Changes

Because of the lack of on-field success the team was rumored to be a candidate for relocation, and may well have moved were it not for the actions of Robert Kraft, a local businessman and long time season ticket owner.  Through a series of moves, Kraft was ultimately able to buy the team outright:

Because of the lack of on-field success the team was rumored to be a candidate for relocation, and may well have moved were it not for the actions of Robert Kraft, a local businessman and long time season ticket owner.  Through a series of moves, Kraft was ultimately able to buy the team outright:

*First, Kraft purchased an option on Foxboro Raceway, a horse-racing track; his ownership prevented the Patriots from operating non-team events at Schafer Stadium (located adjacent to the track) when races where being held (the team owned the stadium, but not the land).

*First, Kraft purchased an option on Foxboro Raceway, a horse-racing track; his ownership prevented the Patriots from operating non-team events at Schafer Stadium (located adjacent to the track) when races where being held (the team owned the stadium, but not the land).

*Second, Kraft purchased Schaefer Stadium for $22 million out of bankruptcy court when the Patriots owner experienced financial trouble (the prior owner was a major sponsor of the Jackson Five 1984 Victory tour, a financial disaster which also led to the Jacksons having family quarrels which were never resolved).  Though Kraft attempted to purchase the Patriots at the same time he bought the stadium, he was unsuccessful; but by holding the lease he was able to stop two attempted relocations of the franchise.

*Second, Kraft purchased Schaefer Stadium for $22 million out of bankruptcy court when the Patriots owner experienced financial trouble (the prior owner was a major sponsor of the Jackson Five 1984 Victory tour, a financial disaster which also led to the Jacksons having family quarrels which were never resolved).  Though Kraft attempted to purchase the Patriots at the same time he bought the stadium, he was unsuccessful (and again would be unsuccessful in a second attempt); but by holding the lease he was able to stop two attempted relocations of the franchise.

*Finally, after he refused a $75 million offer to break the lease (and allow the team to relocate) he counter-offered a then-record $172 million for outright ownership of the team which was accepted. (The then-owner had actually received an offer in excess of $200 million from a competing owner, but would have then had to pay the costs to relocate the team, making Kraft's offer the better deal.)

*Finally, after he refused a $75 million offer to break the lease (and allow the team to relocate) he counter-offered a then-record $172 million for outright ownership of the team which was accepted. (The then-owner had actually received an offer in excess of $200 million from a competing owner, but would have then had to pay the costs to relocate the team, making Kraft's offer the better deal.)