|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Vinod Khosla is part of a group of executives with Atherton and Portola Valley connections who purchased a non-controlling stake in the San Francisco 49ers in May at the largest valuation in NFL history.
Although the valuation and terms of the sale were not publicly reported, Sports Business Journal reported that the football franchise was valued at $8.6 billion, the highest in NFL history, as part of the sale. The value could actually be higher if a controlling stake was sold.
While the reason for the sale was not publicly reported, it comes at a “high-profile time” for the franchise, according to a press release from the 49ers. In 2026, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara will host both Super Bowl LX and six FIFA World Cup matches.
After making it to the Super Bowl during the 2023 season, the team had a “disastrous” 2024 season and finished last in the NFC West division.
Portola Valley resident Neal Khosla and his father Vinod Khosla purchased a combined 3.1% of the NFL franchise. Based on the franchise’s valuation, the purchase price of the Khosla family’s share was $266.6 million. Neal Khosla is the founder and CEO of Palo Alto-based health care company Curai Health. Vinod Khosla has a net worth of $8.4 billion, according to Forbes. He is most well known for co-founding Sun Microsystems with his classmates from Stanford University. After it was sold, he founded venture capital firm Khosla Ventures in Menlo Park.
Atherton resident Byron Deeter and his wife, Allison Deeter, purchased 2.1% of the franchise. Based on the reported valuation, it cost $180.6 million. Byron Deeter is a partner at San Francisco-based venture capital and private equity firm Bessemer Venture Partners. The pair both serve on the board of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation.
Atherton resident Will Griffith and his wife, Calla Griffith, purchased the smallest stake of 1% at a cost of about $86 million. Will Griffith is a partner at San Francisco-based investment company ICONIQ. The couple purchased an Atherton home for $20 million in 2020, according to The Real Deal.
While the families purchased a combined 6.2% of the franchise, 49ers CEO Jed York still owns an estimated 91% of the franchise, valued at $7.83 billion.
“Together with my family and our partners, we are deeply committed to investing in the future of this organization, enhancing the fan experience and supporting the region we’re proud to call home,” York said in a press release.
Guest Opinion: Has the Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees lost its way?February 1, 2026 1:50 pm