NFL Team Owners: The People Behind the Franchises

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NFL team owners come from a range of backgrounds, each bringing their own impact to the league. Some inherited their teams, while others bought in after building their success in different industries. Together, they play a significant role in driving the NFL’s growth and maintaining its position at the forefront of sports.

NFL Team Owners

Atlanta Falcons

Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, bought the Atlanta Falcons in 2002 for $545 million. He made his fortune by starting The Home Depot in 1978, which became a top home improvement retailer. Under his ownership, the Falcons’ value has soared to about $4.7 billion. Blank also owns Atlanta United FC, the city’s Major League Soccer team, and has invested in the construction of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, thereby strengthening Atlanta’s sports scene. He’s known for his philanthropy, making major contributions to various causes through The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

Arizona Cardinals

Michael Bidwill has led the Arizona Cardinals as principal owner, chairman, and president since 2019, following the passing of his father, Bill Bidwill. The Bidwill family’s connection to the team dates back to 1932, when Michael’s grandfather, Charles Bidwill, bought the franchise. Michael, who worked as a federal prosecutor before joining the Cardinals’ front office in 1996, began his role as vice president and general counsel. Under his leadership, the Cardinals’ value has grown to about $3.5 billion. The family has overseen the team’s moves from Chicago to St. Louis and eventually to Arizona, showing their long-standing commitment to its growth and development.

Baltimore Ravens

Steve Bisciotti, originally from Maryland, co-founded Aerotek in 1983, a staffing company that grew into Allegis Group, now the largest privately held staffing firm in the world. In 2000, he bought a 49% stake in the Baltimore Ravens for $275 million and later took complete control in 2004 by purchasing the remaining 51% for $325 million. Today, the Ravens are valued at about $4.63 billion. Under Bisciotti’s ownership, the team has won two Super Bowl titles and has been a steady competitor in the league.

Buffalo Bills

Terry Pegula bought the Buffalo Bills in 2014 for $1.4 billion. He built his fortune through investments in natural gas, real estate, and sports. His wife, Kim Pegula, co-owns the team and is actively involved in its operations. The Pegulas also own the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres and have put money into several development projects around Buffalo. Since taking over, they’ve made substantial improvements to the team and its facilities. The Bills are currently valued at about $3.7 billion.

Carolina Panthers

David Tepper, a billionaire hedge fund manager, bought the Carolina Panthers in 2018 for $2.275 billion. He made his fortune by founding Appaloosa Management, a global hedge fund known for investing in distressed assets. With a personal net worth of around $11 billion, Tepper has invested in stadium upgrades and brought more events to Bank of America Stadium. However, since he took ownership, the Panthers have faced challenges, going through six head coaches and yet to achieve a winning season, with a record of 30-63. Recently, Tepper fired head coach Frank Reich and appointed Chris Tabor as interim head coach, sparking further attention on the team’s management and performance.

Cincinnati Bengals

Mike Brown has owned the Cincinnati Bengals since 1991, inheriting the team from his father, Paul Brown, who founded the franchise in 1967. Paul Brown, a legendary football coach and executive, established the Bengals and played a key role in their early development. Mike, a graduate of Dartmouth and Harvard Law School, was involved in the team’s operations from the start, serving as assistant general manager before transitioning into ownership.

Under Mike’s leadership, the Bengals have experienced ups and downs, with recent success highlighted by quarterback Joe Burrow taking the team to the Super Bowl in the 2021 season. The Bengals are currently valued at around $3.5 billion.

Cleveland Browns

Jimmy and Dee Haslam bought the Cleveland Browns in 2012 for around $1 billion, and since then, the team’s value has grown to about $3.85 billion. Jimmy’s wealth comes from Pilot Flying J, a major truck stop chain started by his father, Jim Haslam, in 1958. The Haslams have invested in other sports as well, including co-owning Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew and holding a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. During their ownership, the Browns have undergone numerous changes in coaching and management aimed at enhancing the team’s success.

