Penner Sports Group buying into Rockies could signal end of Kris Bryant contract — like Russell Wilson with Broncos | Kevin’s take By Kevin Henry April 10, 2026 | updated 5 months ago Carrie and Greg Penner, co-owners of the Denver Broncos, visit the field during the pregame against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2026. (The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett) Penner Sports Group already cleaned up one sports contract mess in Denver. Another may be on the horizon as part of a new day dawning for the Rockies. Friday’s news that Penner Sports Group has become the largest minority partner of the Rockies, reportedly through a purchase of 40% of the team, is big for the Rockies on several levels. None is bigger, however, than the fact that it may allow the books at 20th and Blake to be wiped clean of one of the worst contracts in Denver sports history. That’s Kris Bryant’s $182 million eyesore. Injured Colorado Rockies’ Kris Bryant looks on from the dugout in the second inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) After all, the Penners already worked their magic in that respect during their time overseeing the Broncos, releasing former Denver quarterback Russell Wilson while incurring $85 million in dead cap money. The move was thought to put the Broncos into salary cap purgatory. However, it was the start of a rebuild that had Denver on the cusp of a Super Bowl appearance last season. With the Penners now pouring money into the Rockies to help “retire all outstanding debt” according to a Rockies news release, it’s worth wondering how quickly the influx of funds will be turned to ending the drama that has surrounded the Bryant contract since not long after it was drawn up. One year after Nolan Arenado was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, Bryant was signed to a seven-year, $182 million deal before the 2022 campaign, a way to give the Rockies a future face of the franchise and centerpiece of the lineup. Neither has happened with Bryant shelved by various foot and back injuries. Bryant has played in 170 games for the Rockies since signing that contract, producing an OPS+ of 84 (league average is 100). It’s very possible Bryant will not return to the Rockies or Major League Baseball after being sidelined with lumbar degenerative disk disease following his last game on April 12, 2025. This year at spring training, Bryant talked about the amount of pain he was in, telling The Denver Gazette and other media, “Some days it’s hard to grab the toothpaste in front of me.” He added, “It feels like I’m being electrocuted in the whole back. It’s not ideal. It’s pretty miserable. Maybe this is a part of old age, even though I’m not even old.” The words coming out of Bryant’s mouth and the pain coming through his eyes made it clear he’s not only frustrated. He also understands any hope of returning to the diamond is a longshot. Knowing that, the timing of the Penner move may provide closure in the Bryant saga. The contract runs through 2028. But, like Wilson, the plug may be pulled long before that date arrives. Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a timeout against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game Sunday November 19, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young) “For many reasons, including their recent success with the Broncos, we know we are gaining much more than just financial support in this partnership with Penner Sports Group,” Rockies chairman and chief executive officer Dick Monfort said. Part of what the Rockies could be bringing on is the experience and financial flexibility to say goodbye to Bryant while moving the franchise forward. It’s clear a new day has dawned at Coors Field. That’s been evident since Walker Monfort was elevated to executive vice president and Paul DePodesta was hired as the president of baseball operations. Changes have come to the Rockies since those two big dominoes fell, including a revamping of the roster and dedication to elevating the tools and technology given to Rockies players to succeed. That new day extends to Friday’s announcement, which could set the tone for what is to come for the franchise if there is indeed a lockout that impacts the 2027 campaign. With the current collective bargaining agreement expiring on Dec. 1, what happens for baseball next remains a mystery. However, the investment by the Penners now gives the Rockies another source of income and another avenue filled with sports business knowledge. For a franchise always regarded as overly insular and closed off, Friday’s news shows the Rockies are changing that perspective while working to shed the memories of last year’s 119-loss campaign. The Rockies have been working throughout the offseason to prove the line in the sand had been drawn after three consecutive 100-loss campaigns. With this announcement, perhaps that line in the sand extends to Bryant and the specter his contract has held over the Rockies as well. Tags Kevin Henry Reporter -->
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.denvergazette.com