Who Owns Green Bay Packers: Ownership Explained

The Green Bay Packers are one of the most unique teams in professional sports. Unlike other NFL franchises owned by billionaires or corporations, the Packers operate under a public ownership model. To answer the question of who owns Green Bay Packers, the truth is that more than half a million fans collectively hold the team. This community-based structure makes the Packers unlike any other team in the NFL.

Green Bay Packers Profile

The Green Bay Packers are one of the most historic and successful teams in the NFL. Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, they are the only community-owned nonprofit franchise in major American sports.

Since their founding in 1919, the Packers have built a tradition of excellence on and off the field. The team has won 13 league championships, more than any other NFL franchise, including four Super Bowls.

They are known for their passionate fan base, the “Cheeseheads,” who make Lambeau Field one of the most intimidating stadiums in football. What makes the Packers unique is not just their winning history, but their structure: they belong to the fans, and that identity has defined their legacy for over a century.

Founders and Early Years

The Packers were founded in 1919 by Earl “Curly” Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun.

With Lambeau securing funding from the Indian Packing Company, the team began its journey as a small-town club.

In 1921, they joined the American Professional Football Association, the league that became the NFL. Financial struggles in the early 1920s nearly ended the team, but public fundraising saved them, leading to the community ownership model that still exists today.

The Packers are owned by over 537,000 shareholders who hold more than 5 million shares. No one can own more than 200,000 shares, ensuring no individual or corporation can control the team.

They are governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee. Lambeau Field, their home since 1957, has been continually expanded and modernized, but still holds its historic charm. The team’s identity blends community loyalty, tradition, and competitiveness, making it one of the most admired organizations in American sports.

Major Milestones

• 1919 – Team founded by Curly Lambeau and George Calhoun.
• 1921 – Packers join the American Professional Football Association (later renamed NFL).
• 1923 – First public stock sale forms Green Bay Football Corporation, saving the team.
• 1929 – Packers win their first NFL Championship.
• 1936 – Victory in the NFL Championship game against the Boston Redskins.
• 1939 – Another NFL title, establishing early dominance.
• 1944 – Packers win sixth NFL Championship, led by Don Hutson.
• 1957 – Lambeau Field opens, giving the Packers a permanent home.
• 1959 – Vince Lombardi hired as head coach, beginning a golden era.
• 1961 – Packers win first NFL title under Lombardi.
• 1966 – Packers win first Super Bowl (Super Bowl I).
• 1967 – Packers win Super Bowl II, cementing Lombardi’s dynasty.
• 1989 – Don Majkowski’s “instant replay game” helps revive fan excitement.
• 1992 – Brett Favre arrives via trade, sparking a new era.
• 1996 – Packers win Super Bowl XXXI with Favre and coach Mike Holmgren.
• 1997 – Return to Super Bowl XXXII, though falling to the Broncos.
• 2005 – Aaron Rodgers drafted as a future quarterback.
• 2010 – Packers win Super Bowl XLV with Rodgers as MVP.
• 2011 – Team goes 15-1, one of the best seasons in franchise history.
• 2016 – Rodgers leads Packers on a “Run the Table” playoff push to the NFC title game.
• 2020 – Lambeau Field modernizations completed, strengthening stadium status.
• 2022 – Aaron Rodgers departs, and Jordan Love is drafted as the next starting quarterback.
• 2024 – Safety Xavier McKinney sets records in his first season with the team.
• 2025 – Ed Policy becomes President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board, succeeding Mark Murphy.

Who Owns Green Bay Packers: Shareholders’ Insights

The Green Bay Packers are the only publicly owned team in the NFL and one of the only fan-owned teams in professional sports worldwide. Unlike other franchises, they do not have a billionaire or family owner. Instead, they are controlled by over 537,000 shareholders who collectively hold more than 5.2 million shares as of 2025.

The Packers are incorporated as a nonprofit organization, meaning profits are reinvested back into the team rather than distributed as dividends. This ownership model guarantees the team will remain in Green Bay and not relocate, something that sets them apart from all other NFL teams.

Public Shareholders – 100% Ownership

The Packers’ ownership belongs entirely to the public. Over half a million fans worldwide hold shares. Together, they represent 100% of ownership in the franchise. Each share carries one vote, but voting rights are limited to electing the Board of Directors and making certain bylaw changes. Shareholders do not earn dividends or financial returns. Instead, their “ownership” is symbolic and tied to tradition, pride, and participation in the team’s governance.

