Steve Tisch Seen in Giants Draft Room Amid Ownership Transfer Plans to Children’s Trusts

Former New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch was seen in the team’s draft room during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night, according to broadcast footage obtained by ESPN.

Tisch was observed standing near Giants head coach John Harbaugh during the proceedings. Although he no longer holds a majority stake in the franchise, Tisch continues to serve as the team’s chairman of the board.

An NFL memo obtained by ESPN last month revealed that Tisch, along with his siblings Laurie and Jonathan, are seeking to transfer their remaining ownership stake in the Giants to trusts established for their children. The memo indicated that prior transfers to these trusts had been approved by the franchise’s Finance Committee in 2023 and 2024.

“Prior transfers to these Trusts were completed pursuant to 2023 and 2024 Finance Committee approvals,” the memo stated. “The Sellers now propose to transfer their entire remaining interests, totaling 23.1% of the Club, to the Trusts. … Following the transactions, the Sellers will no longer own any interest in the Club.”

ESPN

The report noted that it remains unclear whether the ownership transfer request is connected to Tisch’s name appearing more than 400 times in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein that were released by the U.S. Department of Justice in January 2026. At the time of the release, Tisch acknowledged knowing Epstein but denied ever visiting his private island.

On the draft night itself, the Giants selected offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa with the 10th overall pick, a choice some analysts described as unconventional. Earlier in the first round, New York used the fifth overall selection to draft hybrid edge/off-ball linebacker Arvell Reese from Ohio State.

Reese, who earned All-American honors during his college career, recorded 6.5 sacks in his first season as a full-time starter with the Buckeyes. He is expected to join a Giants pass rush that includes Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and likely Kayvon Thibodeaux.

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