Charlotte Braces For Panthers Next Move

CHARLOTTE, NC — With a playoffs loss, all eys are on the future of the Carolina Panthers.

Questions now loom over ownership and if the team will stay in Charlotte.

“This is an interesting proposition for us because, of course, we love that team, and we want them to stay here,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.

Mayor Lyles says it’s out of council’s hands.

“They’re important to our state, our region, and our city,” said Mayor Lyles. “And yet, the ownership will make that decision in collaboration with the NFL.”

Panthers Owner and Founder Jerry Richardson announced three weeks ago that he would sell the team at the end of the season.

What’s unclear is if that meant the end of the season for the Panthers or after the Super Bowl.

The NFL says potential buyers should already be putting together bids.

“It’s going to be different. It’s going to be weird, to be honest,” said Head Coach Ron Rivera.

Rivera says he hopes the owner keeps the team in Charlotte.

“I think we have things in place that makes this an ideal location for a football team, and I think we’ve proven it over our 20 plus years,” said Rivera.

Charlotte businessman Felix Sabates is helping organize a local group of potential investors.

Charlotte native and basketball star Steph Curry says he’s interested, too.

“I got people that are plugged in and trying to see how to make that happen, so,” said Curry. “To be a part of something that represents Charlotte so well, my hometown.”

There’s concern an outside owner would want to move the team to a city willing to build a new stadium.

Mayor Lyles would not comment on a new stadium but says the team is valuable in so many ways.

“We love you and we want you to stay home,” said Mayor Lyles.