ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Former NBA legends Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, along with professional soccer player Jozy Altidore, have made headlines after acquiring a minority share in the Buffalo Bills. Their motivations extend beyond just the allure of engaging with quarterback Josh Allen and leveraging their Toronto connections to enhance the Bills’ presence in Canada’s largest city. The athlete trio sees their investment as a significant step towards promoting diversity within the NFL’s ownership ranks.
“This venture is not merely about owning a piece of an NFL team; it serves as an inspiration for many individuals who share our background,” McGrady remarked during a recent Zoom press conference including all three athletes. “We view this as a chance to pave the way for future ownership opportunities, whether they involve minority or majority stakes.” He emphasized the importance of their role as potential trailblazers for others looking to break similar ground in sports ownership.
Carter echoed McGrady’s sentiments, citing the influential paths carved out by tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams. “The push for diversity and inclusion is something that many organizations are striving for,” Carter noted. “This isn’t solely for young Black children; it encompasses all kids. With the right efforts, significant change is possible.”
The duo of Carter and McGrady, both former teammates with the Toronto Raptors and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers, along with Altidore—a leading figure in American soccer—are now part of a group of ten limited partners who received NFL approval for their investment in the Bills. The Pegula family, who own approximately 79% of the franchise, welcomes the addition, as the three athletes collectively hold about a 4% stake.
The NFL’s modification of policies surrounding the addition of limited partners has led to a greater representation of minorities among team ownership. Sisters Venus and Serena Williams have stakes in the Miami Dolphins, and Magic Johnson recently acquired a stake in the Washington Commanders, highlighting a gradual shift in NFL demographics. The league has seen its first minority owner in Shad Khan, who is of Pakistani origin, followed by Kim Pegula, who was born in South Korea.
Reflecting on his upbringing, McGrady shared insights about the obstacles he overcame in central Florida. “Coming from a challenging background makes this moment all the more special; I take pride in my journey and hope to serve as a role model for young people from similar situations,” he explained. “I know both Jozy and Vince have faced similar paths. Overall, this is a tremendous opportunity.”
The initial concept of investing in the Bills emerged from McGrady, leading to Carter’s invitation to NFL owners meetings in March, where he interacted with Terry Pegula. The three subsequently teamed up, undergoing a vetting process that included attending a game against Jacksonville in September.
For Altidore, being part of the Bills’ ownership group is particularly meaningful, especially given his previous time with Toronto FC between 2015 and 2021. He noted how fans from Toronto would frequently flock to Buffalo for games, even during the team’s challenging playoff drought that persisted until 2017. “I’ve witnessed the team’s ups and downs and seen their popularity rise. To be part of this uncertainty is a surreal dream,” Altidore expressed.
The Bills already have a solid fan base in southern Ontario, drawing over 15% of their season ticket holders from the region. The new minority owners are confident they can enhance the franchise’s visibility, especially as the team prepares for a new stadium set to open in 2026.
McGrady humorously reminisced about his and Carter’s early efforts in popularizing the NBA in Toronto two decades ago, adding, “Back then, we’d play in front of 15,000-16,000 fans; sometimes, there were deafening silences after major plays because the fans didn’t quite know what just occurred. We successfully captivated the Toronto audience, and now we’re eager to do the same across the border for a different sport.”
Carter recalled the days when Bills legends like Thurman Thomas and Bruce Smith were frequently spotted at Raptors games. “Our mission is to cultivate new Bills fans, not just through our achievements, but by showcasing the team and their significant accomplishments,” he stated, referring to the Bills’ status as five-time defending AFC East champions. “This is the perfect moment to embrace the Bills.”