Total ownership bids may be more than six

[Mr. Scot]

So here's information from the WCNC report that was posted yesterday on their website: Six bidders in the running to buy Panthers

Quote

“We currently hear there are about six bidders, so for those who are interested, I think things will start changing," James Mitchell told NBC Charlotte’s Rad Berky.

Mitchell said while much of the drama to date about the sale has played out in private, he expects things could change as early as next week.

“We were told very early that things will pick up after the Super Bowl, so I do think, starting Monday, things will change,” said Mitchell.

Since then, the Observer has posted and updated their own story:  New Panthers Owner could have tough time moving out of Charlotte

Quote

The sale of Richardson’s franchise is proceeding, and some interested parties have already signed confidentiality agreements as they move forward with the process.

Bankers have said the next step is for possible buyers to formally indicate their interest in bidding for the team. The Panthers’ bankers would then work to narrow down that list for further discussions.

Reports that the field of prospective buyers has been narrowed to six were inaccurate, sources told the Observer. On the contrary, the process is just getting started, a person familiar with the matter but unauthorized to speak on the record said.

City Councilman James Mitchell said he knows of “up to six potential bidders that have shown interest.” But to his knowledge, Mitchell added, the field “has not been narrowed.”

So a councilman says "up to six, but a source says that the field has not yet been narrowed to six.

More from the Observer...

Quote

Marc Ganis, a Chicago-based sports consultant who is close with Goodell and Richardson, said narrowing down the formal list of potential buyers usually doesn’t happen this quickly.

“You may have an idea of who’s serious and who isn’t,” Ganis said Wednesday. “But a few weeks into a process, it’s typically a little more time than that.”

Given what Ganis says here, I'm not sure how seriously to take this last bit.

Quote

Mitchell, citing a source he declined to name, said the process is expected to pick up quickly after the Super Bowl, and that new ownership could be in place by the time the NFL draft rolls around in April.

But potential bidders are not approaching Charlotte City Council, Mitchell said.

“They haven’t worked with us at all,” he told the Observer. “We have no leverage in this whatsoever.”

My primary read on this: There are more than six groups currently attempting to bid on the Panthers, but some of them aren't going to pass inspection.

One other thing: If you've seen Roger Goodell's comments about keeping the Panthers in the Charlotte market, you should be encouraged, but you should also read between the lines.

Goodell had a lot of "that's the plan" and "this is what we hope" type of sayings in his answers, but stopped short of sating anything definitive.

FYI: The linked articles are both pretty informative and worth the read.

[Bj-Monster23]

To be honest I just don't see the team being moved like most seem to think for some reason. The question is to where? Where can the Carolina Panthers relocate to? I think it's a crazy idea but at this point I'm just ready for the team to be sold. 

[TheSpecialJuan]

great ....

[ickmule]

All I know is all of this sucks. I was ready for new ownership, but not the way this is going.  Since I have zero say in the matter I’m gonna practice not caring and see how that goes.  

[Jon Snow]

I know one thing. If the team movies I'm out.  I'm only rooting for the Carolina Panthers.  

[pnthrs]

As much as we are hungry for info this process will involve heavy NDA (non disclosure agreements) and what we do get will be third hand scraps. Some may have truth, some may have partial truth and some will just be public posturing (Felix Sabates). Hopefully we get a solid leak or announcement of a finalist soon. Other than that take it all with a grain of salt. 

 

Bids are worthless. Certified bids who are allowed to enter the diligence period after financial verification are who will matter. 

 

JR is done with publicity. He won't deal with a group with loud mouths dragging this process through the media until a deal is solid. 

[LordOfDaWingz]

I had noticed that Goodell didn't say anything definitive as well which made me a little uneasy. However, I do think the city is willing to do whatever to keep the Panthers in Charlotte. Next week shall be interesting but I hope whoever the next owner is that they work with the city in staying here. Also, hope the other owners want the Panthers to remain here as well.

[Riverboat Ron]

If the Panthers move I'm done with the NFL.

[Doyle]

They aren’t moving you guys are victims of click bait.  

[Pejorative Miscreant]

what qualifies as a "potential bidder that has shown interest"?

Dude dedicated a whole thread on this the other day so he must be one of the six, right?

[Snake]

Salt Lake city Panthers! 

[Mr. Scot]

7 minutes ago, Pejorative Miscreant said:

what qualifies as a "potential bidder that has shown interest"?

Dude dedicated a whole thread on this the other day so he must be one of the six, right?

Someone who has at least a billion and a half dollars immediately available (no financing) and who won't be bankrupted by spending it.

Basically, that's a small list.

[Mr. Scot]

I don't believe the team will relocate.

I firmly believe the spectre of relocation will be used to try and gain leverage with city and state government officials.

And I believe it'll work.

[NanuqoftheNorth]

These unfounded rumors/concerns about the Panthers leaving Charlotte just provides the NFL and any new billionaire owner with the ammunition needed to bend local and state taxpayers over a barrel.