Two Pats. One legacy-defining mission. As Patrick Mahomes marches the Chiefs toward a third straight Super Bowl crown, another Pat—basketball mogul Riley—quietly looms over the stakes. The Chiefs’ quest isn’t just about hoisting the Lombardi Trophy again; it’s a collision of gridiron grit and boardroom brilliance.

While Mahomes dodges defenders, Riley, the NBA’s trademark titan, guards a phrase as coveted as the title itself: “three-peat.” For Kansas City, history hangs in the balance. For Riley? Let’s just say victory rings and royalties sound sweeter together. The twist? Neither Pat knows which legacy gets etched first.

Pat Riley, Miami Heat president and mastermind behind the “three-peat” trademark has reportedly struck a handshake deal with the Chiefs. If Kansas City defeats the Eagles on Sunday, they’ll officially own the rights to use the iconic phrase. Riley’s attorney, John Aldrich, confirmed the agreement to CLLCT, noting royalties will fund Riley’s family foundation. An NFL spokesperson clarified the deal bypasses the league, tying directly to the Chiefs. But why does Riley, a basketball lifer, care about football history? Let’s rewind.

In 1988, Riley’s Lakers fell short of a third straight title, but he scored big off the court. Hearing guard Byron Scott casually say “three-peat,” Riley trademarked it months later. Since then, every team chasing three titles—Jordan’s Bulls, Jeter’s Yankees, Shaq’s Lakers—has paid Riley. The Bulls’ 1998 run alone netted him $600,000 (over $1.16M today). Now, the Chiefs could add to Riley’s legacy. But there’s a catch.

Kansas City businesses can’t use the term. Cue brainstorming sessions for phrases like “Chiefs-peat.” No NFL team has ever achieved a three-peat. The Chiefs are one win away from immortality. A victory would cement Andy Reid’s coaching genius and silence debates about Mahomes’s place among legends. But lurking in the shadows?

Riley’s trademark curse. His Lakers and Heat both failed three-peats, leaving fans uneasy. Initially, reports suggested the NFL brokered the deal. Not quite. This avoids Roger Goodell’s fingerprints on a potential licensing headache. Still, the arrangement ensures official merch will flood stores post-win.

Riley’s royalty machine: from Lakers to Chiefs

Riley’s six trademarks for “three-peat” variants cover everything from jewelry to backpacks. His 2014 “3-Peat” filing, timed with the Heat’s title bid, shows his relentless hustle. Even failed attempts pay off. When USC tried trademarking “Three-Pete” for Pete Carroll, Riley sued and won. However, a Kansas City win means more than trophies.

It’s a marketing goldmine. ESPN estimates Riley could pocket over $1 million, but he’s playing it cool. For the Chiefs, Sunday is about legacy. For Riley? Another deposit. Meanwhile, Philadelphia isn’t just a challenge—they’re a reminder of how hard three-peats are.

The Eagles’ ferocious defense aims to crush Mahomes’s dreams. Yet Kansas City remains confident. Meanwhile, Riley’s Heat faces the Celtics on 11th Feb. Two days after the Super Bowl. Priorities? Pat must be watching both games. But his wallet’s focus would perhaps be on New Orleans.

Sunday isn’t just a game. It’s a collision of history, trademarks, and gridiron grit. Win or lose, Riley’s three-peat empire grows. But for Chiefs fans, the phrase isn’t about royalties—it’s about glory. As kickoff nears, one question lingers: Will Mahomes make history, or will Riley’s curse strike again? Grab the popcorn. This saga’s far from over.