List of current NFL franchise owners explained

The following is a list of current National Football League franchise owners:

scope = col FranchisePrincipal ownerscope = col Sincescope = col class = unsortable Ref.
scope = row Arizona CardinalsMichael Bidwill1932[1]
scope = row Atlanta FalconsArthur Blank2002[2]
scope = row Baltimore RavensSteve Bisciotti2004[3]
scope = row Buffalo BillsTerry Pegula2014[4]
scope = row Carolina PanthersDavid Tepper2018[5]
scope = row Chicago BearsVirginia Halas McCaskey1920[6]
scope = row Cincinnati BengalsMike Brown1991[7] [8]
scope = row Cleveland BrownsJimmy and Dee Haslam2012[9] [10]
scope = row Dallas CowboysJerry Jones1989[11]
scope = row Denver BroncosRob Walton2022[12] [13]
scope = row Detroit LionsSheila Ford Hamp1963[14] [15] [16]
scope = row Green Bay PackersGreen Bay Packers, Inc.1923
scope = row Houston TexansCal McNair1999[17]
scope = row Indianapolis ColtsJim Irsay1972[18]
scope = row Jacksonville JaguarsShahid Khan2012[19]
scope = row Kansas City ChiefsClark Hunt1960[20]
scope = row Las Vegas RaidersMark Davis and Carol Davis1971
scope = row Los Angeles ChargersDean Spanos1984[21] [22]
scope = row Los Angeles RamsStan Kroenke2010[23]
scope = row Miami DolphinsStephen Ross2008[24]
scope = row Minnesota VikingsZygi Wilf2005[25]
scope = row New England PatriotsRobert Kraft1994[26]
scope = row New Orleans SaintsGayle Benson1985[27]
scope = row New York GiantsJohn Mara and Steve Tisch1925[28]
scope = row New York JetsWoody and Christopher Johnson2000[29]
scope = row Philadelphia EaglesJeffrey Lurie1994[30]
scope = row Pittsburgh SteelersRooney family (Art Rooney II)1933[31]
scope = row San Francisco 49ersDenise DeBartolo York and Jed York1977[32]
scope = row Seattle SeahawksJody Allen1997[33]
scope = row Tampa Bay BuccaneersGlazer family (Bryan Glazer)1995[34]
scope = row Tennessee TitansAmy Adams Strunk1959[35] [36]
scope = row Washington CommandersJosh Harris2023[37]

Ownership restrictions

The NFL forbids corporations, religious groups, governments, and non-profit organizations from owning stakes in teams.[38] The NFL requires a controlling owner to hold at minimum a 30% stake in the team and forbids ownership groups of over 24 people, or any publicly traded corporations from purchasing NFL teams; one team, the Green Bay Packers, is exempt from this under a grandfather clause and is owned by shareholders. The Houston Texans are also grandfathered in for their home county - the Harris County, Texas government - which owns 5% of the team, as the rule forbidding governments from owning a team became effective in 2007. The NFL's constitution also forbids its owners from owning any other professional football teams, although an exception was made for teams from the now-defunct Arena Football League located in the NFL team's home market. In addition, the controlling owners of NFL teams were previously only permitted to own major league baseball, basketball and hockey teams if they were in the NFL team's home market, or were not located in other NFL cities.[39]

Stan Kroenke, who owned hockey and basketball teams in Denver, was nonetheless unanimously allowed to buy the then-St. Louis Rams in 2010 and hold on to his Denver assets until 2015. Even then, the Denver assets were transferred to his wife, Ann.[40] Soccer has been exempt from these restrictions since 1982, when the league lost a lawsuit filed by the original NASL stemming from the investments of Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt and Elizabeth Robbie, the wife of Miami Dolphins founder Joe Robbie in NASL teams;[41] as a result, NFL owners have owned teams in MLS in other NFL markets. In October 2018, the NFL owners voted to relax the cross-ownership rule, allowing controlling NFL owners to own other professional teams within NFL markets outside their home market.[42] The league also informally requires prospective owners to have high liquidity in their assets and positive cash flow; having a majority of one's wealth invested in real estate is often grounds for rejection.[43]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Brandon . Brown . Phoenix Business Journal. October 6, 2019 . Arizona Cardinals Owner Bill Bidwill Dies .
