The corporate blend of technology and sports is teeing up its next significant transaction, with Amkor Technology executive chair Susan Y. Kim eyeing a piece of the Philadelphia Eagles. According to The New York Post, discussions are afoot between Kim and Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie for a stake in the NFL team, a deal potentially valuing the Eagles north of a whopping $8 billion.
Jeffrey Lurie, in his long tenure since 1994, transformed the Eagles from a franchise he acquired for $195 million to a soaring sports empire, under his watch they've claimed their first Super Bowl title in 2018 and have maintained a constant presence in the postseason; this is according to bragging rights previously disclosed by The Biz Journals. Kim, freshly appointed chairman and offspring to the founder of the $6.8 billion market-cap semiconductor behemoth Amkor, seems keen to cement her own legacy in the world of high-stakes sports investments.
This tech-to-touchdown potential partnership reveals a strategic play by both parties, with Lurie seeking to liquefy parts of his asset without relinquishing the helm, as reported by Bloomberg News. The deal, which does not promise a path to controlling interest for any buyer, would potentially rank the Eagles second in NFL valuation, trailing only the Dallas Cowboys and clipping past the New York Yankees in the pantheon of pricy sports collectibles, according to The New York Post.
Amkor, a company specializing in semiconductor packaging and testing, is largely controlled by the Kim family, who owns 50.2% of the company. Founded by James Kim in 1968, the company is now led by Susan Y. Kim, who is focused on growing its financial performance with Lurie. While the size of Lurie's stake in the company is not disclosed, it's clear that Lurie intends to retain control, making it clear that the ownership of the Philadelphia Eagles is not up for negotiation.
