Denver Broncos Officially For Sale: Bowlen Family Calls Ownership An 'Incredible Ride'

(CBS4) - The Denver Broncos are officially for sale. The Pat Bowlen Trust announced today the beginning of a sale process for the Denver Broncos -- and the trustees hope to have the sale completed by the start of the 2022 NFL season.

The Bowlen family issued a statement on social media on Tuesday, expressing their gratitude for their time with the team:

"When Pat Bowlen purchased the Denver Broncos in 1984 with the help of his siblings—John, Bill and Marybeth—he set out with the goal of being No. 1 in everything. Over the past 38 seasons, his vision enabled the Broncos to become champions on and off the field.

"With today beginning the Broncos' transition to new ownership, our family is overwhelmed with gratitude for what this organization and community have meant to us. There are truly no words to express our deep appreciation to all of Broncos Country for its unwavering support during the past four decades.

"We will forever cherish Pat's leadership as a Hall of Fame Owner and CEO, guiding the Broncos to three World Championships, seven Super Bowls, 13 AFC West titles and 21 winning seasons. Off the field, Pat ensured his team gave back to the Denver community with the same passion that Broncos fans displayed every Sunday in the fall.

"Nothing Pat accomplished would have been possible without the players, whom he loved dearly. Thank you to those who proudly wore the Broncos jersey over the years for your commitment to winning and serving our community.

"Our family is eternally grateful for the coaches, support staff and team employees for all of their contributions. Thank you for your countless sacrifices and dedication to the Broncos.

"Pat used to say the Broncos belonged to the fans and that ultimately this was their team. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for this incredible ride. It has been the honor of our lifetime.

"All of us know that the impact of "Mr. B" will live on with the Broncos and in the hearts, minds and memories of the fans.

"We will always cheer for the Orange and Blue. Go Broncos!"

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"The Broncos are a special franchise that is part of the fabric of this region, and whoever emerges as the new owner will certainly understand what the team means to our great fans and this community," stated Joe Ellis, president of the Denver Broncos.

Getting to that final sale though, will involve many steps and the approval of 24 other NFL team owners. It's a complicated and often confidential process that hasn't happened for the team in 38 years.

The Broncos have retained Steve Greenberg of Allen & Company as their financial advisor and Joe Leccese of Proskauer Rose LLP as their legal advisor for the transition of ownership.