Next week the Denver Broncos’ new ownership group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton will take control in a deal that was finalized last month for the sum of $4.65 billion, more than double the amount any team in NFL history has ever been purchased for.
The Walton Group will take hold of the Broncos franchise. For a franchise that has been owned by the late Pat Bowlen and the Bowlen family since 1984, this will be new territory.
Walton is also bringing in three African-Americans as minority owners: Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, Ariel Investments co-CEO Mellody Hobson and, according to recent reports, Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton.
In a tweet, Walton welcomed the Grand Prix legend to the ownership group.
“We’re delighted to welcome seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton to our ownership group. He is a champion competitor who knows what it takes to lead a winning team and a fierce advocate for global equality, including his own sport.
“With over 100 race wins, Lewis is considered he most successful F1 driver of all time. His resilient spirit and standard of excellence will be an asset to the ownership group and the Broncos organization.”
Lewis Hamilton has joined the ownership team of the Denver Broncos 🏈 pic.twitter.com/0yZfAho76l
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) August 2, 2022
With the Hamilton move, the Broncos now have the blackest ownership group in the NFL. In a league that has no majority black owners this is definitely a step in the right direction.
Hamilton Excited To Join Broncos Ownership
Hamilton took to Twitter to also express his excitement about the very surprising deal.
“Excited to join an incredible group of owners and become a part of the @Broncos story!! Honored to work with a class team and serve a an example of the value of more diverse leadership across all sports. Roscoe also thinks he made the team.”
Roscoe being Hamilton’s dog.
Hamilton’s new ownership opportunity may come as a bit of a surprise, but he does own property in nearby Aspen. Hamilton holds some of his winter offseason training there.
This Broncos ownership group is very diverse, and that seems to have been a goal of the Walton Group. Adding the likes of the aforementioned Rice, Hobson and now Hamilton, shines a light on diversity in not only the NFL, but also in other professional sports.
BREAKING: The Denver Broncos have announced that 7-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has joined their ownership group.
The team was acquired by Walmart heir Rob Walton for a record $4.65 billion earlier this year. pic.twitter.com/6ZbsGfOqJD
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) August 2, 2022
Broncos Have Had A Busy Offseason
To say the Broncos have been busy this offseason is an understatement. For a franchise that hasn’t seen the playoffs since the 2015-16 season when they hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, they’ve made a flurry of moves since February.
First, they acquired superstar quarterback Russell Wilson in a blockbuster trade. They’ve had 11 signal-callers since Peyton Manning led them to the franchise’s third Super Bowl win. Now they’re adding quality pieces to their ownership group, something new QB Russell Wilson is also excited about.
Congrats @LewisHamilton
Winning is a Habit! #LetsRide https://t.co/Rz3P4AS4it— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) August 2, 2022
He and Hamilton are friends, with Hamilton having invited Wilson and wife Ciara to the 2018 Canadian Grand Prix, even taking him on a lap in Montreal.
