What NFL Team Is Owned By A Woman? A Look At The League's Changing Face
The National Football League, for a long time, felt like a space mostly for men, but things are certainly changing, and in a big way, especially when we talk about who owns the teams. It's almost as if the league is becoming more of a women's club in the ownership circles, which is quite something to see, isn't it? This shift really shows how professional football teams are trying to reflect their fan base's changing makeup, which, you know, includes a lot of women who love the game. They've been bringing in and moving up women to really important spots in their main offices and even on the coaching staffs, and now, we're seeing some women step into roles as NFL team owners, which was, quite frankly, a space that men had pretty much always run.
This article gives a quick look at how women came to own parts of NFL teams, a story that's still being written. The NFL, in some respects, has certainly been a place where male ownership held sway for a very long time. Still, there's a rather small group of truly groundbreaking women who are right at the front of this movement, actually breaking down old barriers and showing everyone what leadership can look like in professional football, which is pretty inspiring.
The spotlight in the NFL usually shines brightest on the players who make those incredible plays or the coaches who call the shots. But behind all that excitement, there's another group that holds a lot of sway and really makes things happen. We're going to talk about who these women are and the teams they lead, giving you, like, a fuller picture of the league today.
- How Much Is Bill Belichick Worth In 2025
- Who Is The Winningest Coach In The Nfl History
- Which Coach Has Won The Most Nfl Champions
- What Football Team Is Worth The Least Money
- How Much Is Raiders Worth
Table of Contents
- The Shifting Landscape of NFL Ownership
- Trailblazers and Pioneers: A Look at Prominent Female Owners
- More Women at the Helm: A Growing List
- Beyond Ownership: Women Shaping the Game
- Frequently Asked Questions About Female NFL Owners
The Shifting Landscape of NFL Ownership
The National Football League, for a very long time, was pretty much a domain where men held all the cards, especially when it came to owning the teams. Yet, if you look closely, you'll see a small but mighty group of women who are truly trailblazers. They stand right at the forefront, breaking down old walls and, you know, really showing everyone what leadership looks like in professional football. It's a significant change, actually, from what many people might still imagine the league to be.
Today, the league boasts more female owners than ever before, which is a pretty cool fact. As a matter of fact, at least 12 of the total 32 NFL teams count women as either the main controlling owner or as someone who is significantly active in running things. This is a big jump from past times, and it shows a clear trend. It's quite clear that the NFL is, in some ways, leading the way here, with six of its 32 teams — that's the Titans, Bears, Lions, Bills, 49ers, and Raiders — having women as owners, though it's worth noting that three of those come with, you know, rather large asterisks, indicating perhaps a shared or inherited role rather than a direct purchase from scratch.
Women might still be in the minority when it comes to the exclusive club of NFL ownership, but the ones who do have a spot at the table are making their presence felt. They're helping to pave a path for future female leaders in the sport, which is, honestly, a really important thing. You see, it's not just about owning a team; it's about setting an example and changing perceptions, and they are doing just that, apparently.
- Aishah Sofey Tiktok
- Is Aishah Hasnies Religion
- Which Stadium Is Bigger Sofi Or Allegiant
- What Is The Only Nfc Team To Never Have Played In The Super Bowl
- Who Is The Richest Football Team Ever
Trailblazers and Pioneers: A Look at Prominent Female Owners
When you check out who's in charge of your favorite franchises, you find that NFL team owners really run the gamut from being out in the public eye quite a bit to being barely seen. But among them are some truly remarkable women who have made history or are currently doing so. Their stories are pretty compelling, and, you know, they really highlight how much things have changed, or are changing, in the league.
Gayle Benson and the New Orleans Saints
A really big moment happened in 2018 when the New Orleans Saints became the very first NFL team to be completely owned by a woman. This came about after Tom Benson, who was the previous owner, passed away. His wife, Gayle Benson, inherited the team, and she's been at the helm ever since. Her leadership has been quite impactful, and, you know, it set a new standard for what female ownership could look like in the league, in a way. It was a significant step, showing that a woman could indeed hold the reins of an entire NFL franchise, which was, quite frankly, a really big deal for the league's history.
Mellody Hobson and the Denver Broncos
Looking ahead, Mellody Hobson is set to make history herself by becoming the very first Black female owner in NFL history. She's part of the group, which is headed by Walmart heir Rob Walton, that came together to buy the Denver Broncos. This is a pretty monumental step, you know, for representation in sports ownership. Her involvement signifies a new chapter, broadening the scope of who gets to be a part of this very exclusive club, and it's something that, honestly, many people are really excited about, and for good reason.
