Huge Boost: Dean Spanos takes huge step toward doing what every Chargers fan dreams of

LA Chargers owner Dean Spanos hasn’t been particularly well-liked by fans, a sentiment that worsened when he moved the team from San Diego to Los Angeles—a decision that sparked ongoing calls from a significant portion of the fan base for the Spanos family to sell the franchise.

In recent years, however, Spanos has regained some favor by making major investments, including hiring Jim Harbaugh and developing a cutting-edge training facility aimed at supporting current players and attracting new talent.

Now, Spanos is hoping to turn that regained goodwill into financial gain. According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, the Chargers have requested approval to sell an 8% stake in the team to investment firm Arctos. Despite this sale, the Spanos family would maintain majority control with a 61% ownership share.

Dean Spanos gets one step closer to selling the Chargers

Does this mean the Spanos family is about to sell the Chargers? Not necessarily. This move appears to be more of a strategic financial decision, allowing the Spanos family to bring in capital by parting with a minority stake in the franchise.

Forbes currently values the Chargers at $5.1 billion, and with the Boston Celtics recently selling for over $6 billion, that figure could actually be an underestimate. Even at the $5.1 billion valuation, selling an 8% share would bring in about $408 million.

While this doesn’t confirm that the Spanos family plans to sell the team, it does mark the second time in a relatively short span that a portion of ownership has changed hands. In October, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores acquired a 27% stake following Dea Spanos Berberian’s sale of her 24% share.

The Spanos family has long maintained tight control over the Chargers, but that grip appears to be loosening. As Dean Spanos ages, the likelihood of the family eventually selling the team is increasing.

Despite the team making smart investments of late, many fans would likely welcome a change in ownership. The right owner can dramatically alter a franchise’s trajectory—as seen with the Washington Commanders following Dan Snyder’s exit.

That said, a sale isn’t expected in the immediate future. It’s likely Spanos remains in charge at least as long as Jim Harbaugh is head coach. Still, for the first time, the idea of the Spanos family selling the Chargers feels like a realistic possibility.