Jon Bon Jovi was reportedly interested in acquiring a stake in the Bills as recently as November. As the face of a Toronto group with deep coffers, he could get his wish of being a part owner of an NFL franchise.
Jon Bon Jovi could become a new part owner of the Buffalo Bills. According to John Kryk of the Toronto Sun, the former rock star is part of a Toronto group that is expected to bid on the NFL franchise. Bon Jovi has made no secret of his desire to own an NFL franchise, and was rumored to be pursuing ownership of the Bills last November.
Those rumors were squashed at the time by both the Bills and Bon Jovi's publicist. However, the recent passing of Ralph Wilson Jr. has created a need for new ownership. Mary Wilson, the wife of the late long-time Bills owner, was named the organization's new primary owner, but the decision was considered a formality. The Bills are potentially on pace to name new ownership by October.
The Toronto group, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, already owns the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors, as well the Air Canada Centre where both teams play. The group also owns Toronto FC, the city's MLS team, and the Toronto Marlies, the city's AHL team. Bon Jovi himself was a co-majority owner of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League before the team ceased operation in 2009.
As the Toronto Sun points out, Bon Jovi would have to own at least 30 percent of the Bills to be considered a majority owner. Given that the team could sell for upwards of $1 billion, Bon Jovi is unlikely to sacrifice his entire estimated net worth of $300 million for a majority stake. He may have no problem acting as the face of MLSE, however. Larry Tanenbaum is the top executive of the group with a net worth of $1.18 billion, capital that could make him the majority owner if the Bills sell.