Tom Brady broadcast controversy, explained: How Raiders ownership stake has created conflict of interest

David Suggs

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Tom Brady broadcast controversy, explained: How Raiders ownership stake has created conflict of interest image

As a player, Tom Brady earned plenty of praise — and arguably even more criticism.

The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star lit up the field during his 22-year career, dazzling with precise footwork, a sharp football IQ, and a cannon of an arm. Yet for all his accolades, Brady was also seen as someone willing to bend the rules to gain an edge.

From the 2007 Spygate scandal to 2015's Deflategate, controversy often trailed Brady — even when he wasn’t directly implicated.

That perception hasn’t faded in retirement. Brady remains a lightning rod for debate, with his roles in broadcasting and his ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders — and the potential conflicts of interest those entail — drawing recent scrutiny.

Here’s what you need to know about the latest controversy that could tarnish Brady’s legacy.

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Tom Brady broadcast controversy

Brady has become an increasingly polarizing figure since stepping away from the playing field in 2022.

His rise to Fox's lead broadcast booth played a significant role. He joined the network ahead of the 2024 season, signing a 10-year, $375 million deal.

Brady’s move into broadcasting was largely anticipated, taking shape a year before he donned the analyst headset. His foray into team ownership, however, was less predictable. In October 2024, the league approved the sale of a 10% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders — valued at $220 million — to Brady and his business partner, Tom Wagner. Brady acquired a 5% share of the franchise through the deal.

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Brady wasn't allowed to attend production meetings during the 2024 season. He was also restricted from excessively criticizing referees or other teams during broadcasts.

These "Brady Rules" were seen as a buffer to avoid suggestions that Brady's position would present a conflict of interest for him. They came tumbling down ahead of Super Bowl 59, with Brady joining production meetings before the game. Brady was given view restrictions in the 2025 season, although he isn't allowed to visit other teams' facilities as a broadcaster.

During ESPN's broadcast of the Raiders' "Monday Night Football" clash against the Chargers in Week 2, insider Peter Schrager reported that Brady speaks with Las Vegas offensive coordinator two to three times a week.

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"They go through film. They go through the game plan," Schrager said. "And Brady is a luxury for the coaches. Who else has an owner who has been there and done that?"

Footage of the report — and ensuing discussion from Schrager, Dan Orlovsky, Louis Riddick and Chris Fowler — went viral, further fueling concerns that Brady was engaging in some malfeasance. Former Raiders boss Antonio Pierce did little to assuage those fears while speaking on Adam Schein's Mad Dog Sports Radio Show on Sept. 18.

Pierce alleged that Brady offered him and his coaching staff illicit tips throughout the 2024 season. He also hinted that he wouldn't be surprised if Brady does the same going forward.

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“It’s not hard for him to watch a few things on a Friday practice or hear things in a production meeting and be like, ‘Hmm,’ and have tidbits," Pierce said. "And you’d be foolish enough to think that he’s not gonna share that with the Raiders because we had those conversations about certain things. He was very informative about things that he knew or he felt and that’s why you bring a guy like Tom Brady into your organization to be a minority owner.”

“I would be nervous,” Pierce added, admitting he wouldn't trust the arrangement if he was on an opposition coaching staff. “I think I would be tight lipped, which I think most head coaches are when they go into production meetings. They watch it. I think on Fridays, if he happens to be there on a Friday practice, you might want to limit some things. I just think that’s a fact."

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Kelly later disputed the report, according to Front Office Sports, saying that Brady is not involved in the team's game plans.

“I don’t know what was said on the broadcast because we don’t watch the games. But Tom’s involvement with me is — I spend a lot of time just talking football with him,” Kelly said in his press conference. “But it’s not on a — we don’t talk about game plans.”

Tom Brady ownership restrictions

Brady was barred from participating in production meetings — virtual or in-person — during the 2024 season. He was also denied access to other teams' personnel and facilities, privileges typically granted to other broadcasters.

The so-called "Brady Rules" also prohibited the future Hall of Famer from criticizing game officials or opposing teams too harshly on-air.

Some restrictions were eased ahead of the 2025 season. Brady still cannot enter other teams' facilities or observe their practices, and he must remain cautious when discussing referees or rival squads.

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But he is now granted access to production meetings, albeit with a minor caveat: Brady can meet players and coaches ahead of a game, provided that the meeting is either virtual or off-site.

How much of Raiders does Tom Brady own?

Brady owns a sliver of the Raiders — just 5% stake in the franchise.

During a 2024 conference call aheaf of Super Bowl 59, he claimed that his relationship with Las Vegas is "much more of a long-term, kind of behind-the-scenes type role."

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"I'm there to support the team and the leadership and the overall vision for the success," Brady said.  "I think the best part for me is I love football so much," Brady added. "And the fact that I get to be involved with it for the rest of my life and to showcase this great game, not just as a broadcaster, which is obviously one way, but in a limited partner role with an organization, it's something I hope a lot of other players get the opportunity to do."

How much did Tom Brady pay for the Raiders?

Brady and partner Tom Wagner shelled out $220 million to land 10% stake in the Raiders. They split their ownership stake halfway, meaning Brady owns 5% and Wagner owns 5%. It's unclear how much of the price tag was put up by each party. But it's clear Brady and Wagner were willing to spend millions to land a portion of the Sin City franchise.

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David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.