Are Any NFL Teams Owned By A Woman? Meet The Women Shaping The League

Clemmie Gaylord

28 Jul, 2025

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It's a question many sports enthusiasts and casual fans often ponder: "Are any NFL teams owned by a woman?" The landscape of professional sports, particularly the National Football League, sometimes seems like a world dominated by men, yet a closer look reveals a compelling story of powerful, influential women making their mark. This isn't just about a few scattered instances; in fact, women have held significant ownership and leadership roles for quite some time, often quietly shaping the very fabric of their teams and the league as a whole. It's truly fascinating to explore who these individuals are and the impact they bring to the game.

For quite a while, the idea of women holding substantial power in a major sports league like the NFL might have seemed, in a way, rather uncommon to some. Yet, the truth is that female figures have been present in ownership circles for many years, with some even inheriting their positions from family members who first established the team's presence. These women have often taken on the immense responsibility of guiding multi-billion dollar franchises, making big decisions that affect thousands of people and millions of fans. It's a testament to their business acumen and passion for the sport, really.

So, we're going to take a look at some of these remarkable women who are, or have been, at the helm of NFL teams, and also consider those in other very important leadership positions. We will discover that, yes, there are indeed several NFL teams with female owners, and their stories are quite inspiring. This exploration will show how the league, in some respects, has seen a gradual shift, acknowledging the diverse talents and perspectives that women bring to the table, helping to shape its future.

A Look at Female Ownership in the NFL
Frequently Asked Questions About Female NFL Ownership

A Look at Female Ownership in the NFL

When we talk about the National Football League, it's pretty clear that it stands as one of the biggest and most popular sports organizations on the planet. Its structure involves 32 distinct teams, each with its own ownership group, and a central league office that guides everything. For a team to operate, the NFL requires that a controlling owner hold at least a 30% stake in the team, and it also puts limits on how many people can be in an ownership group, typically not more than 24 individuals. This system, in a way, ensures that control remains somewhat centralized, even within larger groups.

Trailblazing Team Owners

It's interesting to consider that many of the teams are either owned by a single individual or, quite often, by a family. This family ownership model has, in fact, been a pathway for several women to step into very significant roles within the league. These women have not just been figureheads; they have been active participants, guiding their teams through thick and thin, making crucial decisions that shape the future of their franchises and, arguably, the entire league.

One very notable example is Gayle Benson. She made history in 2018 when the New Orleans Saints became the first NFL team to be fully owned by a woman. This happened after the passing of her husband, Tom Benson. Her taking the reins was, in a way, a truly significant moment, showing that women could indeed hold complete control over a major sports franchise. It's a pretty big deal when you think about it, representing a new era for the Saints and for female leadership in sports.

Then there's Mellody Hobson, who is set to make history in her own right. She's part of an ownership group, headed by a Walmart heir, and her involvement means she'll become the first Black female owner in NFL history. This is, you know, a very important step forward for diversity within the league's ownership circles. Her presence in such a high-profile role really highlights the ongoing efforts to bring more varied voices and perspectives into the decision-making processes of professional sports, which is quite important.

Looking back, there are four iconic female NFL team owners whose stories are so compelling, they were the subject of a film called "A Lifetime of Sundays." To just say their names is to, in some respects, walk through the pages of NFL history itself. These women are Virginia Halas McCaskey, Martha Ford, Patricia Rooney, and Norma Hunt. Each of them has played a very significant role in their respective franchises for many, many years, often inheriting their positions and then building upon that legacy. Their dedication and influence are, frankly, undeniable.

Virginia Halas McCaskey, for instance, has been a central figure for the Chicago Bears. Her family, particularly her father George Halas, was instrumental in the founding of the NFL. Her long tenure as an owner has made her a truly enduring presence in the league, spanning generations of fans and players. She has, you know, seen so much change and growth within the sport, maintaining a steady hand at the helm of a beloved team.

Martha Ford, on the other hand, took over the Detroit Lions. Her leadership, after her husband's time, brought a different kind of energy to the team. She's been very involved in trying to steer the franchise toward success, making tough decisions and showing a lot of dedication to the team's fan base. It's clear she truly cares about the team's performance and its place in the community, which is pretty much what you want in an owner.

Patricia Rooney has been a key part of the Pittsburgh Steelers' storied history. The Rooney family has a deep connection to the NFL, and her involvement has helped maintain the team's strong traditions and values. Her presence, in a way, symbolizes the continuity and stability that family ownership can bring to a franchise, fostering a culture of success and loyalty that is very much admired across the league.

