TheDenver Broncos owners are entering the baseball business. Penner Sports Group reached an agreement to acquire a 40 percent minority stake in the Colorado Rockies. This deal received Major League Baseball approval on Friday.
The transaction values the struggling franchise at roughly $1.68 billion. That figure ranks the club 25th among 30 teams. The Rockies currently sit near the bottom of the league regarding annual player spending.
Denver Broncos Owner Greg Penner
Oct 12, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Denver Broncos co-owner Greg Penner on the sideline before playing against the New York Jets during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner lead this investment. They previously purchased the Broncos for a record $4.65 billion. Rob Walton remains the financial backbone with a net worth of $118 billion, according toForbes.
Fans arevoicing frustration despite the massive cash infusion. The Monfort family has owned the team since 1992. CEO Dick Monfort and his brothers will maintain full operational control over the organization.
“While our focus remains firmly on the Broncos, we look forward to being supportive, long-term partners of the Rockies and Major League Baseball,” the Pennerssaid. Their primary attention stays with football.
The Rockies finished last season with a dismal 43–119 record. They narrowly avoided the worst mark in baseball history. The team has not seen October baseball since the 2018 season.
Management recently recruited Paul DePodesta from theCleveland Browns. He now serves as president of baseball operations. This hiring mirrors the analytical approach used in the NFL.
Those who oppose this change say that more money cannot fix a broken culture. The Monforts have reached the postseason only five times in 33 years. Many supporters hoped for a total sale of the franchise.
The current 6–7 start to the season offers little comfort. This new partnership aims to provide stability. However, the existing leadership structure remains unchanged despite the disastrous performance on the field lately.
Monfort family legacy remains under fire as Broncos owners provide capital
Dick Monfort believes the baseball club is acquiring far more than a simple cash injection. “The Rockies are gaining much more than just financial support,” Monfort said. “We see the success the Broncos found since 2022 and want that here.”
The Walton family wealth is undeniable. Yet, minority owners rarely dictate daily roster moves. This arrangement keeps the status quo in the front office while padding the team’s bank account.
The Denver market now sees its two biggest teams linked by ownership. Supporters worry the Penners might be spread too thin. The Broncos are the priority for the Walmart heirs right now.
Baseball remains a different beast from football. The Rockies must overhaul their scouting and development. Simply having a wealthy partner does not guarantee wins in a division with the Dodgers.