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The Pittsburgh Steelers are eight weeks into their 2025 campaign, and at 4-3. As the trade deadline nears, fans in the Steel City are hoping the team adds some firepower to push for the playoffs. But while the front office works the phones, the team’s high-profile owner just made a move that turned heads far beyond the gridiron. Recently, the NBA officially approved the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to billionaire investor Mark Walter. The jaw-dropping $10 billion deal marks the most expensive sale of a sports franchise in history. But what really got everyone talking was the involvement of a familiar NFL name: Thomas Tull. According to reports, the Steelers’ part-owner will also be part of this record-breaking move. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad “Hearing that Steelers investor Thomas Tull is part of $10 billion purchase of NBA’s L.A. Lakers and will be minority partner, per sources,” insider Gerry Dulac reported on X. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Tull’s growing influence in the sports business world is undeniable. This Lakers deal marks Tull’s third major play in the sports world. He’s been a part-owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2009 and is rumored to be eyeing a larger share of the team. And Tull also owns a minority stake in the New York Yankees. And he is doing all this alongside Mark Walter. This duo is building TWG Sports, a division focused on creating a unified sports network that connects teams and leagues under one umbrella. However, beyond the stadium lights, Tull’s story goes even deeper. He’s a former film financier and the founder of Legendary Entertainment, the studio behind several Hollywood hits. According to Forbes, his net worth in 2025 sits at $5.3 billion. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Interestingly, just like their owner, the Steelers are also investing, but in players rather than franchises. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad The Steelers are active ahead of the trade deadline As the trade deadline approaches, the Steelers are making sure they’re not sitting this one out. Just recently, they pulled off a deal with the New England Patriots, landing safety Kyle Dugger and a 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2026 sixth-rounder. Dugger, once a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, brings experience and versatility to the secondary. He appeared in seven games for the Patriots this year, starting four, and posted 14 tackles with five solo stops and three on special teams. Not eye-popping numbers, but solid production. However, reports suggest the Steelers aren’t done yet. According to reporter Bailey Bassett, the Steelers could trade for Miami Dolphins wideout Jaylen Waddle. “Jaylen Waddle could be on the trade block. The Miami Dolphins’ Week 8 win may have just delayed the inevitable of a Mike McDaniel firing and a Dolphins’ rebuild. If the Dolphins do blow things up, Waddle may secure the biggest trade return for them…” A 2026 second-round pick could be the price tag, and Pittsburgh might just pay it. Waddle has put up 35 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns in nine games this season. Pairing him with DK Metcalf would give the Steelers one of the most dynamic duos in the league. So, all eyes are on the Steel City’s next move: will they actually pull the trigger before the deadline?
