A prominent Charlotte businessman is expressing interest in buying the Carolina Panthers with a group of investors.

Current Panthers owner, Jerry Richardson, announced on Sunday that he'd put the NFL team up for sale at the conclusion of this season following scathing reports accusing him of sexual and racial misconduct.

Felix Sabates says he already has four other investors who are committed to buying the Panthers and he hopes others will sign on with the group.

Sabates also says he believes a new stadium would be crucial for the venture's success, but has also expressed commitment to keeping the team in the Queen City.

He's also said he has doubts that the state would be much help in a private-public funding agreement, so some of the cost would fall on Charlotte and Mecklenburg County taxpayers.

Charlotte's Mayor, Vi Lyles, has made no public comment because, according to a spokesperson, the team has not yet been sold and no request for public funding has been made.

Jerry Richardson has said that the team will not entertain any bids until the final game of this football season has been played. Despite that, there has been much speculation surrounding who the new owner(s) could be.