  2. Encyclopedia: Chris . Starrs . September 17, 2018 . Arthur Blank . New Georgia Encyclopedia . November 19, 2021 . November 19, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211119030345/https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/arthur-blank-b-1942/ . live .
  3. Steve Bisciotti, Baltimore Ravens . S.I. Staff . n.d. . Sports Illustrated . April 3, 2021 . April 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210427152505/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/07/20/baltimore-ravens-owner-steve-bisciotti . live .
  4. Kim and Terry Pegula, Buffalo Bills . S.I. Staff . n.d. . Sports Illustrated . April 3, 2021 . January 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210127045736/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/07/20/buffalo-bills-owner-kim-terry-pegula . live .
  5. News: Tadd . Haislop . May 22, 2018 . Who is Panthers' new owner? Fast facts about David Tepper . Sporting News . April 3, 2021 . August 5, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095412/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/who-is-david-tepper-carolina-panthers-new-owner-new-worth/1s4hzdet5kwp81qmq2ckjz0hf1 . live .
  6. Virginia Halas McCaskey, Chicago Bears . S.I. Staff . Sports Illustrated . April 3, 2021 . February 26, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210226222055/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/07/20/chicago-bears-owner-virginia-halas-mccaskey . live .
  7. Web site: Brown Family Completes Deal To Purchase 30% Of The Cincinnati Bengals . Josh . Kirkendall . December 23, 2011 . Cincy Jungle . April 3, 2021 . March 4, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220304120013/https://www.cincyjungle.com/2011/12/23/2657872/brown-family-completes-deal-to-purchase-30-of-the-cincinnati-bengals . live .
  8. Mike Brown, Cincinnati Bengals . S.I. Staff . n.d. . Sports Illustrated . April 3, 2021 . April 8, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210408133756/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/07/20/cincinnati-bengals-owner-mike-brown . live .
  9. Web site: Browns' Sale to Jimmy Haslam Done . October 25, 2012 . ESPN . Associated Press . April 3, 2021 . March 4, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220304120014/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8551289/cleveland-browns-sale-jimmy-haslam-finalized-thursday . live .
  10. Web site: Sources: Browns Sold for Over $1B . Adam . Schefter . August 2, 2012 . ESPN . April 3, 2021 . June 13, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210613225822/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8225861/randy-lerner-sells-cleveland-browns-more-1b-sources-say . live .
  11. News: On This Day: Jerry Jones buys Dallas Cowboys in 1989 for $140M . Reagan . Roy . February 25, 2019 . CBS19 . Tyler, Texas . KYTX-TV . April 3, 2021 . February 26, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190226082103/https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/on-this-day-jerry-jones-buys-dallas-cowboys-in-1989-for-140m/501-102f1d71-5152-4174-91db-2ee72f4e0f7b . live .
  12. News: Around the NFL staff. NFL owners approve Walton-Penner group's purchase of Denver Broncos franchise. NFL Enterprises, LLC. NFL.com. August 9, 2022. August 10, 2022. August 9, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220809192955/https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-owners-approve-walton-penner-family-s-purchase-of-denver-broncos-franchise. live.
  13. News: DiLalla. Aric. 'Putting a winning team on the field is our No. 1 priority': Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group unanimously approved, introduced as new Broncos owners. NFL Enterprises, LLC. DenverBroncos.com. August 9, 2022. August 10, 2022. August 9, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220809200716/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/putting-a-winning-team-on-the-field-is-our-no-1-priority-walton-penner-family-ow. live.
