Donald Trump once made a surprising move to join the ranks of NFL team owners.

In 2014, following the passing of Buffalo Bills founder and Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson, Trump submitted a $1 billion bid to purchase the team but ultimately lost out to a staggering $1.4 billion offer, as the Daily Mail reports.

In the aftermath of Wilson's death, the Buffalo Bills were put up for sale, attracting significant interest.

Among the finalists vying for ownership was billionaire businessman Trump, who placed a substantial bid of $1 billion in cash. Trump was one of three potential buyers considered for the team, which included a group led by musician Jon Bon Jovi.

Trump's Bid to Buy Bills

Trump's attempt to purchase the Bills was a notable intersection of sports and business. As he recalled on the YouTube show Bussin' With The Boys, Trump emphasized his serious interest in acquiring the team, explaining, "I bid $1 billion dollars, and I put up a letter of credit."

Although he acknowledged that others might not have seen his bid as a serious attempt, he says the $1 billion offer underscored his commitment.

The endeavor for the Buffalo Bills was not as successful as Trump had hoped. Terry and Kim Pegula, who already owned the NHL's Buffalo Sabres, managed to outbid Trump with a winning offer of $1.4 billion. Trump acknowledged the Pegulas' bid, saying, "Pegula bid $1.4 billion -- so it's $400m more."

Reflecting on the outcome, Trump praised Terry Pegula, calling him "a very nice guy," and admitted, "I think he's terrific. I think he's done a great job with that team."

Pegulas' Ownership Brings New Draft Pick

Under the Pegulas' ownership, the Buffalo Bills made strategic moves to strengthen their team. In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Bills selected Josh Allen, a promising quarterback, with their seventh overall pick.

While Allen was initially expected to be chosen as the top draft pick, Buffalo secured him later in the selection process.

Trump took note of the Pegulas' decision to draft Allen, praising the move. He commented on Allen's performance, stating, "He's an exciting quarterback but he's a great one... the Bills picked him.” Allen's choice was significant, as it demonstrated the Pegulas' forward-thinking strategy in shaping the team’s future.

Terry Pegula's handling of the situation surrounding Allen's past social media posts also drew notice. Despite the controversy, Pegula remained committed to Allen's potential, taking him on what Trump described as "an apology tour."

Trump Reflects on Buffalo Bid Experience

Looking back on his attempt to buy the Bills, Trump expressed mixed feelings. He noted that the location in Buffalo might have influenced his chances, saying, "I thought I might get it because it was in Buffalo which was having some troubles..." Despite this, Pegula’s superior bid secured the team.

Though Trump did not succeed in purchasing the Bills, his involvement in the bidding process highlighted his business acumen and interest in sports ventures. In the present day, Trump's focus is on a different pursuit: running for president against Kamala Harris in the upcoming election.

The former presidential term and his past ventures into sports and other industries add layers to Trump's public persona, illustrating a diverse portfolio of interests. Despite the loss in 2014, Trump remains an influential figure on the national stage.

The Impact of Missed Opportunities

The Pegulas have since continued to make their mark on the Buffalo sports scene, holding ownership of both the Bills and the Sabres, the NHL team based in the city. Their combined involvement contrasts with what might have been, had Trump's bid for the Bills succeeded.

Although the bidding war for the team concluded a decade ago, it remains a point of interest, especially as Trump runs for office once again. The question of what might have happened if Trump had become an NFL owner lingers in the minds of many.

Ultimately, Trump's near-experience with NFL ownership and the Pegulas' subsequent impact on the Bills reflect the often-unpredictable nature of business and sports transactions.