Individual Shareholders – Less Than 1% Each

Most shareholders are individuals who own a very small number of shares. Many fans hold just 1–10 shares, which amounts to far less than 1% of the total ownership. This ensures no individual has influence over decision-making through stock ownership alone. Their collective presence, however, is crucial for the public ownership model to function.

Large Individual Shareholders – Capped at 4%

The Packers’ bylaws limit any single shareholder to no more than 200,000 shares, which equals just under 4% of total shares. Very few individuals or institutions come close to this limit, and none has enough control to dictate the team’s future. This safeguard guarantees community ownership will always remain balanced.

Board of Directors – Representation of Shareholders

While the Board does not directly “own” the team, it serves as the representative body of shareholders. The 45-member Board of Directors collectively exercises oversight, setting policies and guiding long-term planning. They represent the interests of all 537,000 shareholders. Each member typically owns stock as well, but their personal percentage is negligible compared to the full pool of ownership.

Executive Committee – Operational Control

The Executive Committee functions much like an ownership group in practice, even though they do not hold personal ownership stakes. The committee is composed of seven members, including the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and three additional members. They handle day-to-day decision-making authority delegated by the Board. In 2025, the transition of leadership is one of the most important updates in Packers history.

Ed Policy – President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board

In July 2025, Ed Policy officially became the Packers’ new president, CEO, and chairman of the Board, succeeding Mark Murphy, who retired after reaching the organization’s mandatory retirement age of 70. Policy, a longtime executive with the Packers, had previously served as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel.

His role now places him at the center of all major decisions, both on the football and business side. While Policy is not an “owner” in the traditional sense, he acts as the top leader of the franchise, similar to how an owner would operate for other NFL teams.

Mark Murphy – Former President and CEO (2008–2025)

From 2008 until mid-2025, Mark Murphy was the face of Packers leadership. He guided the organization through financial growth, stadium expansions, and the transition from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers, and later to Jordan Love.

Murphy’s role was similar to an owner in other NFL organizations, even though he did not personally own the team. His retirement opened the way for Ed Policy to assume control.

Green Bay Packers Ownership History

The Green Bay Packers have one of the most unique ownership stories in professional sports. Unlike most NFL teams, they were never privately owned by a single wealthy individual or family.

From their early days as a small-town team to their current status as a publicly owned nonprofit, the Packers’ ownership model has evolved to ensure long-term stability and community involvement. Understanding their ownership history provides insight into why the Packers remain in Green Bay and why they continue to thrive both on and off the field.

Founding Ownership (1919–1922)

The Packers were founded in 1919 by Earl “Curly” Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun. Lambeau, a shipping clerk at the Indian Packing Company, obtained initial funding to buy uniforms and football equipment. Calhoun, a sportswriter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, handled publicity, game scheduling, and promotion.

• Early operations were informal. Lambeau acted as de facto owner, coach, and team manager.
• The team played against local semi-professional and regional squads, earning modest gate receipts.
• Survival depended on community support, ticket sales, and donations from local businesses.

This period established a culture of collaboration between the team and the Green Bay community, a theme that would define its ownership model for decades.

Formation of Public Ownership (1923)

By 1923, financial difficulties threatened the team’s existence. To save the franchise, the Green Bay Football Corporation was formed, allowing fans to purchase stock in the team. This was a revolutionary approach:

• The first stock sale raised funds to stabilize finances, covering travel costs, player salaries, and equipment.
• Stockholders gained voting rights to elect a Board of Directors and influence certain team policies.
• Shares had no financial return; they were symbolic of community pride rather than investment profit.

This moment cemented the Packers as the only publicly owned NFL team, creating a model that ensured long-term continuity and preserved the team in Green Bay.

Growth and Stability (1923–1950s)

Over the next three decades, public ownership allowed the Packers to survive economic challenges, including the Great Depression:

• Shareholders regularly purchased stock during critical periods, such as funding stadium upgrades and travel expenses.
• Local businesses and civic leaders contributed to ensure the team remained competitive.
• By the 1950s, the Packers had established themselves as a stable franchise, attracting elite talent.

The hiring of Vince Lombardi in 1959 marked a turning point. With a legendary coach at the helm, the Packers entered a golden era, demonstrating that community ownership could coexist with elite-level success.

Modern Governance and Nonprofit Structure (1960s–2000s)

As the NFL expanded and the business of football became more complex, the Packers formalized governance and nonprofit operations:

• The Board of Directors grew in size and authority, overseeing financial and operational decisions.
• The Executive Committee, selected from the Board, was tasked with day-to-day decision-making and operational oversight.
• Stock offerings continued occasionally, primarily to fund stadium renovations like Lambeau Field expansions in 1965, 2003, and 2011.
• Despite being a nonprofit, the Packers became one of the most financially successful franchises in the league, proving that public ownership could generate sustainability and growth.