  14. News: Detroit Lions Owner Martha Firestone Ford, 94, Steps Down; Sheila Ford Hamp Takes Over . Michael . Rothstein . June 23, 2020 . ESPN . June 24, 2020 . June 23, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200623223921/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29352655/lions-owner-martha-firestone-ford-94-steps-sheila-ford-hamp-takes-over . live .
  15. Web site: A History of the Detroit Lions Franchise Ownership . Jeff . Risdon . June 24, 2020 . USA Today . April 3, 2021 . April 10, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410221200/https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/06/24/a-history-of-the-detroit-lions-franchise-ownership/ . live .
  16. Web site: Lions Owner Martha Ford Stepping Down, Will Be Succeeded by daughter . June 23, 2020 . Kevin . Patra . National Football League . April 3, 2021 . February 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210227135036/https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-owner-martha-ford-stepping-down-will-be-succeeded-by-daughter . live .
  17. Web site: Who is the Houston Texans' owner? History of the McNair family . February 19, 2021 . ProFootballNetwork . April 4, 2021 . April 13, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210413050413/https://www.profootballnetwork.com/who-is-houston-texans-owner-history/ . live .
  18. Web site: Trading an NFL Franchise: A Brief History . July 29, 2019 . Last Word on Sports . April 10, 2021 . April 10, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410174959/https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2019/07/28/trading-an-nfl-franchise-a-brief-history/ . live .
  19. Web site: Jaguars Buyer Had His Eye on Ownership of a Franchise . Richard . Sandomir . December 1, 2011 . The New York Times . April 4, 2021 . January 1, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200101091136/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/sports/football/shahid-khan-buys-jacksonville-jaguars-and-realizes-dream.html . live .
  20. Web site: Meet the Dallas billionaire responsible for the Kansas City Chiefs' resurgence. January 26, 2020. April 4, 2021. March 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210307015709/https://www.dallasnews.com/business/2020/01/26/meet-the-dallas-billionaire-responsible-for-the-kansas-city-chiefs-resurgence/#:~:text=Lamar%20Hunt%2C%20son%20of%20legendary,City%20and%20changed%20its%20name.. live.
  21. Understanding The Chargers Ownership News . Fernando . Ramirez . Sports Illustrated . April 4, 2021 . April 1, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210401202638/https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/news/understanding-the-chargers-ownership-news . live .
  22. Web site: Chargers co-owner asks court to force sale of team due to mounting debts exceeding $350 million, per report . CBSSports.com . April 2021 . April 11, 2021 . April 11, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210411194552/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/chargers-co-owner-asks-court-to-force-sale-of-team-due-to-mounting-debts-exceeding-350-million-per-report/ . live .
  23. Web site: Fleming: Reclusive NFL owner sparks chaos . March 18, 2015 . ESPN . April 4, 2021 . June 8, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210608214047/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/hotread150318/st-louis-rams-owner-sparks-nfl-chaos-plan-move-team-los-angeles . live .
  24. Web site: Stephen Ross — Trump donor and Equinox chairman — has reportedly already donated $1 million toward NYC's next elections. Take a look at how one of the city's richest residents built his fortune. . Hillary . Hoffower . Juliana . Kaplan . Business Insider . April 4, 2021 . April 9, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210409090701/https://www.businessinsider.com/stephen-ross-net-worth-fortune-hudson-yards-equinox-trump-2019-8 . live .
  25. Web site: Sources: Wilf family emerges as top Wolves suitor . July 22, 2020 . ESPN . April 4, 2021 . February 28, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210228051741/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29513410/wilf-family-emerges-top-candidate-buy-wolves . live .
  26. Web site: Robert Kraft saved the New England Patriots with a gutsy $175 million investment and it has paid off big time . Cork . Gaines . Business Insider . April 4, 2021 . October 29, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211029050942/https://www.businessinsider.com/robert-kraft-new-england-patriots-2017-1 . live .
  27. Web site: Blakeview: The story of Tom Benson and the New Orleans Saints . NOLA.com . March 9, 2020 . April 11, 2021 . April 11, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210411000016/https://www.nola.com/gambit/news/blake_pontchartrain/article_8e17008c-5f14-11ea-93f7-2707d4abee37.html . live .
