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The Green Bay Packers are planning to launch their much-discussed stock sale as soon as next week, with the price expected to be higher than the previous stock sale in 1997-'98.

The new information, contained in a securities filing in the state of Utah, also outlines a number of new wrinkles that will be of interest to Packers fans who want to buy stock in the franchise, the only publicly-owned franchise in professional football.

The story was first reported by Bloomberg News.

In an Oct. 13 letter to the Utah Department of Commerce, lawyers for the team explained a number of differences. For example, each share will likely be more than the $200 that was charged in 1997.

"It may be $250 a share," the letter states.

Second, entities, as opposed to individuals, may be allowed to buy shares, "but the price per share may be greater than the price per share to be paid by individuals." This would suggest that companies would buy stock, although the stock does not appreciate in value, pays no dividends and can't be sold. However, the franchise appears to be headed in the direction of only selling to individuals.

Finally, it appears the Packers will be offering the shares for sale online.

A Packers' spokesman declined comment, other than to say the franchise is continuing to work on the administrative aspects of a potential sale.

The franchise's lawyers have been checking in all 50 states to ensure the sale is legal. In addition, the federal Securities & Exchange Commission will be consulted.

In response to the Packers' request, Utah officials said they would not recommend any administrative action should the Packers move forward.

In Wisconsin, stock offerings must be registered under the Wisconsin Uniform Securities Law, unless they qualify for an exemption. A spokesman for the state Department of Financial Institutions said it was possible the Packers might not have to seek regulatory approval in Wisconsin because of the exemption.

Under the Wisconsin exemption, certain Wisconsin non-profits do not have to register, including athletic organizations. The Packers would seem to fall under that category.

The stock sale is part of an ambitious plan to raise money to expand Lambeau Field by approximately 6,600 seats. The expansion plan - expected to cost $143 million - is expected to be ready in time for the 2013 season.

The Packers have about 112,000 shareholders around the world. The franchise has sold shares four times in its history.