NFL Ownership in 2025: Inside America’s Most Powerful Sports League
The Collective Power Structure of the NFL
The National Football League is not owned by a single person or company. Instead, it is made up of 32 individually owned franchises that collectively govern the league.
The league has become an unprecedented financial powerhouse, generating approximately $21 billion in annual revenue as of 2025. This success is driven by massive media rights deals, which now total nearly $110 billion over 11 years, more than doubling previous agreements.
Ownership Rules and Structure
The NFL maintains strict ownership rules, requiring a franchise’s controlling owner to hold a minimum 30% stake. The league forbids groups of over 24 people, corporations, religious groups, governments, and non-profit organizations from owning stakes in teams.
A significant change occurred in August 2024 when the NFL modified its rules to allow institutional investors to purchase stakes in teams. This led to the approval of private equity firms buying portions of the Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.
Notable Developments and Leadership
The NFL operates as a carefully structured business built on teamwork between its 32 team owners and its central leadership, with decisions shaped collectively and the commissioner guiding the league’s long-term vision.
The league continues to expand its reach through new media partnerships, with streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube securing rights to broadcast games and exclusive content under new multiyear deals.
The Green Bay Exception
The NFL does not allow corporate ownership of clubs, requiring either a single owner or a small group of owners. The Green Bay Packers are the only exception to this rule, as they were a publicly owned corporation before the rule was implemented. The team is run by a board of directors, serving as the “owner of record” for the franchise.
Looking Ahead
The NFL continues to expand internationally, with the league recently approving Berlin, Germany, to host a 2025 regular-season game. Additionally, the NFL has extended its partnership with Nike for another 10 years through the 2038 season, maintaining continuity in its uniform manufacturing relationship that began in 2012.
