The National Football League (NFL) is a league steeped in tradition, with franchises boasting decades, even centuries, of history. While many teams have seen ownership changes over the years, some families have held onto their teams for generations, creating dynasties both on and off the field.
“Stability in ownership is the cornerstone of a successful NFL franchise.”

The Halas Family Dynasty
The undisputed champions of long-term NFL ownership are the Halas family and their Chicago Bears.
1. Chicago Bears owner Virginia Halas McCaskey turns 100 years old
George Halas: The Founding Father
The story begins with George Halas, a legendary figure in football history. He founded the Decatur Staleys in 1919, a team that would eventually become the Chicago Bears. Halas was more than just an owner; he was a visionary who shaped the early days of professional football, serving as a player, coach, and owner. His influence on the game is immeasurable.

Virginia McCaskey: Carrying the Torch
Upon George Halas’ passing, ownership transitioned to his daughter, Virginia McCaskey. She has been at the helm of the Bears for decades, making her the longest-tenured owner in professional sports history. McCaskey has maintained the Halas family legacy while also guiding the team through the challenges of modern-day football.

List of current NFL franchise owners
Franchise | Principal Owner | Since |
Arizona Cardinals | Michael Bidwill | 1932 |
Atlanta Falcons | Arthur Blank[a] | 2002 |
Baltimore Ravens | Steve Bisciotti[a] | 2004 |
Buffalo Bills | Terry Pegula | 2014 |
Carolina Panthers | David Tepper | 2018 |
Chicago Bears | Virginia Halas McCaskey[a] | 1920 |
Cincinnati Bengals | Mike Brown | 1991 |
Cleveland Browns | Jimmy and Dee Haslam | 2012 |
Dallas Cowboys | Jerry Jones | 1989 |
Denver Broncos | Rob Walton[b] | 2022 |
Detroit Lions | Sheila Ford Hamp[a] | 1963 |
Green Bay Packers | Green Bay Packers, Inc.[c] | 1923 |
Houston Texans | Cal McNair | 1999 |
Indianapolis Colts | Jim Irsay | 1972 |
Jacksonville Jaguars | Shahid Khan | 2012 |
Kansas City Chiefs | Clark Hunt[d] | 1960 |
Las Vegas Raiders | Mark Davis and Carol Davis[a] | 1971 |
Los Angeles Chargers | Dean Spanos | 1984 |
Los Angeles Rams | Stan Kroenke | 2010 |
Miami Dolphins | Stephen Ross[a] | 2008 |
Minnesota Vikings | Zygi Wilf[a] | 2005 |
New England Patriots | Robert Kraft | 1994 |
New Orleans Saints | Gayle Benson | 1985 |
New York Giants | John Mara and Steve Tisch | 1925 |
New York Jets | Woody and Christopher Johnson | 2000 |
Philadelphia Eagles | Jeffrey Lurie | 1994 |
Pittsburgh Steelers | Rooney family (Art Rooney II) | 1933 |
San Francisco 49ers | Denise DeBartolo York and Jed York | 1977 |
Seattle Seahawks | Jody Allen[e] | 1997 |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Glazer family (Bryan Glazer) | 1995 |
Tennessee Titans | Amy Adams Strunk[f] | 1959 |
Washington Commanders | Josh Harris[a][g] | 2023 |
Ranking top 5 Long-Standing Owners
While the Halas family’s tenure with the Bears is unparalleled, several other families have enjoyed significant longevity in NFL ownership.
Rank | Owner(s) | Franchise | Since | Details |
#1 | Virginia Halas McCaskey | Chicago Bears | 1920 | Virginia Halas McCaskey is the NFL’s longest-tenured owner, inheriting the team from her father, Bears founder George Halas. She became the oldest owner of an American sports franchise in 2014 and has been a dedicated figure in the Bears’ history. |
#2 | Green Bay Packers, Inc. | Green Bay Packers | 1923 | The Packers are the sole publicly owned franchise in the NFL, with about 5.2 million shares and a cap of 200,000 shares per individual. Known for their consistent success, the Packers have been a dominant force in the NFL for decades. |
#3 | Mara and Tisch Families | New York Giants | 1925 | John Mara, a third-generation owner, inherited the Giants from his grandfather, Tim Mara, who founded the team. Steve Tisch, executive vice-president and chairman, shares ownership with Mara. Steve Tisch is also a noted film producer and businessman. |
#4 | Bidwill Family | Arizona Cardinals | 1932 | The Bidwill family purchased the Cardinals in 1932. Michael Bidwill, the current President, inherited the team from his father, who took ownership in 1971. Michael has a background in law and a history with the team as a former ballboy. |
#5 | Rooney Family | Pittsburgh Steelers | 1933 | The Rooney family bought the Steelers for $2,500 in 1933. Art Rooney II, the primary owner, has been the team’s President since 2003, under whose leadership the Steelers won two Super Bowl rings. Rooney II also serves as Of Counsel at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. |
The Unique Case of the Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers stand out as a unique entity in the NFL ownership landscape. As a publicly owned team, the Packers are different from any other franchise. While this model presents its own set of challenges, it has also fostered a strong connection between the team and its fans.
