Denver Buddies: Rockies tap Broncos owners as minority partners

The Colorado Rockies are bringing in Denver Broncos owners Greg and Carrie Walton Penner with a minority investment from Penner Sports Group. Rockies Chairman and CEO Dick Monfort and owner/general partner Charlie Monfort announced the deal Friday. This was approved by Major League Baseball. The Penner Group is buying about 40 percent of the Rockies, a person with knowledge of the situation said. This person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the figure has not been released. The group becomes the largest minority partner in the Rockies, a team that Forbes values ​​at $1.68 billion. Dick and Charlie Monfort will continue their roles, with Walker Monfort serving as team president. The organization said the investment allows the club to “remove all outstanding debts” in addition to providing an enhanced experience at Coors Field. “Greg and Carrie have proven that they share the same passion for our region and a strong commitment to competing at the highest level,” Dick Monfort said in a statement. “We are excited to add them to the Colorado Rockies ownership group as we best position this franchise for long-term sustainable success.” The Rockies are off to a 6-7 start to the season. They made some big changes this offseason after a third straight year with 100 or more losses. The front office is now led by Paul DePodesta, president of baseball operations, and general manager Josh Byrnes. The Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group purchased the Broncos from the Pat Bowlen Trust in August 2022 for a then-record $4.65 billion. Walmart heir Rob Walton also owns it, while Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, Mellody Hobson and former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are limited partners. Denver made it to the AFC Championship Game last season before losing 10-7 to the New England Patriots. “While we remain firmly focused on the Broncos, we look forward to being supportive, long-term partners of the Rockies and Major League Baseball,” the Penners said in a joint statement. “We have enjoyed getting to know the Monforts and are grateful to join Dick and Charlie in the Rockies ownership group with the other partners.” Associated Press reporting.