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Behind the most popular game in the country lies an exclusive club that requires billions of dollars and the approval of its members to join. The National Football League consists of 32 teams that are supported by passionate fans, superstar players, and endless post-game analysis. Owning an NFL team means having the opportunity to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy if you win the Super Bowl, or facing the wrath of fans if you go years without a win. But regardless of the outcome on the field, owning an NFL team is always profitable.
A significant portion of revenue for NFL teams comes from lucrative broadcast rights, which are evenly distributed among all teams. Additional income can be generated from ticket sales and sponsorship deals. Owning an NFL team is considered the ultimate collectible item, even more satisfying than owning the most expensive sports car or wristwatch, according to Michael MacCambridge, author of “America’s Game: The Epic Story of How Pro Football Captured a Nation.”
With the recent record-breaking sale of the Washington Commanders for $6.05 billion, a new owner will be joining the exclusive owner’s box. Let’s take a closer look at the current owners across the league.
Some owners have deep-rooted connections to football as a family business. These teams have remained under the same ownership since the league’s inception in 1920 or close to it. Examples include Virginia Halas McCaskey (Bears), John Mara (Giants), Michael Bidwill (Cardinals), and Art Rooney II (Steelers).
George Halas, affectionately known as “Papa Bear,” played for the Chicago Bears and coached them for 40 years. After his passing in 1983, ownership of the team was passed on to his eldest daughter, Virginia Halas McCaskey.
Tim Mara, a bookmaker, invested $500 in the New York Giants in 1925. To protect the team during the Great Depression, he divided ownership between his two sons, Wellington and Jack. Today, his grandson John Mara shares ownership of the Giants.
Charles Bidwill, a wealthy lawyer with connections to Al Capone, was originally a part-owner of the Bears but bought the rival Chicago Cardinals in 1933. The team later moved to St. Louis and then Arizona. Bidwill’s grandson, Michael, now owns the Cardinals.
Art Rooney, who acquired funds from a racetrack win, invested in a team that eventually became the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933. The current owner, Art Rooney II, represents the third generation of family ownership for the team.
Other owners have taken over teams following the death of a family member. Examples include Clark Hunt (Chiefs), Amy Adams Strunk (Titans), Sheila Ford Hamp (Lions), Mike Brown (Bengals), Mark and Carol Davis (Raiders), Jim Irsay (Colts), Gayle Benson (Saints), Edward, Bryan & Joel Glazer (Buccaneers), Jody Allen (Seahawks), Janice McNair (Texans), and Steve Tisch (Giants).
The Hunts became one of America’s wealthiest families thanks to H.L. Hunt, who struck oil in East Texas in the 1930s. Lamar Hunt, his son, used his wealth to found the Kansas City Chiefs in 1960. Ownership of the team was transferred to Clark Hunt, Lamar’s eldest son, after his passing.
Bud Adams, who made his fortune in the petroleum business, started the Houston Oilers in 1960. Following his death in 2013, his daughter Amy Adams Strunk gained controlling ownership of the team, which then became the Tennessee Titans.
William Clay Ford, the last surviving grandchild of automotive giant Henry Ford, purchased the Detroit Lions in 1963. Ownership of the team was passed on to his wife, Martha Firestone Ford, after his death in 2014. The team is now under the ownership of his daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp.
Paul Brown, co-founder and coach of the Cleveland Browns, later led the group that founded the Cincinnati Bengals. After his death in 1991, his son Mike Brown took over ownership of the team.
Al Davis, known for his famous quote, “Just win, baby!”, coached and subsequently became the owner of the Oakland Raiders. Following his passing in 2011, his wife Carol and son Mark inherited ownership of the team.
Bob Irsay, who made his fortune in heating and air conditioning, acquired the Baltimore Colts in 1972. He controversially moved the team to Indianapolis in 1984 under the cover of darkness. His son, Jim Irsay, assumed ownership after his death in 1997.
Tom Benson, who built his wealth through car dealerships, bought the New Orleans Saints in 1985. After his passing in 2018, his wife, Gayle Benson, took over ownership of the team along with the city’s NBA franchise.
Malcolm Glazer, with various investments and businesses, including shopping centers, purchased the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995. His sons Bryan, Joel, and Edward took over team management following his death in 2014.
Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, became the owner of the Seattle Seahawks in 1997. After his passing in 2018, ownership of the team went to a family trust overseen by his sister, Jody Allen.
Bob McNair brought football back to Houston with the addition of the Houston Texans in 2002. He made his fortune after selling his energy company to Enron for $1.5 billion in 1999. Following his death in 2018, his wife, Janice McNair, inherited control of the team.
Steve Tisch inherited co-ownership of the Giants from his father in 2005. The Tisch family bought into the team in 1991, following decades of sole ownership by the Maras.
Some owners used their family wealth to kickstart their ownership of NFL teams. These include Jeffrey Lurie (Eagles), the DeBartolos (San Francisco 49ers), the Spanos family (Los Angeles Chargers), and the Wilfs (Minnesota Vikings). Jeffrey Lurie’s grandfather founded the General Cinema theater chain. In addition to owning the Philadelphia Eagles, Lurie is also an Oscar-winning film producer. The DeBartolos, Spanos family, and Wilfs found their fortunes in real estate before acquiring their respective teams.
Others are self-made owners, proving that NFL ownership is not solely reliant on family wealth. Shahid Khan, who came to the US from Pakistan with only $500, bought the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011 after building a successful auto parts business. Steve Bisciotti, an owner of the Baltimore Ravens, has a similar story of starting with modest means and eventually establishing a successful business.
In conclusion, NFL ownership is a diverse mix of family legacies, inheritances, and self-made success stories. These owners shape the course of the game and play a crucial role in the continued growth and success of the National Football League.
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