Caleb Williams, the quarterback of the Chicago Bears, has expressed interest in investing in a Formula 1 team as part of his broader strategy to build a business portfolio beyond football.
Williams, who is currently under a four-year, $39 million rookie contract, stated in an interview that Formula 1 is one of his favorite sports and that he hopes to enter the category as an investor in the future.
Expanding Beyond the Field
Williams is already active in the investment space through his fund, 888 Midas. His portfolio includes stakes in women’s sports ventures such as teams in the NWSL and investment groups like Monarch Collective, which has interests in multiple sports franchises and expansion projects, including a WNBA team in Cleveland.
Outside of sports, he has also invested in companies like Fruitist, a berry-focused business that has experienced significant revenue growth in recent years.
Formula 1 as a High-Value Investment
Investing in Formula 1 is a capital-intensive move. The average valuation of an F1 team is estimated at around $3.4 billion, making ownership stakes accessible primarily through partnerships, private equity groups, or consortium investments rather than individual purchases.
If Williams proceeds, he would be following a growing trend of athletes becoming stakeholders in F1 teams, similar to NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, who invested in the Alpine F1 Team through a broader investment group.
A Broader Athlete Investment Trend
Williams’ ambitions reflect a wider shift among elite athletes who are increasingly diversifying their income streams during their playing careers rather than waiting until retirement.
This approach mirrors the paths taken by iconic sports figures such as Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, who built substantial wealth through ownership stakes, endorsements, and business ventures alongside or after their playing careers.
Williams has emphasized that he prefers to begin building his business portfolio early, using his platform as an active NFL player to establish long-term financial growth opportunities.
Strategic Outlook
If Williams successfully secures an investment in a Formula 1 team, it would further strengthen the growing crossover between major U.S. sports leagues and global motorsport ownership. It would also highlight Formula 1’s increasing appeal as an asset class for high-profile investors and athlete-entrepreneurs.
For Williams, the move would not only diversify his portfolio but also position him within an elite group of athletes who have successfully transitioned into business leadership while still competing at the highest level.