Chicago Bears

Virginia Halas McCaskey, daughter of NFL pioneer George Halas, has held ownership of the Chicago Bears since 1983. George Halas initially purchased the team back in 1920 for just $100. The Halas and McCaskey families have significantly built their wealth through the Bears’ growing success and value in the NFL. Virginia’s son, George McCaskey, manages the team’s daily operations as chairman. Today, the McCaskey family holds an 80% stake in the franchise, which is currently valued at approximately $6.4 billion.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys were bought in 1989 for $140 million by businessman Jerry Jones, originally from Arkansas. He built his wealth primarily through oil and gas ventures, founding Jones Oil and Land Lease, which helped him amass the funds to purchase the team. Since then, the Cowboys have grown into the most valuable sports franchise in the world, now estimated at around $10.32 billion. Jones’s business interests go beyond football, including substantial investments in real estate, hospitality, and energy. He also holds a controlling stake in Comstock Resources, a Texas-based oil and gas company, which contributes to his estimated net worth of $14.5 billion.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are owned by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, which bought the team in August 2022 for a record-setting $4.65 billion. Led by Rob Walton, former Walmart chairman and son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, the group includes key family members like Rob’s daughter, Carrie Walton Penner, and her husband, Greg Penner, who serves as the team’s CEO and controlling owner. This ownership team brings together diverse leaders, including Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton. Their combined expertise from retail, finance, sports, and public service adds a wide-ranging influence to the Broncos’ operations.

Detroit Lions

Sheila Ford Hamp, from the Ford and Firestone family legacy, took over as principal owner and chairwoman of the Detroit Lions in 2020, succeeding her mother, Martha Firestone Ford. Her grandfather, William Clay Ford Sr., bought the team in 1963 for $4.5 million, and today, the Lions are valued at around $4.93 billion. The family’s wealth traces back to the Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford, and the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, started by Harvey Firestone.

Hamp, a Yale graduate and former varsity tennis player, also holds a master’s in teaching and early childhood education from Boston University. She’s been involved in the Lions’ management since 2014, previously serving as vice chairwoman. Since becoming principal owner, she has focused on improving both team performance and the fan experience.

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers stand out in the NFL as the only publicly owned team. Since 1923, they’ve operated as a non-profit corporation, with over 537,000 shareholders holding around 5.2 million shares. These shares don’t bring financial perks like dividends or increased value; instead, they give fans a real sense of ownership and a voice in team matters. This unique model has helped keep the Packers in Green Bay, which is the smallest market among major North American professional sports teams. Through several stock sales, including one in 2021, the Packers have maintained financial stability while strengthening their bond with the community.

Houston Texans

Cal McNair, son of the late Bob McNair, leads the Houston Texans as principal owner, chairman, and CEO. Bob McNair founded the team in 1999, paying $700 million to bring the NFL’s 32nd franchise to Houston. Since then, the Texans have grown in value to approximately $6.01 billion. After Bob passed away in 2018, his wife, Janice McNair, assumed the role of principal owner. In 2024, the NFL’s team owners officially approved Cal as the Texans’ principal owner, solidifying his leadership role within the franchise.

Indianapolis Colts

On May 21, 2025, Jim Irsay, the longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts, died at the age of 65. After he passed away, his three daughters, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and Carlie Irsay-Gordon, took over ownership of the Colts. After years of involvement in the team’s operations, all three currently hold the positions of vice-chair and co-owner. Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the eldest daughter, is expected to take on a prominent leadership role within the organization.

The Irsay family’s involvement with the Colts dates back to 1972 when Robert Irsay, Jim’s father, acquired the team. Jim Irsay took over ownership in 1997 and led the team to significant milestones, including a Super Bowl victory in 2007. Under his leadership, the Colts became a valued franchise in the NFL.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Shahid “Shad” Khan, a Pakistani-American businessman, bought the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011 for $770 million. He made his fortune through Flex-N-Gate, an auto parts company he acquired in 1980, which grew into a major supplier in the automotive industry. Under Khan’s ownership, the Jaguars’ value has grown to around $4.6 billion. Beyond football, Khan owns Fulham FC, an English Premier League soccer team, and co-owns All Elite Wrestling (AEW) with his son, Tony Khan. His range of business ventures and sports investments has helped build his net worth to an estimated $13.3 billion.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Hunt family has owned the Kansas City Chiefs since they founded the team in 1960. Lamar Hunt, who played a major role in creating the American Football League, originally established the franchise. Following his passing in 2006, his son, Clark Hunt, assumed the role of chairman and CEO, overseeing the team’s operations and representing the Chiefs at NFL owners’ meetings. Today, the franchise is valued at approximately $5.43 billion, with the Hunt family’s wealth stemming from H.L. Hunt’s oil ventures and Lamar’s subsequent expansions into sports and entertainment. Under Clark’s leadership, the Chiefs have enjoyed significant success, including multiple Super Bowl wins.

