The New England Patriots franchise became successful when Robert Kraft bought the team. The paper and media investor became a fan of the Patriots when the team came into being in 1959. Before the establishment of the Patriots, Kraft had been a football fan of the New York Giants. Kraft switched allegiance to the Patriots and bought his first season ticket in 1971.
There are very few fans who can take control of the franchise they support. Robert Kraft completed his studies at Columbia University and Harvard Business School. After college, Robert Kraft built a successful financial career. Kraft led the Rand-Whitney Group to success as its leader. Long-term success followed Kraft in the media and real estate sectors. The season ticket holder made strategic real estate purchases to achieve his dream of NFL ownership.
Kraft bought his first parcel of land beside the Patriots stadium in 1985. Kraft understood the franchise was insecure. Several real estate purchases followed that made Kraft the major landowner. Robert Kraft was willing to bide his time to make the right moves to become the owner of the historic franchise. In 1988, the Patriots’ landlord was in bankruptcy court. Robert Kraft bid $25 million for the stadium and became the new owner. The move made Kraft the landlord of the team and allowed him to wield considerable power.
The MLS franchise purchased media companies in the Northeast throughout the 80s. Ticket sales had fallen to a level that blocked the Patriots from live TV broadcasts. Kraft was preparing the ground by buying TV and radio stations. Kraft continued to wait to buy the franchise into the 1990s. The entrepreneur refused to break the Patriots’ lease to allow the team to leave the area. Kraft bought the franchise for a record $175 million. Kraft started the most successful era of the Patriots franchise. See related link to learn more.
More about Kraft on https://www.forbes.com/profile/robert-kraft/