Pegula buys NFL agency firm

[Demon]

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Having spent hundreds of millions of dollars on hockey over the past year, Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula has turned his attention -- and deep pockets -- to the NFL and the player's side of the ball.
The Pennsylvania billionaire expanded his sports empire on Tuesday by acquiring the Atlanta-based France AllPro Athlete Management, a high-profile NFL player agent firm headed by Todd France.
"This was an easy decision for us," Pegula said in a release issued by both the Sabres and the firm. "We did extensive research to find the perfect fit. All of my resources had nothing but praise for Todd. His reputation among the elite NFL executives was phenomenal."
AllPro represents more than 50 NFL players, including Baltimore running back Ray Rice, Kansas City receiver Dwayne Bowe and Buffalo Bills rookie first-round draft pick, tackle Marcell Dareus.
It's estimated the firm has negotiated more than $1 billion in player contracts since 2005.
France will maintain his role as the agency's president and CEO.

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/7325044/buffalo-sabres-owner-terry-pegula-buys-nfl-player-agent-company

Whatever floats his boat. lol

[BertSquirtgum]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

His first step towards the NFL.

[ServoBillieves]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

Save some money Pegs... we'll need a bailout after Ralph bites it.

[DraftBoy]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

His first step towards the NFL.

Actually I wonder if this would be an anti-step.

No way the NFL would approve an owner who also owned a NFL Rep Agency.

[Jan Reimers]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

His first step towards the NFL.

I'm not sure if this is really a good entree into the NFL. I would think he would have to divest himself of this agency if he were to try to buy the Bills.

Sorry, DB, didn't see your post.

[THRILLHO]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

Actually I wonder if this would be an anti-step.

No way the NFL would approve an owner who also owned a NFL Rep Agency.

Exactly. Who would hire an agent that is also the owner of the team you are signing with?

[BertSquirtgum]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

Actually I wonder if this would be an anti-step.

No way the NFL would approve an owner who also owned a NFL Rep Agency.

I'm thinking it gets his feet wet about the inner workings of the NFL, which is very smart on his part if that's why he did this. He could then sell it off if or when he wants to purchase the Bills.

[hydro]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

I'm thinking it gets his feet wet about the inner workings of the NFL, which is very smart on his part if that's why he did this. He could then sell it off if or when he wants to purchase the Bills.

Yeah I don't think this is the ideal avenue to get his "feet wet" in the inner workings of the NFL. All he is getting experience with is the agent/player interaction.

[trapezeus]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

concur with this is not helpful for buying an NFL team. i have to think that investment is fairly illiquid. Not a lot of people wanting to buy an agency from someone else. and then if he did want the bills, he doesn't want that asset that can't be quickly sold sitting there as a condition of signing a team. it kills the value of the agency.

but then again, he probably isn't really that affected by the overall price of an agency firm compared to his total net worth.

[psubills62]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

Pegula enjoys being in the loop in learning about players. When Dareus' name was mentioned during a casual meeting with The Associated Press in September, Pegula immediately pulled out his cell phone and texted an agent to learn more about the player.

Interesting. Almost seems like he just wants to become more familiar with the players of the NFL.

I think it's hard to say exactly how this affects the possibility of him buying an NFL team. Obviously if he holds onto it, his chances are nil of buying anyone. However, if he can sell it relatively easily, then I don't see this affecting anything. I believe most people didn't see Pegula as a realistic owner option anyway (despite what they hope for).

[better days]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

Yeah I don't think this is the ideal avenue to get his "feet wet" in the inner workings of the NFL. All he is getting experience with is the agent/player interaction.

I disagree, he will also get a feel for teams interactions with players & their agents.

[DraftBoy]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

I disagree, he will also get a feel for teams interactions with players & their agents.

Im not sure how much of that I would buy.

Let's keep in mind Player Agents and NFL Owners are not on the same team. Some of the agents got too involved in the last CBA battle and the owners haven't forgotten.

Asking the NFL BOG to approve an owner who is basically a friend of the agents is risking some negotiating in a future CBA.

Besides that as an owner of an agency firm I dont know that Pegula would have an interation with team/player and agent negotiations. He's not a NFLPA licensed agent so Im not sure how much of the interaction process he'll actually be a part of.

I want Pegula to be the next Bills owner but I can't see how this is a logical step in that direction.

[Cleve]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

If I were Terry, I'd stay focused on the Sabres right now instead of getting sidetracked by the NFL. When they can only get 14 shots on goal in 3 periods against the Predators, the team definitely needs additional help.

[BertSquirtgum]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

Yeah I don't think this is the ideal avenue to get his "feet wet" in the inner workings of the NFL. All he is getting experience with is the agent/player interaction.

Riiiight.

[YardRat]

Re: Pegula buys NFL agency firm

He's already been financing an agency, somewhere out of the Carolinas I believe, and I think that one was absorbed into the new purchase.

Gonna be great when Pegula's agent plays hardball and Dareus walks after his rookie contract is up.