Charlotte mayor Vi Lyles is "completely motivated" to keep the Carolina Panthers in town after Jerry Richardson sells the team he founded.

Richardson is being investigated by the NFL for workplace misconduct. He announced Sunday he will put the team up for sale after this season.

The 81-year-old made a deal in 2013, when the city agreed to pay $75 million in stadium upgrades, to keep the team in Charlotte through the 2018 season.

"The City of Charlotte values its long-running relationship with the Panthers after more than 22 seasons of NFL football," Lyles said in a statement. "The Panthers are part of Charlotte's fabric. We've celebrated victories and anguished over defeats. We understand transitions are inevitable, and we look forward to working with current and future ownership."