NFL: Vernon Davis (49ers) first athlete traded on stock market, as of 28/04/2014

Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers winger (NFL, National Football League) became the first athlete listed on the stock market on 28/04/2014. 421,000 shares at $ 10 each (about €7.3) were put on sale by the company Fantex Holdings. They were all purchased during the booking period between 30/01 and 25/04/2014. Vernon Davis received $4m (€2.9m) from the sale of shares and Fantex kept a commission of $221,000 (€160,000).

The share price increased by 20% ($12, or about €8.7) on the day of its launch on Wall Street on 28/04/2014. It has fallen to $10.80 (€ 7.8) as of market closing on 01/05/2014. Shareholders will share 10% of contracts with the club, sponsors and TV channels if Vernon Davis, born 31/01/1984, continues his career as a consultant after his retirement. They may also sell their shares on a dedicated exchange platform with a 1% commission paid to Fantex for each transaction.

The €9m contract between Vernon Davis, age 30, and the San Francisco 49ers will expire in two years. Profitability will depend on the ability of Vernon Davis to sign a new contract of at least $33m (€24m)…