Pegula Pays Whopping Amount: Adam Schefter first reported, now several others are also reporting, that the Pegulas paid a whopping $1.4 Billion for the Bills. That shatters the previous high of $1.1 Billion for the Dolphins that included the stadium. The Browns went for $1 Billion a few years ago while the Jaguars sold for just around $700 Million a few years back.
Trump Statement: Donald Trump released a statement to the Buffalo News as well on the sale saying: "It was my great honor to have the opportunity to bid on the Buffalo Bills football team. A large part of the reason for my bid was to ensure that the team remained in Buffalo. I would like to congratulate the Pegula family on what will be, I am sure, a wonderful purchase. I would also like to congratulate the fans, no doubt, that the team will now remain in your wonderful city."
Pegula's Statement: After the Bills made it official, Terry Pegula released their own statment regarding the sale: “Kim and I are humbled and honored that the Wilson family has chosen us to be the second owner of the Buffalo Bills. Pending the NFL approval process, being the next owner of the Buffalo Bills would be a great privilege for our family. Ralph Wilson left an indelible mark on our community and we will strive every day to honor his legacy. Our interest in owning the Bills has everything to do with the people of Western New York and our passion for football. We have knowledgeable, dedicated fans here and along with our ownership of the Buffalo Sabres, it is gratifying to reassure these great fans that two franchises so important to our region are both here to stay. We are grateful to Senator Chuck Schumer and Governor Andrew Cuomo for their support and desire to keep our Bills in Western New York where they belong and to our team of professional advisors at Allen & Company and Sherrard, German & Kelly. We would also like to thank the staffs of the NFL and the Bills for helping to guide us through the sale process. We now look ahead to the NFL review process in accordance with League policy. If awarded final approval, we will be driven to achieve a singular goal: To win a Super Bowl for our fans. Out of respect for the continuing sale process, until League approval is attained, we will have no further comment.”
Bills Make Sale Official: The Bills have announced in a statement that they have agreed to sell the team to the Pegula Family, the statement read: Subject to the approval of NFL owners, the agreement calls for the Pegula family to acquire all interest in the Buffalo Bills franchise from the Wilson trust. The process for the sale of the Buffalo Bills has taken a significant step forward today as a definitive agreement has been reached between the trust of the late Pro Football Hall of Famer Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. and the Pegula family, owners of the Buffalo Sabres and lead developers of Buffalo’s HarborCenter. Subject to the approval of the NFL owners and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the definitive agreement calls for the Pegula family to acquire all of the interest in the Buffalo Bills franchise from the Wilson trust. The parties intend to submit the agreement for approval by the NFL owners at their meeting in New York City on October 8. Buffalo Bills Controlling Owner Mary Wilson said, “This is a very important day in the history of the Buffalo Bills franchise. Ralph brought professional football to Buffalo in 1959 and it was his life’s passion. He loved his team and he cherished the fans and his legacy will remain for all-time. Ralph would have been pleased with the sale of the team to the Terry Pegula family, who has been so committed to Buffalo and the Western New York region. I sincerely wish Terry and Kim Pegula all the best with the Buffalo Bills and I’m happy for all Bills fans. Our hope is that this great franchise brings them as much excitement and joy as it did for Ralph and that they bring home a Super Bowl championship for Bills fans everywhere. Go Bills!”
Schumer Statement: As a very influential member of the United States Senate Chuck Schumer has been very active behind the scenes to ensure the team will stay in Western New York. Here is his statement on the sale: “Today’s announcement is great news for Western New York, the Bills, and their passionate fans, who will now be able to breathe a huge sigh of relief. The Pegulas are the perfect choice to carry on Ralph Wilson’s indelible legacy – like Ralph, they have a true commitment to Western New York, are people of serious integrity, and will be excellent owners. Most importantly, based on extensive conversations I have had with Terry over the past few months, he and Kim are deeply committed to keeping the Buffalo Bills in Western New York for generations to come. I commend the Bills’ leadership, and especially Mrs. Wilson and Jeff Littman, for selecting the Pegulas, and for the thought and care they put into this entire sale process. I look forward to working with Terry and Kim in the weeks, months, and years ahead to ensure a speedy confirmation by the NFL and to help keep the Bills playing – and winning – in Western New York for many, many years to come.”
Bon Jovi Statement: Jon Bon Jovi released a quick statement through the Buffalo News regarding the sale of the Bills to the Pegulas: "On behalf of Myself, Larry Tanenbaum and Edward Rogers, we wish Terry and Kim Pegula all the best as they continue the legacy and tradition of the Buffalo Bills and the Wilson family."
Cuomo Statement: Governor Cuomo released the following statement about the agreement to sell the team to the Pegulas: “From day one, keeping the Bills in Buffalo has been one of our administration’s top priorities, and reports that Terry and Kim Pegula have been chosen as the team’s new owners highlight a tremendous step toward making that goal a reality. The Bills are an integral part of Western New York, from its economy to its culture, and as the team’s new owners the Pegulas will ensure that the Bills remain at the core of the region’s identity – just as the late Ralph Wilson, Jr. did for 54 years. Terry and Kim have already shown their commitment to the region through the Buffalo Sabres and the construction of the HarborCenter development, and I look forward to working with them in the years to come to keep the Bills in Buffalo, where they belong.”
It's Pegula's Team!!! Tim Graham of the Buffalo News reported a tentative agreement has been reached for Terry and Kim Pegula to buy the team. Joe Buscaglia of WGR reports that league sources tell him its a done deal pending approval from the finance committee when they meet next week and the owners in their meeting in October. Other outlets also reporting it is a done deal. Forbes reports the deal is worth $1.1 Billion which would be the most for a franchise. The Dolphins also went for that amount of money but it included the stadium. This is the best news for Bills fans all over the world as it guarantees the team will stay where it belongs in Western New York. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network is reporting Kim Pegula is expected to take a large role in the running of the team. Jeff Russo of WKBW reports a formal announcement will come today.
Huge Win In Chi Town: It was an unbelievable experience going to Chicago and seeing a great city and an even greater win. Tony Bogyo gives us his first weekly column of the season talking about how huge this win was and how it is a win to build on. Complete Story.
Pegula Reportedly On The Verge: Things are moving fast and furious on the sale front and a candidate could be picked as early as today. Several reports say that candidate is the Pegulas. Adam Schefter reports he is on the verge of being picked and several other media outlets are reporting the same thing. If chosen, he would then go to the NFL Finance committee for approval before having to be approved by 24 of the 31 NFL owners which could come as early as the October owners meeting. Binding bids were due yesterday at 5pm and Donald Trump and the Bon Jovi Toronto group also submitted bids. The trust reportedly is placing in emphasis on bids that would have no problem getting approved and would have a clean sale process. The Pegulas would likely pay cash for the team and should have little problem getting approved. The team reportedly will sell for over $1 Billion and could be the most expensive sale of an NFL team ever.
Monday September 8, 2014
Bradham Activated: The Bills have added Nigel Bradham to the active roster and released DE Jacques Smith who did not play in the 23-20 overtime win over the Bears on Sunday. Aaron Williams left the game with concussion like symptoms and will receive the concussion protocol that the league has. Stephon Gilmore missed the game and is day to day with his groin injury. Keith Rivers left with a groin injury.
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