According to a report, Nick Saban wants to invest in several professional sports organizations.

Nick Saban’s post‑retirement business ventures have rapidly evolved from automotive partnerships into prospective stakes in professional sports franchises, most notably “three or four” teams based in Tennessee . Leveraging his strategic acumen—likened by Saban to the meticulous process of hiring an offensive coordinator—he and his partners have already built a booming car‑dealership empire and are now poised to enter the high‑stakes world of franchise ownership . With NFL team valuations averaging over $5.7 billion and minimums exceeding $4 billion, the move represents both an enormous opportunity and a significant financial commitment .

Background: From Gridiron Glory to Boardroom Success

Partnership with Dream Motor Group

In 2024, Saban joined forces with entrepreneur Joe Agresti to launch the Dream Motor Group, acquiring multiple car dealerships across the southeastern United States . Though Saban holds a minority stake, the venture has been so profitable that Agresti was named among the newest billionaires on Forbes’s “World’s Billionaires” list . Describing his decision to partner with Agresti, Saban remarked, “I interviewed Joe and didn’t interview anybody else. It’s like interviewing a good offensive coordinator—you just know it’s the right guy” .

Wealth Impact and Growth Trajectory

The dealership group’s success has reinforced Saban’s financial portfolio, complementing his substantial earnings from broadcasting and endorsements since retiring from coaching in early 2025 . By diversifying beyond sports into automotive retail, Saban has tapped into a stable revenue stream that funds—and fuels—his ambitions to invest in other high‑value assets .

Eyeing Professional Sports Franchises

Target Markets: Tennessee’s “Three or Four” Teams

According to sources, Saban, Agresti, and former CEO Steve Cannon are evaluating investments in “three or four” professional sports franchises located in Tennessee, though specific teams remain undisclosed . Tennessee hosts the NFL’s Tennessee Titans—valued at approximately $4.9 billion—and two major league teams in Nashville, the NHL’s Predators and MLS’s Nashville SC, valued in the high‑hundreds of millions to low‑billions range . Entry into any of these markets would require league approval and potentially partnership with existing ownership groups or secondary-market transactions.

Automotive Expansion in South America

Beyond sports, the partnership is also exploring an “automotive‑related” venture in South America, signaling ambitions to extend their dealership model internationally . This complements a simultaneous plan to expand the Dream Motor Group into a sixth U.S. state and to add brands beyond Mercedes, Infiniti, and Ferrari .

Strategic Approach to Investment

Partner Selection and Decision Making

Saban’s investment philosophy mirrors his coaching methodology: rigorous vetting followed by unwavering commitment . Just as he built championship teams by selecting coordinators whose vision aligned with his own, he now picks business partners with proven track records and complementary expertise .

The Role of Steve Cannon

Steve Cannon—whose background includes senior executive roles at national corporations—joined the investment group to provide additional deal‑structuring and capital resources . Cannon’s involvement underscores the depth of the group’s financial strategy as they navigate complex franchise acquisitions, which often involve multi‑billion‑dollar purchase prices, debt financing, and equity syndication.

Implications for the Professional Sports Landscape

Franchise Valuations on the Rise

In the past five years, NFL franchise valuations have surged by 87%, with the average team now worth $5.7 billion and no team valued below $4 billion . Similarly, the NBA and MLB have seen their most valuable teams reach $8 billion and $7.5 billion, respectively . Saban’s potential entry as an investor places him among a select group of sports proprietors whose influence extends beyond the field into media rights, stadium development, and global brand partnerships.

Trend of Legendary Figures Investing

Saban joins a growing cohort of former elite athletes and coaches—such as Magic Johnson in the NBA and David Beckham in soccer—who leverage their reputation and networks to transition into ownership roles . Their presence often increases fan engagement, corporate sponsorship interest, and community goodwill, contributing intangible value that complements pure financial metrics.

Challenges and Considerations

League Approvals and Regulatory Hurdles

Purchasing a professional franchise requires approval from other team owners and adherence to league governance policies. In the NFL, for example, a prospective buyer must secure the support of three‑quarters of existing owners and satisfy financial suitability standards established by the league office . Similar protocols exist in the NHL and MLS, often involving relocation restrictions, drafting rights, and revenue‑sharing agreements.

Market Competition and Risk Factors

High entry costs—often exceeding $1 billion for even minority stakes—mean that competition for franchises is fierce, with wealthy individuals and private equity firms vying for limited opportunities . Moreover, franchise valuations are sensitive to team performance, media rights deals, and macroeconomic conditions. A downturn in advertising revenue or an unexpected decline in attendance can impact operating income and, by extension, equity value.

Future Outlook

Synergy with Broadcasting and Endorsements

As Saban continues his broadcasting role on “College GameDay” and secures new endorsement deals, his public profile remains at an all‑time high . This visibility not only enhances his personal brand but also amplifies any team he invests in, potentially accelerating sponsorship agreements and merchandising partnerships.

Long‑Term Vision: A Diversified Portfolio

By combining stakes in automotive retail, professional sports, and automotive ventures abroad, Saban aims to build a diversified portfolio that balances steady cash flows with high‑growth assets . Should the group successfully acquire stakes in Tennessee franchises, their strategy could serve as a blueprint for multi‑sector investment leveraging celebrity status and disciplined partner selection.

Conclusion

Nick Saban’s pivot from college football dynast to multifaceted investor underscores a broader trend of sports icons parlaying their on‑field success into boardroom influence. From his bullish entry into the car‑dealership market to his ambitious pursuit of professional sports franchises, Saban’s post‑retirement trajectory reflects a blend of calculated risk, strategic partner alignment, and brand leverage. As league valuations continue to climb and the competitive landscape heats up, all eyes will be on whether he and his partners can translate gridiron precision into triumphant ownership across the business of sports.