And then there's Norma Hunt, whose connection to the Kansas City Chiefs runs incredibly deep. Her late husband, Lamar Hunt, was a founder of the American Football League (AFL) and a pivotal figure in the creation of the Super Bowl. Norma has remained a very important figure for the Chiefs, representing the historical roots and the pioneering spirit of the franchise. She has, arguably, been a constant source of inspiration and a link to the team's rich past, which is quite special.

Another very prominent woman in NFL ownership is Denise DeBartolo York, who took control of the San Francisco 49ers in 2000. Her family first owned the team when her father, Edward DeBartolo Sr., bought the team way back in 1977. She then stepped into the role when her brother, Edward Jr., moved on. Her leadership has, in some respects, guided the 49ers through various eras, maintaining their status as a competitive and well-respected franchise in the league. It's quite a legacy, really.

Women in Leadership Beyond Ownership

While direct ownership is a very visible role, women have also broken barriers in other crucial leadership positions within NFL teams. One truly remarkable figure is Amy Trask. She became the first female chief executive officer (CEO) of an NFL team, taking on this powerful role with the Oakland Raiders in 1997. She held that position until 2013, and remains, to this day, the only woman ever to have held the title of CEO for an NFL team. Her long tenure and the significant responsibilities she managed show that women can absolutely excel in the highest executive ranks of professional football. It's a very clear example of breaking new ground.

Her work in the position with the Oakland Raiders from 1997 until 2013 truly left an indelible mark. Trask is, you know, very well known inside and outside of NFL circles for her intelligence, her dedication, and her ability to navigate the complex world of professional sports management. Her achievements paved the way for future women to aspire to similar high-level roles, demonstrating that skill and capability know no gender boundaries in sports leadership, which is quite inspiring.

Diversity in Ownership: A Broader View

The conversation around ownership in the NFL also extends to broader diversity. It's interesting to note that in 2023, the NFL had seven out of its 32 teams with minority owners. This includes figures like Shad Khan of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who is, you know, a very prominent owner in the league. The league is, arguably, making strides in this area, though there's always more work to be done to reflect the diverse fan base and player population.

Speaking of minority owners, the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, are sports legends in their own right. They became the first Black owners of an NFL team when they bought an ownership stake. Their involvement, alongside other sports icons like Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Lewis Hamilton, shows a growing trend of athletes and prominent figures investing in sports franchises. This kind of investment is, in a way, really important for bringing new perspectives and, you know, different kinds of influence into the ownership landscape.

It's also worth pointing out that the NFL is the most represented league among female owners, with four teams having significant female ownership. The NBA and the NWSL are close behind with three representatives each, followed by MLS. This statistic, in some respects, highlights the NFL's position at the forefront of female representation in sports ownership, which is a pretty good thing to see.

And while we're on the topic of diversity, it's sometimes asked if women can play in the NFL. Statistically speaking, women are physically smaller and, you know, often weaker than men, which is why you don’t typically see women playing in the league. There are also very few women who play professional football at that level. However, the ability for women to play is not explicitly forbidden; it's more about the physical demands of the sport at its highest professional level, which is a different kind of discussion entirely.

Overall, the ownership of professional sports franchises for people of color, and indeed for women, remains an important goal. Reports from organizations like the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports consistently look at these numbers, showing that while progress is being made, there's always room for growth and more inclusive representation across all levels of sports, which is a very important point to keep in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Female NFL Ownership

Here are some common questions people often ask about women in NFL ownership:

How many NFL teams have female owners?

As of recent information, the NFL has, you know, several teams with significant female ownership. The league is actually the most represented among major sports leagues when it comes to female owners, with four teams having prominent female figures at the helm. This includes women who are controlling owners or hold very substantial stakes, which is quite impressive.

Who was the first woman to fully own an NFL team?

The distinction of being the first woman to fully own an NFL team goes to Gayle Benson. She took complete control of the New Orleans Saints in 2018 after her husband, Tom Benson, passed away. Her stepping into this role marked a truly historic moment for the league, demonstrating a full transition of power to a female owner, which was, in a way, a very big deal.

Are there any Black female owners in the NFL?

Yes, there are indeed Black female owners involved in the NFL. Mellody Hobson is set to make history as the first Black female owner, being part of an ownership group. Additionally, the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, were the first Black owners of an NFL team when they acquired a stake in a franchise. Their involvement is, you know, a very important step towards greater diversity in the league's ownership circles.

Learn more about the history of NFL ownership on our site, and explore the current state of diversity in professional sports. For more information on the NFL's ownership structure, you can visit the official NFL website.