Few NFL teams carry the same sense of legacy and family tradition as the Cincinnati Bengals. From their first snap in the late 1960s to their recent return to the Super Bowl stage, the Bengals have been more than just a football team for Cincinnati—they’ve been a family institution. The franchise’s growth, struggles, and successes are closely tied to its leadership, which has remained in the hands of its founding family for decades. When fans ask who owns Cincinnati Bengals, the answer is rooted not only in names and shares but also in a story of continuity, loyalty, and control that is increasingly rare in professional sports.
Cincinnati Bengals Profile
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are a member of the AFC North division in the National Football League (NFL). The team was established in 1967 by Paul Brown, one of football’s most innovative minds, and began play in 1968.
Since joining the NFL in 1970 as part of the AFL–NFL merger, the Bengals have been a central part of Cincinnati’s sports culture.
The team plays its home games at Paycor Stadium, located along the Ohio River. Known for their orange and black striped uniforms, the Bengals have developed a strong brand identity and a loyal fan base. Their mascot, “Who Dey,” reflects the team’s rallying chant: “Who Dey think gonna beat them Bengals?”
Founding & Early Years
The Bengals were founded in 1967 by Paul Brown. Brown was already a legendary coach in both college and pro football by then. He helped shape modern football strategies and systems.
The team started play in the American Football League (AFL) in 1968, then became part of the NFL after the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. From early on, they played their home games at Nippert Stadium, which is associated with the University of Cincinnati.
Paul Brown served as head coach and general manager in the early years. He set strong standards for coaching, scouting, and organizational discipline. Even after stepping down from coaching, his influence remained central to the Bengals’ culture.
Major Milestones
- 1967: Paul Brown awarded an AFL expansion franchise for Cincinnati.
- 1968: Bengals play first season in the AFL, finishing 3–11.
- 1970: AFL–NFL merger; Bengals become part of the NFL and win AFC Central Division in their first NFL season.
- 1973: Bengals make playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
- 1975: Achieved an 11–3 record, one of the best regular seasons in team history.
- 1981: Advanced to Super Bowl XVI, losing to the San Francisco 49ers.
- 1984: Boomer Esiason drafted, who later became an MVP and a franchise icon.
- 1988: Reached Super Bowl XXIII, again losing to the 49ers in a close game.
- 1991: Paul Brown passes away; ownership transitions to his son, Mike Brown.
- 1997: Last season played at Riverfront Stadium before moving to a new home.
- 2000: Paul Brown Stadium officially opens as the team’s new home.
- 2003: Carson Palmer drafted as the No. 1 overall pick, becoming the face of the franchise in the 2000s.
- 2005: Bengals win the AFC North with an 11–5 record, their first division title in 15 years.
- 2009–2015: Regular playoff contender under head coach Marvin Lewis, though they fail to win a postseason game.
- 2011: Rookie QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green lead the team to the playoffs, starting a new era.
- 2015: Bengals go 12–4, one of their best records, but lose a dramatic playoff game to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- 2016: End of five-year playoff streak, team enters rebuilding period.
- 2019: Zac Taylor hired as head coach to lead a new rebuild.
- 2020: Joe Burrow drafted as No. 1 overall pick, becoming franchise quarterback.
- 2021: Bengals make a stunning run to Super Bowl LVI, losing to the Los Angeles Rams but reigniting national attention.
- 2022: Bengals win the AFC North again and reach the AFC Championship Game.
- 2024: Team finishes 9–8, narrowly missing the playoffs, but shows strong depth around Burrow.
- 2025: Bengals sign a new stadium lease through 2036 with options to 2046; $470 million renovation deal announced for Paycor Stadium.
Who Owns Cincinnati Bengals: Top Shareholders
The Cincinnati Bengals stand out in the NFL as one of the few franchises still fully owned by the family that founded it. Ownership has never left the hands of the Browns, ensuring continuity and preserving Paul Brown’s original vision.
As of September 2025, nearly 100% of the franchise is divided among Mike Brown, his daughters, and immediate family members. Each shareholder not only holds equity but also has distinct responsibilities in shaping the team’s direction.