Las Vegas Raiders

Mark Davis, son of the late Al Davis, inherited the Las Vegas Raiders in 2011. Al Davis had led the team since 1972 and was a central figure in shaping the Raiders’ legacy. In 2020, Mark Davis moved the team from Oakland to Las Vegas, securing a state-of-the-art stadium that has boosted the team’s profile and revenue.

The Raiders are now valued at about $3.1 billion. In addition to the Raiders, Davis purchased the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA in 2021, expanding his involvement in professional sports. Recently, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady joined as a minority owner, acquiring a 5% stake in the Raiders, marking his first venture into NFL ownership.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Spanos family has been in charge of the Los Angeles Chargers since 1984 when Alex Spanos bought the team for $70 million. Alex built his fortune in real estate and construction, founding A.G. Spanos Companies, one of the largest apartment developers in the country. After Alex passed away in 2018, his son Dean took over as the principal owner and chairman, leading the team’s move from San Diego to Los Angeles in 2017.

Today, the Chargers are valued at around $3.875 billion. In 2024, billionaire Tom Gores bought a 27% stake in the team, including a 24% share from Dean’s sister, Dea Spanos Berberian. Despite the sale, the Spanos family still holds the majority stake, with 69% ownership in the franchise.

Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams are owned by Stan Kroenke, who first became involved with the team in 1995 when he purchased a 30% stake for $60 million, which helped facilitate the team’s relocation from Los Angeles to St. Louis. In 2010, he acquired the remaining shares, valuing the team at $750 million at the time. Since then, he’s overseen the Rams’ return to Los Angeles in 2016 and a Super Bowl win in 2021.

Today, the team is valued at about $7.6 billion. Kroenke also owns a range of other sports franchises, including the Denver Nuggets in the NBA, the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL, and Arsenal FC in the English Premier League, which contributes to his estimated net worth of around $20.7 billion.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins were acquired in 2009 when major real estate developer and philanthropist Stephen M. Ross purchased a 95% stake in both the team and Hard Rock Stadium for approximately $1.1 billion. Ross made his fortune after founding Related Companies in 1972, a firm behind big projects like New York’s Hudson Yards, boosting his net worth to an estimated $10.1 billion. Under his ownership, the Dolphins have seen their value rise to about $5.7 billion.

In 2022, Ross established a succession plan to eventually pass the team to his daughter, Jennifer, thereby keeping it within the family. Besides football, he invested over $1 billion into transforming Hard Rock Stadium into a top entertainment venue, and he’s also the owner of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, further expanding his involvement in sports and events.

Minnesota Vikings

Zygi Wilf, along with his brother Mark and cousin Leonard, bought the Minnesota Vikings in 2005 for $600 million. The Wilf family made their fortune through Garden Homes, a real estate development company that has built numerous residential and commercial properties across the United States. Under their ownership, the Vikings’ value has risen significantly, now estimated at around $4.65 billion. Beyond their commitment to the Vikings, the Wilf family broadened their sports investments by purchasing Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League in 2021.

New England Patriots

Robert Kraft, a Massachusetts native, made his fortune in the paper and packaging industry before buying the New England Patriots in 1994 for $172 million. Through his company, the Kraft Group, he has expanded into various areas, including sports and entertainment. Under his ownership, the Patriots’ value has grown to about $7.4 billion, and the team has seen tremendous success, including multiple Super Bowl championships. Kraft’s involvement has been instrumental in transforming the Patriots into one of the NFL’s most successful franchises.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints are owned by Gayle Benson, a New Orleans native who took over in 2018 after the passing of her husband, Tom Benson. Tom had bought the team in 1985 for $70.2 million, helping build the Saints into a respected franchise. Under Gayle’s leadership, the team has kept that momentum, and today, the Saints are valued at around $4 billion. Known for her success in business and philanthropy, Gayle previously ran her own interior design firm, Gayle Bird Interiors, Ltd., and remains active in supporting New Orleans.

New York Giants

The New York Giants are co-owned by John Mara and Steve Tisch, each holding a 50% share of the team. John Mara’s family has a deep legacy with the Giants, having founded the franchise in 1925. With a background in sports management, Mara is estimated to have a net worth of around $500 million. Steve Tisch, on the other hand, comes from a successful career in the film industry, known for producing major films like Forrest Gump, and his net worth is estimated at $1.6 billion. Together, Mara’s family heritage and Tisch’s entertainment influence bring a unique blend to the Giants’ ownership. The franchise is valued at $7.65 billion, reflecting its major presence in the NFL and long-standing success.