Public Ownership: A Different Model
The Packers’ ownership structure is a testament to the power of community. With millions of shareholders, the team has a broad base of support that extends far beyond the state of Wisconsin.
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Youngest and Oldest NFL Owners
Who is the Youngest Owner of an NFL Team?
The NFL is seeing a shift in its ownership landscape, with a younger generation taking the reins. Leading this pack is Clark Hunt, the driving force behind the Kansas City Chiefs’ recent dynasty.
At 59, Hunt is one of four NFL owners sharing the same birth year, including Josh Harris (Commanders), Michael Bidwill (Cardinals), and Bryan Glazer (Buccaneers). While all four are seasoned executives, Hunt stands out as the youngest of the group by a slim margin.
His journey to the helm of the Chiefs is deeply rooted in family legacy. His father, Lamar Hunt, founded the franchise in 1959. Joining the organization in 2005, Clark ascended to chairman and CEO roles, solidifying his influence. Following Lamar’s passing in 2006, ownership was divided among his wife, Norma, and their children, with Clark assuming the role of “de facto owner.”
Since Clark’s involvement, the Chiefs have transformed into a football powerhouse, capturing three Super Bowl titles and securing 12 playoff berths. His leadership has undeniably contributed to the team’s extraordinary success.
“Youth brings a fresh perspective and energy to the game, and Clark Hunt exemplifies that.”
Who is the Oldest Owner of an NFL Team?
The title of the oldest NFL owner belongs to Virginia McCaskey, the principal owner of the Chicago Bears. As the daughter of legendary founder George Halas, she has held the position for an exceptionally long time, making her a historic figure in sports ownership.
It’s important to note that while these individuals currently hold these titles, the NFL ownership landscape is dynamic, and these positions could change over time.

NFL Owners From Youngest to Oldest
Owner | Franchise | Age |
Virginia Halas McCaskey | Chicago Bears | 101 |
Mike Brown | Cincinnati Bengals | 88 |
Janice McNair | Houston Texans | 87 |
Stephen Ross | Miami Dolphins | 84 |
Robert Kraft | New England Patriots | 83 |
Jerry Jones | Dallas Cowboys | 81 |
Arthur Blank | Atlanta Falcons | 81 |
Rob Walton | Denver Broncos | 79 |
Gayle Benson | New Orleans Saints | 77 |
Woody Johnson | New York Jets | 77 |
Stan Kroenke | Los Angeles Rams | 76 |
Shad Khan | Jacksonville Jaguars | 74 |
Zygi Wilf | Minnesota Vikings | 74 |
Dean Spanos | Los Angeles Chargers | 74 |
Marie Denise DeBartolo York | San Francisco 49ers | 73 |
Terry Pegula | Buffalo Bills | 73 |
Sheila Ford Hamp | Detroit Lions | 72 |
Jeffrey Lurie | Philadelphia Eagles | 72 |
Art Rooney II | Pittsburgh Steelers | 71 |
Jimmy Haslam | Cleveland Browns | 70 |
John Mara | New York Giants | 69 |
Mark Davis | Las Vegas Raiders | 69 |
Amy Adams Strunk | Tennessee Titans | 68 |
David Tepper | Carolina Panthers | 66 |
Jody Allen | Seattle Seahawks | 65 |
Jim Irsay | Indianapolis Colts | 65 |
Steve Bisciotti | Baltimore Ravens | 64 |
Bryan Glazer | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 59 |
Michael Bidwill | Arizona Cardinals | 59 |
Josh Harris | Washington Commanders | 59 |
Clark Hunt | Kansas City Chiefs | 59 |
The Impact of Ownership Stability on the NFL
The NFL’s landscape is marked by a unique blend of tradition and innovation. While some teams have experienced significant ownership changes, others have been guided by the same families for generations. This stability has profound implications for the league.