Below is an overview of the primary shareholders of the Cincinnati Bengals as of September 2025:
| Shareholder | Estimated Stake | Role/Position | Key Influence & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Brown | 51% | Principal Owner, Controlling Stakeholder | Majority control of franchise decisions, long-term strategy, financial discipline, final authority on ownership matters. |
| Katie Blackburn | 20% | Executive Vice President, Minority Owner | Oversees day-to-day operations, contract negotiations, salary cap management, NFL committee representation, future successor. |
| Troy Blackburn | 10% | Senior Executive, Minority Owner | Leads sponsorships, business development, stadium and fan experience initiatives, revenue diversification. |
| Cynthia Brown | 15% | Minority Owner, Family Representative | Provides balance in family control, succession planning, input in financial and operational decisions. |
| Other Brown Family Members | 4% | Extended Family Stakeholders | Small legacy holdings, reinforce full family control, prevent external investors from acquiring influence. |
Mike Brown – Principal Owner (51%)
Mike Brown is the cornerstone of Bengals ownership. With an estimated 51% controlling stake, he remains the majority owner and final authority in decision-making. Since inheriting the team in 1991, Mike has overseen its evolution from a struggling franchise in the 1990s to a Super Bowl contender in the 2020s.
In his leadership, Mike has been known for financial discipline. For years, he resisted overspending on free agents, preferring to build through the draft. While this approach frustrated fans at times, it has ensured the franchise’s financial stability. In 2025, despite being in his late 80s, Mike continues to shape strategic policies, including revenue-sharing decisions and stadium negotiations. His legacy is not only maintaining ownership within the family but also securing the team’s long-term presence in Cincinnati with the new stadium lease.
Katie Blackburn – Executive Vice President and Minority Owner (20%)
Katie Blackburn, holding approximately 20% ownership, is widely regarded as the heir apparent to the franchise. She is the NFL’s first woman to negotiate player contracts directly, and her experience has made her one of the league’s most respected executives.
Katie’s influence extends beyond contracts. She manages the Bengals’ salary cap, represents the team at NFL committee meetings, and played a decisive role in securing the 2025 Paycor Stadium renovation deal worth $470 million. Her hands-on leadership bridges the gap between old-school ownership traditions and the modern NFL environment. By combining financial expertise with a deep knowledge of football operations, Katie has positioned herself as the face of the next generation of Bengals ownership.
Troy Blackburn – Senior Executive and Family Stakeholder (10%)
Troy Blackburn, Katie’s husband, owns an estimated 10% stake and is integral to the franchise’s business operations. While Katie oversees contracts and player negotiations, Troy focuses on the commercial side of the business. He manages sponsorships, community partnerships, and large-scale revenue initiatives.
In recent years, Troy has spearheaded efforts to enhance the game-day experience at Paycor Stadium, introducing digital fan engagement tools and improving corporate partnerships. His role ensures the Bengals are not only competitive on the field but also financially strong off it. By diversifying revenue streams, Troy has helped the team secure long-term stability while keeping ownership within the family’s control.
Cynthia Brown – Minority Owner (15%)
Cynthia Brown, Mike Brown’s other daughter, owns about 15% of the franchise. While she is less public than her sister Katie, Cynthia plays a behind-the-scenes role in ensuring that the family’s ownership structure remains unified. Her involvement has been particularly important in succession planning, guaranteeing that the Bengals remain family-owned for future generations.
Cynthia’s shareholding also gives her influence in major financial and operational decisions, even if she does not engage with the media or league as frequently as other family members. Her presence provides balance in ownership, ensuring that control does not rest solely with one branch of the family.
Other Brown Family Members – Combined Minority Holdings (4%)
The remaining 4% is spread across other members of the extended Brown family. These holdings are relatively small but important because they reinforce the family’s collective dominance over the franchise. Unlike many NFL teams where minority owners are outsiders, all Bengals shareholders are related to Paul Brown’s legacy.
These smaller stakes serve two purposes: they keep the franchise fully in family hands and prevent external investors from entering the ownership picture. This approach has preserved the Bengals’ rare status as a wholly family-owned NFL team.
Collective Control and 2025 Direction
With 100% of the Cincinnati Bengals owned by the Brown family, control of the franchise is absolute and undiluted. This gives the family freedom to make long-term decisions without the pressure of external shareholders. The 2025 stadium renovation and lease extension to 2036 were negotiated directly by the family, underlining their commitment to keeping the team rooted in Cincinnati.
