With average NFL franchise valuations now surpassing $5 billion, the concept of their "Operators as the newest of America's highly visible CEOs" is creating an entirely new paradigm for what a win is. The evolving sports industry demands quality corporate leadership, blending operational expertise with strategic vision to drive franchise revenues and growth on the field, especially in high-stakes environments like the NFL. This is further augmented with teams entering the NFL Playoffs. With a strong balance between sports knowledge and business acumen, Jack Easterby shares his experiences and observations.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. , Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- NFL franchise values have more than doubled in the last six years, with the average team worth $5.69 billion in 2024, solidifying the league's position as the most valuable in U.S. sports. (1) As franchise valuations grow, so does the need for more sophisticated leadership. "Being only a sporting expert does not always translate into being a great executive operator of a franchise anymore. Today, thriving franchises are driven by executive teams whose strategic thinking and sound decision-making multiply their franchises' potential financial value," points out Jack Easterby, former NFL executive specialized in blending football expertise, business strategy, and athlete development within some of the most renowned teams in America.
The need for franchise fiscal and strategic growth highlights the critical role of executives who combine sports strategy and knowledge of the game with business acumen and vision. "Sporting executives, head coaches, and all key decision makers within these franchises must now function as the NFL's new CEOs and highly visible strategists, blending smart sports decisions with fiscal leadership that leads to winning in every area that the franchise can measure" Easterby explains.
Economic Strategy and Franchise Growth
NFL franchises are driving economic transformation through strategic partnerships, long-term investments, and external expertise to boost revenue and efficiency. The Buffalo Bills exemplify this approach, recently selling minority stakes to Arctos Sports Partners and a group of local investors, raising their valuation to $5.35 billion. (2) This move brought in fresh capital and connected the franchise with successful experienced operators who offer valuable insights into business growth strategies.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys continue to redefine franchise economics through robust investments in branding, facilities, and fan engagement, driving their valuation to an unmatched $10 billion. (3)
"In the past, these franchises have been run as either a part of family businesses or as community assets," points out Easterby. "However, CEOs, presidents, coaches and COOs must find creative ways to drive growth leveraging data, partnerships, and strategic investments so that they can build long-term value that resonates beyond the field."
Easterby points out that this trend extends beyond football. The NWSL's rapid expansion illustrates how smaller leagues are also capitalizing on smart investments. In just three years, franchise expansion prices jumped from $2 million for Angel City FC in 2020 to $53 million for Bay FC and Boston in 2023. Denver's upcoming expansion in 2025 is expected to reach $110 million, demonstrating how strategic decisions and external capital can accelerate franchise value across different sports. (4)
The Playoff Proving Ground: Where Operator-CEOs Excel
The NFL Playoffs serve as a crucible for leadership, showcasing the impact of well-rounded executive strategies. Teams like the Buffalo Bills highlight the value of strategic personnel decisions and strong coaching in crafting championship contenders. (5) Similarly, the Baltimore Ravens demonstrate the importance of prioritizing player development and building competitive rosters through the draft. (6-7) These organizations exemplify how visionary "Operator-CEOs" can drive success on and off the field.
Jack Easterby is well-acquainted with the challenges of the NFL Playoffs. During his time with the New England Patriots, he was credited by players for contributing to the team's success in high-stakes situations. The Patriots secured AFC Championships in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018, as well as victories in Super Bowl XLIX, LI, and LIII. Easterby's experience during these pivotal moments reflects his ability to apply the "Operator-CEO" approach to support teams in achieving success under intense playoff pressure.
Essential Skills for Operators as the New CEO
- Strategic Vision: They must excel at aligning day-to-day decisions with long-term goals, ensuring financial growth, competitive performance, and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Financial Acumen: Expertise in managing budgets, revenue streams, and compensation structures is critical to balancing investments in talent, infrastructure, and innovation.
- Relationship Building & Talent Acquisition: Mastering the human element is paramount. Recruiting world-class experts across diverse fields and fostering trust and collaboration among players, staff, sponsors, media, and fans are essential for creating a competitive and cohesive organization.
- Risk Management: The ability to assess risks and weigh potential outcomes ensures that every move—from player acquisitions to stadium investments— optimizing the franchise's trajectory.
"The future of sports demands executive operators as the modern high-profile CEOs— sport-savvy business experts that understand not just the game, but also the intricate balance of business dynamics. Their ability to adapt and navigate risks positions them to lead franchises toward sustainable success," concludes Easterby.
About Jack Easterby
Jack Easterby is a sports executive with extensive experience in organizational workflow, team construction/development, player culture, and leadership. Easterby has held key roles in organizations aiming to reset including the Executive Vice President of Football Operations with the Houston Texans and Team Development Director/Character Coach with the New England Patriots, contributing to three Super Bowl victories and seven division championships. He has also served the Kansas City Chiefs, NBA executives, and professional athletes in multiple Olympic sports to build championship culture and infrastructure. He started his career in Jacksonville with the Jaguars as an intern in 2004.
References:
1. Gough, Christina. "National Football League Average Franchise Value from 2000 to 2024." Statista, Statista, 26 Nov. 2024, statista.com/statistics/193435/average-franchise-value-in-the-nfl-since-2000/.
2. Fischer, Ben. "NFL Approves First PE Deals, and Raiders and Eagles Limited Partner Transactions." Sportsbusinessjournal.com, 11 Dec. 2024, sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/12/11/nfl-limited-partner-deals-buffalo-bills-las-vegas-raiders-private-equity.
3. Teitelbaum, Justin. "The NFL's Most Valuable Teams 2024." Forbes, 29 Aug. 2024, forbes.com/sites/justinteitelbaum/2024/08/29/the-nfls-most-valuable-teams-2024/.
4. Eben Novy-Williams. "Denver Secures NWSL Expansion at Record $110 Million Fee." Sportico.com, 2 Jan. 2025, sportico.com/business/team-sales/2025/denver-nwsl-expansion-done-fee-110-million-1234822417/.
5. Massare, Kevin. "Big Decision on Bills Marquee Defensive Player Looming." Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated, 31 Dec. 2024, si.com/nfl/bills/big-decision-on-bills-marquee-defensive-player-looming-01jgctrr1ej4. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.
6. Preston, Mike. "Mike Preston: Ravens Have to Prove They're Still One of the Best at Developing Talent | COMMENTARY." Baltimore Sun, 2 Sept. 2024, baltimoresun.com/2024/09/02/ravens-depth-player-development-mike-preston/. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.
7. Rich, Harrison. "Former NFL Executive Scott Pioli on Why He "Admires" the Ravens' Player Development." PressBox, 29 July 2024, pressboxonline.com/2024/07/29/former-nfl-executive-scott-pioli-on-why-he-admires-the-ravens-player-development/. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.
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