JUST IN: Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Plans $6 Billion Purchase of South Carolina Gamecocks
In a shocking turn of events, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has reportedly set his sights on expanding his sports empire by purchasing the University of South Carolina’s Gamecocks athletic program for a staggering $6 billion. If the deal goes through, it would mark an unprecedented shift in college sports ownership, raising questions about the future of NCAA governance and private ownership in collegiate athletics.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Jones sees the move as a way to revolutionize college sports, applying his NFL business acumen to boost the Gamecocks’ national profile. “Jerry has always been about big moves,” said an anonymous insider. “He believes college football is ready for a new era—one that brings in the kind of financial power and media influence seen in professional sports.”
The University of South Carolina has yet to confirm the reports, but speculation has been growing in recent months about the potential for large-scale private investments in college athletics. In 2024, the school announced plans to develop over 800 acres around Williams-Brice Stadium into a multi-purpose entertainment and sports district. Some believe this development could have paved the way for outside investors like Jones.
If the deal materializes, it could set a precedent for other wealthy owners and investors to look into college sports as a potential market for expansion. The NCAA has long resisted commercial takeovers, but with the ongoing debate over athlete compensation and conference realignment shaking up college football, some experts argue that private ownership could become a future trend.
Fans and alumni are divided on the prospect of Jones taking over the program. While some see his track record with the Cowboys as proof of his ability to elevate a sports franchise, others worry about the commercialization of college athletics. “College football has always been about tradition and school pride,” said longtime South Carolina fan Mark Ellison. “If this happens, it could change the game forever—for better or worse.”
Jones, who purchased the Cowboys in 1989 for $140 million and turned them into the most valuable sports franchise in the world, is no stranger to high-stakes investments. His ability to generate massive revenue through sponsorship deals and media rights could bring unprecedented financial resources to the Gamecocks program.
However, significant legal and regulatory hurdles remain. NCAA rules currently do not allow private ownership of college athletic programs, and such a deal would likely require major reforms. Additionally, the University of South Carolina is a public institution, meaning any sale or financial partnership of this scale would have to go through state government approvals.
Despite these challenges, Jones appears undeterred. Reports indicate he has already been in preliminary discussions with university officials, as well as legal experts, to explore possible pathways for the acquisition. While some believe the deal is unlikely to go through, others say Jones’ influence and financial power could push the conversation forward in ways never before seen in college sports.
As the story continues to unfold, all eyes will be on both Jones and the University of South Carolina to see whether this ambitious move becomes a reality. If successful, it could mark the beginning of a new era in college athletics—one where the lines between amateur and professional sports become even more blurred.