The Giants could start their second century in existence with some fresh blood in ownership.
The Mara and Tisch families have hired a banker to sell up to 10 percent of the team, following the lead of three other NFL franchises, The Post confirmed.
“The Mara and Tisch families have retained Moelis & Company to explore the potential sale of a minority, non-controlling stake in the New York Giants,” the team said in a statement to The Post. “There will be no further comment in regard to the process.”
Moelis made calls to potential suitors last week, so the process is in the early stages with no sales book out yet, an industry source told The Post.
The opportunity is expected to draw interest from many billionaires in private equity and hedge funds with ties to New York City, leading to a possible record NFL franchise valuation.
Despite recent struggles, the Giants are situated in the largest market in the country and carry the prestige of their eight NFL championships (four Super Bowls).
The Sports Business Journal first reported the availability of the minority stake.
Save the wisecracks, Giants fans.
The decision is not a reaction to the outcry from frustrated fans to “Sell the team!” because of 10 losing records in the last 12 seasons, or to the banner-carrying planes directed at ownership that flew above the stadium on gamedays late last season.
It is a response to a rule passed by the NFL in August that allows private equity firms to buy up to a 10 percent stake in franchises.
The Eagles reportedly sold eight percent total to two wealthy families in deals that valued the franchise at $8.1 billion and $8.3 billion, respectively.
The Bills and Dolphins completed sales of 10 percent each to private partners in December.
The Giants recently were valued at $7.3 billion by Forbes and $7.85 billion by CNBC.
Both sites valued the Eagles at less — in the range of $6.6 billion to $7 billion — prior to their sales agreements.
The Giants were founded by Tim Mara in 1925 and just celebrated their 100th anniversary season.
In 1991, Bob Tisch bought a 50 percent stake in the club from the Maras.
Since the passing of partners Wellington Mara and Bob Tisch in 2005, the team has been under the control of their sons John Mara and Steve Tisch on behalf of their families.
John Mara also serves as team president, and the daily operation of the club will remain unchanged.
Prior to August’s rules amendment, NFL teams were allowed to have limited partners in ownership but never pooled money from institutional investors.
— Josh Kosman contributed to this report
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