Looking ahead, Katie and Troy Blackburn are expected to take on even more leadership as Mike Brown gradually steps back from day-to-day responsibilities. Cynthia and other family members ensure the ownership remains consolidated, preventing any possibility of a sale to outside interests. In a league increasingly dominated by billionaires and corporate groups, the Bengals’ ownership model remains a rare example of tradition and continuity.
Cincinnati Bengals Ownership History
The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the most consistent ownership stories in the NFL. Unlike many franchises that have changed hands multiple times, the Bengals have remained in the same family since their founding. This continuity has created a strong sense of tradition, but it has also sparked debate about how family-run leadership compares to billionaire-backed franchises.
To understand who owns the Bengals today, it’s important to trace how ownership transitioned from the team’s founder to the present generation.
| Owner / Ownership Group | Years of Control | Role / Position | Key Contributions & Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Brown | 1967 – 1991 | Founder, Principal Owner, Head Coach, General Manager | Founded the Bengals in 1967 as part of AFL expansion. Led team into the NFL after the 1970 merger. Oversaw two Super Bowl appearances (1981, 1988). Created a culture of innovation and stability. Ownership remained fully within his control until his passing in 1991. |
| Mike Brown | 1991 – Present | Principal Owner, Controlling Stakeholder | Inherited ownership after Paul Brown’s death. Holds majority shares (51%). Oversaw construction and opening of Paul Brown Stadium (now Paycor Stadium) in 2000. Known for conservative, family-centered ownership style. Has final authority on major decisions. |
| Katie Blackburn | 2000s – Present | Executive Vice President, Minority Owner | First woman in the NFL to negotiate player contracts. Key figure in financial management, salary cap decisions, and NFL committee representation. Holds 20% stake. Seen as the eventual successor to Mike Brown. |
| Troy Blackburn | 2000s – Present | Senior Executive, Minority Owner | Oversees business operations, sponsorships, and stadium management. Played a leading role in Paycor Stadium’s 2025 renovation and lease extension deal. Owns 10% stake. |
| Cynthia Brown | 2000s – Present | Minority Owner | Holds about 15% ownership stake. Involved in ownership group decisions and ensures family ownership balance. Less visible publicly but key to maintaining family’s consolidated control. |
| Other Brown Family Members | 2000s – Present | Minority Stakeholders | Hold about 4% combined. Represent extended family holdings passed down through Paul Brown’s legacy. Ensure that 100% of team ownership remains in the Brown family with no outside investors. |
Founding by Paul Brown (1967–1991)
The Bengals were founded in 1967 by Paul Brown, one of football’s greatest innovators and the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He secured the franchise as part of the AFL’s expansion and led the team onto the field in 1968. Paul Brown not only owned the team but also served as head coach and general manager in its early years.
During his tenure, the Bengals transitioned from an AFL expansion club to an NFL franchise after the 1970 merger. Under his ownership, the team made two Super Bowl appearances (1981 and 1988), cementing the Bengals as a competitive force. Paul Brown’s influence shaped every aspect of the organization until his death in 1991.
Transition to Mike Brown (1991–Present)
When Paul Brown passed away in 1991, ownership of the Bengals transferred to his son, Mike Brown. This marked the beginning of the second generation of family ownership. Mike had been deeply involved in the team’s operations long before his father’s death, so the transition was relatively smooth.
Mike Brown took on the role of principal owner and controlling stakeholder, holding the majority of the team’s shares. His management style has been described as conservative, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and long-term stability over high-risk spending. Under his leadership, the team moved into a new home — Paul Brown Stadium (now Paycor Stadium) — in 2000, securing a modern venue for the franchise.
Involvement of the Next Generation (2000s–2025)
While Mike Brown continues as the majority owner in 2025, the third generation of the family has taken on a larger role. His daughter, Katie Blackburn, became the NFL’s first female executive to negotiate player contracts and is now Executive Vice President of the Bengals. She is widely seen as the future head of the franchise, handling league relations and contract negotiations.
Katie’s husband, Troy Blackburn, joined the front office and manages business development, sponsorships, and stadium-related projects. Cynthia Brown, another of Mike’s daughters, also holds a significant ownership stake, ensuring the family’s control remains consolidated.