This period demonstrated that professional management could operate successfully under community ownership without sacrificing competitive performance.

Recent Transitions and Leadership (2008–2025)

In the modern era, leadership transitions have ensured continuity while respecting the community ownership model:

• Mark Murphy served as president and CEO from 2008 to mid-2025, guiding the team through major events such as the transition from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers, Lambeau Field renovations, and financial growth.
• In July 2025, Ed Policy officially became president, CEO, and chairman of the Board, marking the latest leadership transition. Policy had previously served as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, ensuring institutional knowledge continuity.
• These transitions reflect a governance model in which operational control resides with appointed executives, while ultimate ownership remains with shareholders.

Green Bay Packers Net Worth

As of September 2025, the Packers are valued at $6.65 billion, making them one of the top 10 most valuable teams in the NFL.

The $6.65 billion valuation reflects the Packers’ success both on and off the field. It includes the value of Lambeau Field, team assets, merchandising, media rights, and sponsorship agreements.

This valuation has grown steadily over the decades, driven by the team’s on-field success, the loyalty of its fan base, and prudent management. Unlike privately owned franchises, this value is reinvested into the team rather than distributed as profits to individual owners.

The public ownership model has ensured long-term stability while allowing the franchise to remain competitive in the modern NFL.

Here’s the historical net worth of the Green Bay Packers over the last 10 years:

Revenue Streams

The Packers’ net worth is supported by multiple revenue channels:

• Ticket Sales: Lambeau Field, with a capacity of 81,441, consistently sells out home games. Premium seating and season tickets contribute significantly to income.
• Sponsorships & Partnerships: Corporate partnerships and naming rights agreements generate major revenue. The team has long-term deals with national and local brands.
• Merchandise: Packers merchandise is among the top-selling in the NFL, including jerseys, hats, and memorabilia.
• Media & Broadcast Rights: NFL media contracts provide substantial revenue, shared among league franchises.

Lambeau Field & Assets

Lambeau Field is the centerpiece of the Packers’ assets and a key driver of the franchise’s value. The stadium has undergone multiple expansions and renovations over the decades, making it one of the most iconic venues in professional sports.

Beyond ticketing, the stadium generates revenue through premium suites, concessions, parking, and non-football events.

In addition to the stadium, the team’s training facilities, practice fields, and administrative offices contribute to its overall valuation. These assets strengthen the financial position of the franchise while enhancing the fan experience.

Comparison with Other NFL Teams

The Green Bay Packers’ net worth of $6.65 billion as of 2025 places them among the top 10 most valuable NFL franchises, alongside teams owned by billionaires such as the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and New York Giants.

While most of these teams are privately owned and generate personal wealth for their owners, the Packers operate as a nonprofit, publicly owned franchise. This means that all profits are reinvested into the team, stadium, and community initiatives rather than being distributed to individuals.

Green Bay Packers Leadership

The Green Bay Packers’ leadership balances public ownership with professional management.

The Board of Directors, elected by shareholders, sets the franchise’s strategic direction and oversees long-term planning. The Executive Committee handles daily operations and implements board decisions. The President & CEO leads both football and business operations, supported by management staff who oversee player personnel and team performance.

This structure allows the Packers to remain competitive while preserving their unique community-owned model.

Board of Directors

The Green Bay Packers’ Board of Directors is composed of 45 individuals elected by the team’s shareholders. These directors are responsible for overseeing the franchise’s strategic direction, financial health, and long-term planning.

They meet quarterly to review operations and make decisions on major initiatives. The board’s composition reflects a diverse range of expertise, including business, law, finance, and community leadership, ensuring that the Packers remain a well-governed and community-focused organization.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee acts as the operational decision-making body between Board meetings. It includes several key positions:

• Chairman of the Board: Ed Policy
• Treasurer: Mike Simmer
• Other Members: DJ Long, Marcia Anderson, Karl Schmidt, Michael Barber, Jeff Joerres, Eddie Garcia, Robyn Davis, and Mike Daniels.

This committee is responsible for implementing the Board’s directives and managing day-to-day operations, including financial oversight, personnel decisions, and strategic initiatives.

President & CEO: Ed Policy

Ed Policy assumed the role of President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers on July 25, 2025, following the retirement of Mark Murphy. Policy had been with the organization since 2012, serving in various capacities, including General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer.

His appointment was the culmination of a thorough selection process, where he was chosen unanimously by the Board after a comprehensive search.

