CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A new bidder has emerged interested in purchasing the Carolina Panthers, according reports from ESPN.
Billionaire Michael Rubin, majority owner and CEO of Kynetic, is considered a "serious bidder," according to ESPN.
Rubin, who is worth $3 billion according to Forbes, also has ownership stakes in the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils and the Premier League team Crystal Palace.
According to Forbes, after dropping out of Villanova University, Rubin started GSI Commerce, which he sold to eBay for $2.4 billion in 2011.
Rubin joins the growing list of potential bidders, including Ben Navarro, David Tepper and a local group.
The Charlotte Observer first reported that Ben Navarro was putting together a bid to buy the Panthers, and NFL Network’s Mike Garafola reported David Tepper’s interest.
Tepper is a minority owner for the Steelers and, according to Forbes, has a net worth of $11 billion. Navarro is listed as the CEO and owner of Sherman Financial Group, a debt collection agency in Charleston.
Charlotte businessman Felix Sabates also says his local group of investors still has a shot at buying the Panthers even though some deep-pocketed individuals have been mentioned as front runners in the bidding.
Sabates won’t name the other members of his group but NBC Charlotte has reported several NASCAR drivers, including Dale Earnhardt Jr, have expressed interest, as well as Charlotte Motor Speedway operator Bruton Smith and his son Marcus Smith.
Sabates told NBC Charlotte’s Rad Berky he knows there are others interested, some with more money than his group.
It may be a few months still before we see the Panthers team sale complete, it’s not likely the owners will discuss the sale and vote until the league meetings in May.