Broncos Owners Acquire Stake in Rockies, Sparking Questions About Denver Sports Future

The Penner Sports Group's investment in the Colorado Rockies raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the future of both franchises.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:54am

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The Penner Sports Group, owners of the Denver Broncos, have acquired a 40% minority stake in the Colorado Rockies baseball team. This move provides a significant financial boost to the Rockies, allowing them to retire outstanding debts and invest in the team's infrastructure. However, it remains unclear how involved the Penners will be in the day-to-day operations of the Rockies, given their primary focus on the Broncos.

Why it matters

This cross-sport ownership deal highlights a growing trend in professional sports, where owners are diversifying their investments across multiple franchises. While this can provide financial stability, it also raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the level of commitment owners can provide to each team.

The details

The Penner Sports Group, led by the Penner family, has acquired a 40% minority stake in the Colorado Rockies, making them the largest minority stakeholder under the Monfort family's majority ownership. The deal is estimated to be worth around $672 million, providing a significant financial boost to the Rockies. The Penners have stated that their primary focus will remain on the Denver Broncos, and they will not be taking on daily responsibilities with the Rockies.

  • The Rockies officially announced the deal on April 11, 2026.
  • The Rockies' payroll for the 2026 season is $117 million, ranking 21st in the league, a slight decrease from their 2025 opening figure of $122 million.

The players

Penner Sports Group

The ownership group of the Denver Broncos, which has now acquired a 40% minority stake in the Colorado Rockies.

Monfort Family

The majority owners of the Colorado Rockies, who have welcomed the Penner Sports Group as a minority stakeholder.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to partner with the Monfort family and contribute to the future success of the Rockies. Our primary focus remains on the Broncos, but we believe this investment will provide valuable resources to help the Rockies reach their full potential.”

— Penner Sports Group

What’s next

The Rockies' performance and the level of involvement from the Penner Sports Group will be closely watched in the coming seasons to see how this cross-sport ownership deal impacts both franchises.

The takeaway

This investment highlights the growing trend of cross-sport ownership in professional sports, which can provide financial stability but also raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the ability of owners to fully commit to multiple franchises. The success of this partnership will be closely monitored by sports fans and industry analysts alike.