The seemingly neverending Broncos ownership saga appears to be nearing its end, as the Pat Bowlen Trust announced on Tuesday that the team would be going up for sale.

“The Pat Bowlen Trust announced today the beginning of a sale process for the Denver Broncos,” Joe Ellis, who is the head of the trust, as well as the CEO and President of the Broncos said in an official statement. “Selling an NFL team is a complex process involving numerous parties and league approval procedures. Nonetheless, the trustees hope to have the sale completed by the start of the 2022 NFL season.

“The Broncos are a special franchise that is part of the fabric of this region, and whoever emerges as the new owner will certainly understand what the team means to our great fans and this community,” Ellis concluded.

This news doesn’t come as much of a surprise, as the team’s sale has been expected for a long time, but this move finally makes it official.

“With today beginning the Broncos’ transition to new ownership, our family is overwhelmed with gratitude for what this organization and community have meant to us,” the Bowlen Family said, via an official statement. “There are truly no words to express our deep appreciation to all of Broncos Country for its unwavering support during the past four decades.

“We will forever cherish Pat’s leadership as a Hall of Fame Owner and CEO, guiding the Broncos to three World Championships, seven Super Bowls, 13 AFC West titles and 21 winning seasons,” the family continued. “Off the field, Pat ensured his team gave back to the Denver community with the same passion that Broncos fans displayed every Sunday in the fall.”

The Bowlen era was by far the most successful ownership era in franchise history, and of the most successful ownership tenures we’ve seen in the world of American sports.

“Pat used to say the Broncos belonged to the fans and that ultimately this was their team,” the family said. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for this incredible ride. It has been the honor of our lifetime.

“All of us know that the impact of ‘Mr. B’ will live on with the Broncos and in the hearts, minds and memories of the fans.”