Bidding for the Carolina Panthers has now reached $2.5 billion dollars, which would be a record for the sale of a U.S. pro sports franchise. That's according to Bloomberg News, which cites sources familiar with the bidding.
Bloomberg reports the high price has prompted at least one bidder to drop out — billionaire Michael Rubin, chairman of sports apparel maker Fanatics. Rubin wouldn't comment to the news service.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg and The Charlotte Observerreport a new bidder has emerged — Alan Kestenbaum, the CEO of private equity firm Bedrock Industries.
Bloomberg reports several other potential buyers are still in the picture, including Jim Goodnight, the CEO of SAS Institute in Cary.
Current Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson put the team up for sale in December after the NFL announced an investigation into allegations of workplace harassment.