New York Jets

The New York Jets were purchased in 2000 when Woody Johnson, heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune, acquired the team for $635 million. His wealth originates from his family’s company, Johnson & Johnson, a major player in the healthcare products industry. In 2017, Johnson took a diplomatic role as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom under President Trump. During this time, his brother, Christopher Johnson, took over the day-to-day operations of the team. Under their leadership, the Jets’ value has climbed to around $6.8 billion. Johnson is also actively involved in philanthropy, with a focus on healthcare and education initiatives. 

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are owned by Jeffrey Lurie, who purchased the team in 1994 for $195 million. A former movie executive with a Ph.D. in social policy, Lurie brought a strategic and business-minded approach to the franchise. Under his leadership, the Eagles have become one of the NFL’s most consistently competitive teams, highlighted by their first Super Bowl victory in 2018 under head coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Nick Foles.

Lurie has invested heavily in both infrastructure and talent, helping the Eagles stay near the top of the league in valuation, now estimated at around $5.8 billion. Known for his commitment to analytics and innovation, Lurie has also emphasized community involvement and social justice initiatives through the Eagles organization.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Art Rooney II serves as the president and principal owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a franchise that has remained in the Rooney family since it was established in 1933. His grandfather, Art Rooney Sr., founded the franchise by paying a modest $2,500 franchise fee. The Rooney family has built much of its wealth through the Steelers, as the team’s value has increased dramatically over the decades. Art Rooney II, who studied at the University of Pittsburgh and earned a law degree from Duquesne University, has been deeply involved in the organization for many years, shaping the team’s direction while preserving its traditions. The Steelers have evolved into one of the NFL’s most valuable and successful franchises.

San Francisco 49ers

Denise DeBartolo York and her husband, John York, share ownership of the San Francisco 49ers. Denise inherited her family’s stake in the team after her father, Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., purchased it back in 1977 for $13 million. The DeBartolo family built their wealth primarily through real estate, especially by developing shopping malls across the United States. Denise and John officially took charge of the 49ers in 2000, and their son, Jed York, was named CEO in 2008. Today, the 49ers are one of the most valuable franchises in the NFL, with an estimated worth of $6.86 billion.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are owned by Jody Allen, who took over ownership after her brother, Paul Allen, passed away in 2018. Paul, a co-founder of Microsoft, had acquired the team in 1997 for $200 million when it was at risk of being relocated out of Seattle. During his ownership, the Seahawks reached new heights, including winning a Super Bowl in 2014. Today, the team is valued at roughly $4.5 billion. In addition to managing the Seahawks, Jody also oversees the Portland Trail Blazers and directs the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, which funds various charitable projects.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Glazer family took ownership of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995 when Malcolm Glazer purchased the team for $192 million, a sum that has since grown in value to approximately $4.2 billion. Malcolm built his fortune through a mix of real estate and investments in companies like Harley-Davidson and Formica. After he passed away in 2014, his children—Bryan, Joel, and Edward—took over team operations.

Tennessee Titans

Amy Adams Strunk, daughter of franchise founder Bud Adams, took over as the controlling owner of the Tennessee Titans in 2015. The Adams family built its wealth in the oil industry, particularly through Adams Resources & Energy, a company founded by Bud Adams. The Titans, now valued at around $4.63 billion, have stayed in the family’s hands since their early days as the Houston Oilers in 1960. After Bud Adams passed in 2013, ownership was divided among his children and grandchildren.

Amy Adams Strunk holds a 50% share, while the other half is split between her sister’s sons, Kenneth S. Adams IV and Barclay Adams, along with their mother, Susan Lewis. Under Amy’s leadership, the Titans have recently invested in significant stadium upgrades, enhancing the fan experience and increasing the stadium’s revenue potential.

Washington Commanders

Josh Harris, a Maryland native, heads the ownership group of the Washington Commanders. Harris co-founded Apollo Global Management, a leading private equity firm, which helped him amass a net worth of about $9 billion. In July 2023, Harris and his partners purchased the Commanders from Dan Snyder for a record $6.05 billion, marking one of the biggest sales in sports history. His ownership group includes well-known names such as NBA legend Magic Johnson and billionaire Mitchell Rales, both of whom bring business expertise and public interest to the franchise. Harris is no stranger to professional sports; he also owns stakes in the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils, broadening his influence across multiple leagues.

NFL team owners do more than just manage their teams; they shape the league’s business, culture, and future. Their investments fuel growth for both their local communities and the league as a whole. As the NFL continues to evolve, these owners play a crucial role in shaping its direction and impact on fans worldwide.