Report: David Tepper considered leading candidate to own Panthers

A leading candidate has emerged in the bidding to become the next owner of the NFL's Carolina Panthers.

David Tepper, a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is believed to be the leading candidate after fellow contender Ben Navarro was informed the sale is moving quickly in another direction, sources told ESPN's David Newton.

Tepper met with team officials on Wednesday, Newton reports, and an announcement is expected as early as Monday or Tuesday.

Tepper is a hedge fund manager whose net worth is estimated to be $11 billion. Navarro is the founder of a South Carolina-based financial group.

The Panthers were expected to settle upon a candidate to recommend as their next owner ahead of the NFL's spring meeting in late May.

The team was put up for sale after reports of workplace misconduct involving founder and owner Jerry Richardson became public in December.