team for future generations. Robert Kraft made it clear that family comes before former players.
Many fans feel sad about this split. Brady is the greatest player in the team’s history. Now he works for a rival team in the AFC. The tension remains high.
Tom Brady got revenge on Patriots for their rejection
In March 2026, reports showed that Bradystopped a trade for Maxx Crosby. New England wanted the star player but Brady said no. This happened because of the bad feelings with Kraft.
The Raiders owner remains happy with his 5% stake in Las Vegas. He has more power there than he would have in New England. Kraft continues to run his team with his son.
The Patriots remain one of the most valuable sports teams, valued at $ 9 billion. Even without Brady, they attract huge amounts of money from private equity firms. The business of football continues to grow every year.