This transition to the next generation became most evident in the 2025 Paycor Stadium lease extension and $470 million renovation deal, which Katie and Troy Blackburn spearheaded with strong support from Mike. The project demonstrates how the Browns are preparing the franchise for the future while keeping ownership within the family.
A Family-Owned Legacy
Unlike most NFL teams, the Bengals have never sold equity to outside investors. Ownership has always stayed with the Browns, from Paul to Mike and now to his daughters and son-in-law. This structure is rare in modern professional sports, where billionaire takeovers and corporate stakes are common.
As of September 2025, the Bengals remain a fully family-owned NFL team, controlled by the Browns for nearly six decades. Their story is one of loyalty to Cincinnati, preservation of tradition, and a deliberate resistance to external influence.
Mike Brown Family Net Worth
The Brown family has owned the Cincinnati Bengals for nearly six decades, and their wealth is built almost entirely on this franchise. Unlike many NFL ownership groups that are fueled by diversified business empires, the Browns’ fortune comes directly from football. As of September 2025, their collective net worth is estimated at $5 billion, making them one of the most valuable family ownership groups in the league.
How the Brown Family Makes Its Money
The Browns’ money is tied to the Bengals and the NFL’s revenue-sharing system. With full family ownership of the team, they capture every dollar of appreciation in franchise value and operational revenue. Their income sources include:
- Franchise Value Appreciation: The Bengals are valued at $5.25 billion in September 2025, a massive leap from under $1 billion just 15 years ago. This increase in valuation forms the foundation of the Brown family’s wealth.
- NFL Revenue Sharing: The NFL distributes national TV contracts, streaming deals, and licensing revenues equally among its 32 teams. Each year, this provides the Browns with hundreds of millions in steady income.
- Game-Day Revenue: Ticket sales, concessions, and luxury suite rentals at Paycor Stadium add significantly to the family’s yearly income. The stadium’s $470 million renovation and long-term lease extension in 2025 further secure future earnings.
- Local Sponsorships & Merchandising: Regional sponsorships, naming rights (Paycor Stadium), and Bengals-branded merchandise deliver additional revenue streams under the family’s control.
- Player & Contract Management Efficiency: Under Katie Blackburn’s leadership, the Bengals have become known for careful contract structuring and disciplined salary cap management, maximizing profitability without overspending.
Unlike many other NFL families who branch out into other industries, the Browns’ fortune is football-first and entirely linked to the Bengals’ performance and market value.
Collective Net Worth in 2025
With Mike Brown holding an estimated $2.1 billion stake and the rest of the family dividing the remaining ownership shares, the Browns’ combined net worth stands at $5 billion. Their ownership of the $5.25 billion Bengals franchise positions them among the wealthiest NFL ownership families, despite their narrower financial base.
Comparison with Other NFL Families
When compared to other NFL dynasties, the Browns stand out in how concentrated their wealth is:
- The Jones Family (Dallas Cowboys, $13 billion): Jerry Jones leveraged his oil and gas wealth to buy the Cowboys in 1989, then expanded into real estate, hospitality, and media businesses. His family’s wealth dwarfs the Browns’ due to diversification.
- The Kroenke Family (Los Angeles Rams, $17 billion): Stan Kroenke’s empire spans global real estate and sports, while his marriage into the Walton family (Walmart fortune) multiplied their holdings.
- The Hunt Family (Kansas City Chiefs, $15 billion): Built on oil, energy, and diversified ventures, the Hunt family fortune extends far beyond the NFL.
- The Brown Family (Cincinnati Bengals, $5 billion): Entirely football-driven, the Browns remain unique. They have kept 100% ownership in-house, resisting outside investors, and built their wealth through franchise appreciation and disciplined operations.
The Browns’ wealth is unusual in today’s NFL landscape. Where most ownership families have empires in multiple industries, the Browns rely solely on the Bengals. Their $5 billion fortune is inseparable from the franchise’s $5.25 billion valuation, reflecting a pure football-first legacy that has lasted nearly 60 years.
Cincinnati Bengals Net Worth
As of September 2025, the Bengals are valued at $5.25 billion, reflecting both financial strength and long-term stability.
This valuation places the Bengals firmly in the middle tier of NFL team values, though still behind franchises like the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams, which lead the league. The growth in value is fueled by a combination of rising NFL media rights, lucrative sponsorship deals, and the Paycor Stadium renovation project.
