The decision arises from conflict-of-interest concerns as Brady’s proposed deal for part ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders moves toward possible approval.
The league informed the NFL’s team owners of the restrictions on Brady’s access during Tuesday’s special meeting in Eagan, Minn., in which the owners voted, 31-1, to approve a measure to permit part ownership of franchises by private equity. ESPN first reported the specifics of the restrictions on Brady’s access, although NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell previously had said the league would address the issue.
The restrictions arise from conflict-of-interest concerns about a part owner of a franchise having access to other teams. Network broadcasters typically speak to coaches and players from the two participating teams ahead of the game they’re about to call, in addition to potentially attending the home team’s practice at its training facility.
Brady was not available to comment Wednesday night. Fox officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Brady’s deal for part ownership of the Raiders remains pending before the NFL finance committee. It must be ratified by at least 24 of the 32 owners. Such a vote could be taken at the owners’ next meeting in October in Atlanta, according to people with knowledge of the deliberations.
However, the NFL seems prepared to impose its restrictions immediately on Brady’s access to teams in his Fox job, even with the deal for Raiders part ownership yet to be approved. Some owners have concerns about the conflict arising from Brady’s two roles, people familiar with the situation have said.
The owners did not take a vote on Brady’s ownership deal Tuesday. Goodell was asked about Brady’s access to teams at the May owners’ meeting in Nashville.
Goodell said then that the league would deal with the matter, adding: “That was one of the factors about, as a member of the media, what access would he have every week as he prepares for the broadcast of the game?”
Goodell said then of the ratification process of Brady’s deal for a Raiders ownership stake: “I do think progress is being made. … The finance committee has done their work on this. We have a little more to do.”
Brady and Tom Wagner, the co-founder of Knighthead Capital Management, are believed to be attempting to purchase approximately 10 percent of the Raiders. The finance committee raised concerns last year about the discounted price that Raiders principal owner Mark Davis was offering Brady, three people familiar with the deliberations over the transaction said then.
Brady sat out last season following his retirement as a player. His deal with Fox reportedly is worth $375 million over 10 seasons.
