CHARLOTTE -- There are six potential bidders in the running to buy the Carolina Panthers and only two of them are local.

Owner Jerry Richardson announced the team's sell last December following accusations of workplace misconduct.

READ MORE: Panthers owner under investigation for workplace misconduct

Charlotte City Council has a contract with the team keeping them at Bank of America Stadium until 2019, but they won't have say in who the next owner will be.

Council member James Mitchell said he would prefer a local owner who would keep the team in Charlotte because the Panthers are a major economic driver for the city.

“So we want to make sure that the $39 million that they generate the state between state income taxes in the state and the city. I mean that is huge for the our local economy,” Mitchell said.

He said they should learn more about a new owner after the NFL draft in April.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said during his annual Super Bowl address Wednesday that he wants the Panthers to remain in Carolina. 

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