A billionaire who has inspired a turnaround in fortunes at a major college basketball program has announced his desire to buy a minority stake in the New York Jets.
Mike Repole, the 57-year-old founder of Vitaminwater and BodyArmor, has revealed he would jump at the chance to invest and join forces with owner Woody Johnson.
‘Honestly, I’d love to buy the Jets right now,’ Repole recently said on the ‘Portfolio Players’ podcast with Front Office Sports.
‘I’m not even a Jets fan, but I’d love to buy that franchise.
‘Again, one of the worst franchises out there. I don’t want to say “the worst” because Woody might see this one day. I’d love to help him out. I’d help him out for free, to be honest with you.’
Repole doubled down on his comment on X Saturday, writing: ‘Give me a call Woody. @nyjets
Billionaire Mike Repole has announced his desire to buy a minority stake in the New York Jets
Johnson has never shown any interest in selling the Jets or part of the team since taking over
The Jets fans have been starved of success and have not made the playoffs since 2011
‘Let’s make the Jets a winning franchise!!!!! The NY fans will love this. I’ll do it for FREE but I’ll buy 1% to 5%!!!! Let’s go Jets!!!!’
Johnson has never entertained offers to sell the Jets, or even a small part of the franchise, since buying it for $635million in 2000 from the estate of Leon Hess.Â
But the franchise is stuck in a rut and has become the laughing stock of the NFL in recent seasons. Last year, they finished 3-14 under first year head coach Aaron Glenn.
The Jets reached back-to-back AFC Championship games early in Johnson’s tenure but they are 85-160 under his ownership and have not made the playoffs since 2011.Â
But, if his record with St. John’s is anything to go by, maybe Repole could be the man to inject life into the Jets.
He has financed the resurgence of the Red Storm under head coach Rick Pitino with his wealth enabling the school to offer players lucrative NIL deals.
St. John’s has won back-to-back Big East titles and made it through to the Sweet 16 at the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1999.Â