Impact on Team Culture and Success
Consistent ownership fosters a strong team culture. When ownership remains steady, there’s a clear vision and direction for the franchise. This stability can lead to a unified front office, coaching staff, and players, creating a cohesive unit. Moreover, long-term owners often develop deep-rooted connections with the community, enhancing fan loyalty and support.
A prime example is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Rooney family’s unwavering commitment to the team has cultivated a “Steeler Way” mentality, emphasizing hard work, discipline, and a blue-collar ethos. This culture has been instrumental in their sustained success.
Financial Implications
Stable ownership typically translates to financial stability. Families with deep pockets can invest in their teams, allowing for top-tier facilities, cutting-edge technology, and competitive salaries. This financial strength is crucial in attracting and retaining top talent, both on and off the field.
The Dallas Cowboys, owned by Jerry Jones, are a testament to this. Jones’ business acumen and willingness to invest heavily in the franchise have transformed the Cowboys into a global brand, generating immense revenue.
Challenges and Opportunities
While ownership stability offers numerous advantages, it also presents challenges. The evolving sports landscape demands adaptability, and long-standing owners must stay abreast of changing trends and technologies. Additionally, the rising costs of operating an NFL franchise can strain even the most financially sound ownership groups.
On the other hand, long-term owners possess a unique advantage: institutional knowledge. They understand the intricacies of the league, the importance of player development, and the value of building relationships within the football community. This knowledge can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the modern NFL.
The Future of NFL Ownership
The future of NFL ownership is a complex interplay of tradition and innovation. As the league continues to expand its global reach and revenue streams, ownership groups will need to evolve to stay competitive.
One trend to watch is the increasing involvement of institutional investors. While family ownership remains a cornerstone of the NFL, partnerships with private equity firms and other financial institutions could provide additional resources and expertise.
Another potential development is the growth of minority ownership opportunities. Expanding ownership to a more diverse group of individuals could bring fresh perspectives and help bridge the gap between teams and their fan bases.
Ultimately, the success of NFL franchises will depend on a combination of factors, including ownership stability, financial resources, strategic decision-making, and the ability to adapt to a changing landscape. As the league enters a new era, the role of ownership will continue to be a critical determinant of a team’s fortunes.
Conclusion of What is the Longest Owned NFL Team?
The NFL’s rich history is intertwined with the stories of its owners. While some teams have experienced ownership changes, others have been guided by the same families for generations. This stability has played a pivotal role in shaping team culture, financial strength, and overall success. As the league evolves, the balance between tradition and innovation will be crucial for owners to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future. The NFL’s enduring appeal is rooted in its ability to captivate fans while fostering a competitive and dynamic environment for teams and owners alike.
FAQs
What is the longest-tenured NFL owner?
Virginia McCaskey, owner of the Chicago Bears, holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured owner in professional sports history. She inherited the team from her father, George Halas, and has maintained ownership for decades.
How does public ownership of the Green Bay Packers differ from other NFL teams?
The Green Bay Packers are unique in the NFL as a publicly owned team. Unlike other franchises, the Packers have millions of shareholders, creating a strong bond between the team and its fans. While public ownership presents its own challenges, it also fosters a sense of community and shared ownership.
What impact does ownership stability have on team success?
Stable ownership is often associated with greater team success. Consistent leadership provides a clear vision and direction for the franchise, fostering a strong team culture and enabling long-term planning. This stability can lead to sustained success on the field and increased fan loyalty.
What challenges do NFL owners face in the modern era?
NFL owners navigate a complex landscape that includes rising franchise values, economic uncertainty, evolving media consumption habits, and the increasing demands of players. Balancing tradition with innovation, managing financial resources, and adapting to changing fan expectations are key challenges for owners in today’s NFL.
What is the future of NFL ownership?
The future of NFL ownership is likely to involve a blend of traditional family ownership and new ownership models. The increasing influence of institutional investors and the potential for expanded minority ownership opportunities could reshape the landscape. Ultimately, success will depend on owners’ ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and maintain a strong connection with fans.