The "Lifetime of Sundays" Owners
There's a fascinating film that came out, called "A Lifetime of Sundays," which actually tells the stories of four truly iconic female NFL team owners. These women, all in their 80s and 90s, own the Bears, the Lions, the Chiefs, and the Steelers. Their names, if you recite them, are like stepping into the very pages of an NFL history book. We're talking about Virginia Halas McCaskey, Martha Ford, Patricia Rooney, and Norma Hunt. Their stories shed light on a long history of women connected to the game, and how they, in a way, helped build what is now the most commanding enterprise in American sports. It’s pretty amazing, actually, to see how their influence has stretched across generations, and, you know, they've been there through so much.
These women, through their deep family ties and long-standing involvement, have truly shaped their respective franchises. They show that ownership isn't always about a flashy purchase; sometimes, it's about a legacy passed down, and they've carried that torch with incredible dedication. Their presence is, in some respects, a quiet but powerful statement about the enduring role of women in the sport, which is, honestly, very cool to see.
More Women at the Helm: A Growing List
Beyond those prominent names, the list of teams with women in significant ownership roles is actually growing. Today, as we mentioned, at least 12 of the 32 NFL teams have women as controlling or significantly active owners. This includes teams like the Indianapolis Colts, the San Francisco 49ers, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Las Vegas Raiders, the Cleveland Browns, the Buffalo Bills, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tennessee Titans, the New Orleans Saints, the Seattle Seahawks, the Detroit Lions, and the Denver Broncos. This broader list, compiled by folks like Ben Horney and Eric Fisher, really highlights the widespread nature of this shift. It's not just a few isolated cases; it's a trend that's picking up speed, you know, across the entire league.
The Detroit Lions, the New Orleans Saints, the Chicago Bears, and the Tennessee Titans are explicitly mentioned as being owned by women, which is pretty straightforward. This expanding group of female owners represents a significant change from past eras when such roles were, you know, almost exclusively held by men. It shows that the league is becoming more diverse at its very top levels, which is a good thing for everyone involved, honestly. You can see how this reflects a broader societal change, too, where women are taking on more leadership roles in all sorts of fields.
It's interesting to consider that the NFL, in a way, requires a controlling owner to hold at minimum a 30% stake in the team, and it generally doesn't allow ownership groups of over 24 people. One team, the Green Bay Packers, is an exception to this rule because of a special "grandfather clause," and it's actually owned by shareholders, which is quite unique. The Houston Texans also have a significant female presence in their ownership, adding to this growing number. These rules, you know, help shape the structure of ownership, but women are certainly finding their place within them.
Beyond Ownership: Women Shaping the Game
It's not just in the ownership boxes where women are making a huge difference in the NFL. To celebrate Women's History Month, for example, the league has highlighted 15 women who are actively shaping the game of football in many different ways. These women range from amazing flag football players to presidents of NFL teams. They continue to inspire and break barriers in all sorts of roles, which is, you know, incredibly important.
Their contributions go well beyond the headlines, helping to build the sport from the ground up and at the highest levels of management. This wider involvement, honestly, shows a much more inclusive future for football. It's about recognizing that talent and leadership come in all forms, and it's pretty clear that women are stepping up and showing everyone what they can do, which is, in some respects, truly fantastic.
The presence of these women, whether they are owners, executives, or even players in emerging leagues, is changing the entire landscape of football. It's a testament to their dedication and skill, and it's helping to create a sport that is more reflective of its incredibly diverse fan base. You can, like, really feel the shift happening, and it's a positive one for the future of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions About Female NFL Owners
Are there any NFL teams fully owned by a woman?
Yes, the New Orleans Saints became the first NFL team to be fully owned by a woman in 2018. This happened after Tom Benson's passing, and his wife, Gayle Benson, took over the team's ownership. It was a significant moment for the league, honestly, and it really highlighted a new era of leadership.
Who is the first Black female owner in NFL history?
Mellody Hobson is set to make history by becoming the first Black female owner in NFL history. She's a part of the group, led by Walmart heir Rob Walton, that acquired the Denver Broncos. Her involvement is a pretty big step for diversity in sports ownership, you know, and it's something many people are celebrating.
How many NFL teams are owned by women today?
Today, the league has more female owners than ever before. At least 12 of the total 32 NFL teams count women as controlling or significantly active owners. This includes teams like the Colts, 49ers, Chiefs, Raiders, Browns, Bills, Buccaneers, Titans, Saints, Seahawks, Lions, and Broncos, among others. It shows a growing trend, apparently, towards more inclusive ownership structures in the league.
To learn more about the history of women in professional sports, you might find interesting articles on a reputable sports news site. You can also learn more about the changing face of sports leadership on our site, and find out more about women breaking barriers in various fields.
- What Is The Age Difference Between Gutfeld And His Wife
- Aishah Sofey Tiktok
- What Religion Is Brett Baier
- Can The Nfl Force An Owner To Sell
- Who Was The First Black Coach To Win The Nba Championship
NFL Schedule Release: Week 1 Games and More - The New York Times
Download NFL All Team Logos Wallpaper | Wallpapers.com
National Football League (NFL) | History, Teams, & Facts | Britannica
