Condoleezza Rice Joins Denver Broncos Incoming Ownership Group
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is reportedly joining the Denver Broncos’ incoming ownership group.
According to USA Today, Rice, who served in the presidential cabinet of George W. Bush, was added to the Walton-Penner family ownership group on Monday morning (July 11). She becomes another high-powered Black woman to the small group of investors that is headed by Walmart heir Rob Walton and his daughter and son-in-law. She joins Mellody Hobson, the co-CEO of Chicago-based Ariel Investments and also the chairwoman of Starbucks, as the only two non-family members known to be part of the Walton-Penner ownership group so far.
“We’re pleased to welcome former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to our ownership group,” Walton said in a statement, according to the news outlet. “A highly respected public servant, accomplished academic and corporate leader, Secretary Rice is well known as a passionate and knowledgeable football fan who has worked to make the sport stronger and better.”
Rice has experience in sports administration, serving on the College Football Playoff selection committee from 2013-2016. She also has connections to Denver and Colorado, as she lived in Denver during her childhood and holds undergraduate and doctoral degrees from the University of Denver.
"Football has been an integral part of my life since the moment it was introduced to me, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Broncos organization today," Rice said in a statement Monday. "I spent much of my younger years in Denver, so to be able to combine my love of the game with my love for this great city and team is an adventure of a lifetime and a great opportunity.”
The financial terms of Rice’s addition to the ownership group and potential role in the Broncos’ operation were not made immediately clear.