  28. Web site: New York Giants ownership at a glance . March 18, 2015 . ESPN . April 11, 2021 . April 11, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210411192801/https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/164371/new-york-giants-ownership-at-a-glance . live .
  29. Web site: The Jets Fill One Opening: New Owner at $635 Million . Richard . Sandomir . January 12, 2000 . The New York Times . April 4, 2021 . November 1, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201101134736/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/12/sports/the-jets-fill-one-opening-new-owner-at-635-million.html . live .
  30. Web site: Jeff Lurie bought the Eagles for $185 million. They're worth a lot more today. . Rob . Tornoe . Philadelphia Inquirer . September 20, 2018 . April 4, 2021 . November 9, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032738/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/eagles/nfl-team-values-forbes-eagles-prices-20180920.html . live .
  31. Web site: History of Pittsburgh Steelers Sports, Inc. . FundingUniverse . April 10, 2021 . April 10, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410211349/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/pittsburgh-steelers-sports-inc-history/ . live .
  32. Get to know the York family, the San Francisco 49ers' owners . S.I. Staff . n.d. . Sports Illustrated . April 10, 2021 . April 10, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410190647/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/07/17/san-francisco-49ers-owner-jed-york-denise-debartolo-family . live .
  33. Web site: Council Oks Allen's Purchase Of Seahawks . The Seattle Times . April 4, 2021 . March 4, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220304120012/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19970624&slug=2546168 . live .
  34. Web site: The billionaire Glazer family who owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has roots in Rochester . Sal . Maiorana . Democrat and Chronicle . April 4, 2021 . April 18, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210418032638/https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2021/02/08/glazer-family-owners-super-bowl-champ-buccaneers-have-roots-rochester/4437736001/ . live .
  35. Web site: With Bud Adams' death, what lies ahead for Titans? . David . Climer . USA Today . April 10, 2021 . November 16, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131116200844/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2013/10/21/tennessee-nashville-franchise-future-bud-kenneth-adams/3144525/ . live .
  36. Adams Heirs to Remain Titans Owners . David . Boclair . Sports Illustrated . April 10, 2021 . April 10, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410165043/https://www.si.com/nfl/titans/news/tennessee-titans-nfl-amy-adams-strunk-ksa-industries-sale . live .
  37. Web site: NFL owners approve $6.05B sale of Commanders to Harris group . John . Keim . July 20, 2023 . ESPn . July 21, 2023 . July 21, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230721032034/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38043528/nfl-owners-approve-605b-sale-commanders-harris-group . live .
  38. Web site: Constitution and Bylaws of the National Football League. 2006. National Football League. 2018-11-13. https://web.archive.org/web/20181113100214/http://www.nfl.com/static/content/public/static/html/careers/pdf/co_.pdf.
  39. Web site: Constitution and Bylaws of the National Football League . 2006 . National Football League . August 29, 2016 . September 9, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150909075157/http://www.nfl.com/static/content/public/static/html/careers/pdf/co_.pdf . live .
  40. Web site: NFL owners let Kroenke keep Rams; transfer Nuggets, Avalanche to his wife . October 7, 2015 . March 3, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210303200827/http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2015/10/07/nfl-owners-let-kroenke-keep-rams-transfer-nuggets.html?iana=ind_sports . live .
  41. North American Soccer League v. National Football League . 670 . F.2d . 1249 . . 1982 . http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/670/1249/118084/ . July 3, 2015 .
  42. News: Farmer . Sam . NFL owners vote to allow cross-ownership in cities with football teams . January 6, 2019 . Los Angeles Times . October 16, 2018 . April 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190420044702/https://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-meetings-20181016-story.html . live .
  43. Web site: Trump's failed bid to purchase Bills mentioned in Times article . WBEN . March 19, 2019 . March 19, 2019 .

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