As President and CEO, Policy holds the highest executive authority within the organization. He oversees all aspects of the franchise, including football operations, business operations, and community engagement.

His leadership is pivotal in maintaining the Packers’ unique status as the NFL’s only publicly owned team, ensuring that the franchise continues to thrive both on and off the field.

General Manager: Brian Gutekunst

Brian Gutekunst has served as the Packers’ General Manager since 2018. He is responsible for overseeing player personnel decisions, including scouting, drafting, and roster management.

Gutekunst works closely with Head Coach Matt LaFleur to build a competitive team. Under his leadership, the Packers have consistently been contenders in the NFC, making multiple playoff appearances.

Head Coach: Matt LaFleur

Matt LaFleur became the Packers’ Head Coach in 2019. He is tasked with developing the team’s game strategies, managing the coaching staff, and guiding players to perform at their best. LaFleur’s tenure has been marked by a high-powered offense and a strong team culture, leading the Packers to several successful seasons.

Conclusion

The ownership of the Green Bay Packers is not just about holding shares or voting rights—it is about preserving a community’s identity. For over 100 years, fans have ensured that the team remains in Green Bay, resisting the business-driven relocations that have shaped other franchises.

While they are governed by a board and managed by professional executives, the Packers’ heart lies with their fans, who collectively form the foundation of this extraordinary model. Asking who owns Green Bay Packers leads to an answer unlike any other: the people. This sense of shared pride and responsibility has kept the franchise thriving and deeply connected to its community, making it a truly timeless organization.

FAQs

Who is the majority owner of the Green Bay Packers?

The Green Bay Packers do not have a majority owner. The team is publicly owned by over 537,000 shareholders. No individual owns more than 200,000 shares, which is about 4% of total shares, ensuring no one person has controlling ownership.

Who are Green Bay Packers shareholders?

Shareholders are mostly fans and community members who have purchased stock in the team. Shares are symbolic, do not pay dividends, and carry voting rights, allowing shareholders to elect the Board of Directors and influence organizational decisions.

How does the Green Bay Packers’ ownership work?

The Packers operate under a publicly owned, nonprofit structure. Shareholders collectively own the team, but operational decisions are managed by the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and the President & CEO. This ensures professional management while preserving community control.

Is the Packers owned by fans?

Yes. The team is owned by its fans in the sense that shareholders collectively hold 100% of the team. Shares are available for purchase by the public, and ownership is community-focused rather than private.

Who owns the Green Bay Packers stadium?

Lambeau Field is owned by the Green Bay Packers organization itself, which is controlled by the public shareholders. The stadium is part of the team’s assets and is maintained and upgraded through franchise revenues.

Why doesn’t anyone own the Packers?

The Packers are structured as a nonprofit, publicly owned team to prevent a single individual from taking control. This unique model was established in 1923 to protect the franchise from financial instability and to ensure it stays in Green Bay.

Are the Packers a nonprofit?

Yes. The Green Bay Packers are a nonprofit organization, meaning profits are reinvested into the team, stadium, and community, rather than being distributed to owners.

Is the Green Bay Packers publicly owned?

Yes. The Packers are the only publicly owned team in the NFL, with shares held by more than 537,000 fans and community members.

Can I buy shares of the Green Bay Packers?

Yes, but stock sales are rare. The most recent public offering was in 2021. Shares have no financial return, cannot be resold for profit, and primarily offer voting rights and a sense of community ownership.

Who actually owns Lambeau Field now?

Lambeau Field is owned by the Packers organization, which is collectively controlled by its shareholders. The stadium is a key asset of the team and is used for football games, events, and other functions.

What is the smallest city with an NFL team?

Green Bay, Wisconsin, is the smallest city in the U.S. with an NFL team, with a population of around 100,000, making the Packers’ community-owned model even more remarkable.

Do Packers stock owners make money?

No. Shares in the Packers do not pay dividends and cannot appreciate in value for resale. They exist to provide voting rights and a symbolic stake in the team.

Who is the CEO of the Packers?

As of September 2025, the President & CEO of the Packers is Ed Policy, who oversees both football and business operations under the direction of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

How much does it cost to get a share of the Green Bay Packers?

The most recent stock offering in 2021 sold shares at $300 each. Past offerings have ranged from $25 to $200 per share. Stock sales are rare and primarily intended to raise capital for stadium and organizational improvements.

What’s the coldest stadium in the NFL?

Lambeau Field is widely recognized as the coldest stadium in the NFL, known for its harsh Wisconsin winter conditions and famously frigid playoff games.