The ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders may soon be changing hands. Which is why the upcoming annual NFL meeting couldn't be any more important for controlling shareholder Mark Davis.

On Friday, NFL reporter Mike Akers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal broke the news of the unexpected development on X (formerly Twitter), sending ripples in the football community.

“Raiders owner Mark Davis confirmed to me that a Raiders succession plan will be voted on at the NFL meetings, March 29-April 1. Plan would set framework for Silver Lake co-CEO Egon Durban to take controlling interest in team when Davis decides to sell. Nothing is imminent,” Akers reported. 

Over these three days, NFL owners will cast votes on the succession plan if Davis decides to sell his franchise. According to the Review-Journal, even though Davis is not interested in selling his majority stake, Egon Durban, the Silver Lake co-CEO and a minor stakeholder in the Raiders, could buy Davis’ half of the franchise. 

Currently, Durban and businessman Michael Meldman own 7.5 percent of the Raiders after they purchased stakes in 2024. At the time of the transaction, Davis, 70, told the media that both entities would look after the franchise as a business. 

“They’re going to help us immensely on the business side of the organization,” Davis said at the NFL league meetings in December 2024.

And according to Sportico, the Raiders’ valuation has gone up from $2.92 billion in its inaugural season to $7.9 billion last year. Maybe the credit goes to Durban, who was an investment banker at Morgan Stanley before working at Silver Lake, and has a net worth valued at $2.5 billion

Apart from Durban, NFL legend Tom Brady also owns around a 5 percent stake in the Raiders. NFL owners unanimously approved his purchase in October 2024.

Davis’ History With the Raiders and His Other Businesses

This development seems inevitable as the Raiders have remained an unsuccessful business for the Davis family for many seasons now.

After his father, Al Davis, passed away, Mark took over the franchise in 2011, then called the Oakland Raiders, and the team finished the season with an 8-8 record.

Since then, it has consistently remained at the bottom of the charts, with some exceptional seasons. But those seasons did not end up in the postseason or any championships.

Despite the lack of success, Davis still built the $2 billion Allegiant Stadium in Nevada. 

While Davis has had poor luck in the NFL, he has tasted major success with the WNBA dynasty, the Las Vegas Aces. He purchased the three-time WNBA champions from MGM Resorts for $2 million in 2012. As per Forbes, the Aces are now valued at $310 million.

The fate of Davis' franchise remains uncertain, opening opportunities for major changes in the league. Were you surprised by the news? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Sayantan Gayen