Here’s a detailed 10-year historical net worth (franchise valuation) of the Cincinnati Bengals from 2015 to 2025:
| Year | Franchise Valuation | Key Drivers of Valuation Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $990 million | Stable revenues from NFL broadcasting deals, modest on-field performance. |
| 2016 | $1.05 billion | Continued growth in NFL media rights, consistent fan base despite playoff struggles. |
| 2017 | $1.2 billion | Rising NFL revenues, improved local sponsorship deals, new merchandising growth. |
| 2018 | $1.35 billion | NFL’s overall financial boom, enhanced streaming and broadcast partnerships. |
| 2019 | $1.8 billion | Joe Burrow drafted in 2020 anticipation, increased franchise visibility. |
| 2020 | $2.0 billion | Burrow arrival, increased merchandise sales, strong national exposure. |
| 2021 | $2.4 billion | Playoff qualification boosted fan engagement and demand for tickets/merchandise. |
| 2022 | $3.0 billion | Super Bowl LVI appearance, Paycor naming rights deal, major brand expansion. |
| 2023 | $3.9 billion | Sustained playoff runs, improved attendance, rising sponsorship revenues. |
| 2024 | $4.6 billion | Paycor Stadium renovation plans announced, increased corporate partnerships. |
| 2025 | $5.25 billion | Stadium renovation finalized, lease extension secured, record revenues, team among most valuable NFL franchises. |
Revenue Streams
The Bengals’ financial engine relies on multiple revenue streams that have steadily expanded over the years:
- NFL Media Rights & Revenue Sharing: The largest portion of annual revenue comes from the NFL’s massive broadcasting and streaming deals, evenly distributed across all 32 teams. Each team receives hundreds of millions annually.
- Game-Day Revenue: Ticket sales, concessions, and luxury suite rentals at Paycor Stadium continue to generate strong local earnings. With growing fan interest after consecutive playoff runs, attendance and ticket demand remain high.
- Sponsorships & Naming Rights: The 2022 naming rights deal with Paycor has been a significant revenue booster. In addition, partnerships with major brands and local businesses further strengthen the financial base.
- Merchandising: Sales of Bengals-branded apparel, especially around star players like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, have spiked nationally, adding millions to the team’s income.
Impact of Stadium Renovation
In 2025, the Bengals finalized a $470 million renovation and lease extension for Paycor Stadium. The upgrades include modernized seating, luxury boxes, digital infrastructure, and improved fan amenities.
This not only secures the Bengals’ long-term future in Cincinnati but also enhances revenue potential from premium seating and corporate partnerships. Stadium modernization is one of the biggest drivers behind the jump in franchise valuation.
Growth Over Time
The Bengals’ franchise value has grown dramatically in recent decades:
- 2000: Valued at under $600 million.
- 2010: Crossed $900 million as NFL revenues expanded.
- 2020: Reached around $2 billion amid booming media rights deals.
- 2025: Surged to $5.25 billion, driven by recent playoff success, stadium renovations, and broader NFL valuation trends.
Comparison with Other NFL Teams
Although the Bengals are not yet at the top of the NFL’s valuation rankings, their steady rise is notable:
- Dallas Cowboys: $13 billion (highest-valued franchise).
- Los Angeles Rams: $9.2 billion.
- Kansas City Chiefs: $6.3 billion.
- Cincinnati Bengals: $5.25 billion.
This positions the Bengals as a rising franchise in terms of both financial worth and brand recognition.
The Role of On-Field Success
The Bengals’ resurgence on the field has also directly impacted their valuation. With quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase leading the team to multiple playoff runs and a Super Bowl appearance in recent years, fan engagement has soared. This success drives higher ticket sales, merchandise demand, and national attention, all of which feed back into the franchise’s financial growth.
Cincinnati Bengals Leadership
The leadership of the Cincinnati Bengals reflects the team’s long-standing family ownership structure. The leadership style prioritizes continuity, stability, and family control, ensuring the team’s direction remains aligned with its founding values.
The Bengals’ leadership style is defined by:
- Family Continuity: Keeping ownership and key decisions within the Brown family.
- Financial Discipline: Conservative spending policies, with a focus on sustainable growth.
- Operational Stability: Long-tenured executives like Duke Tobin provide continuity in football operations.
- Future Succession: The gradual shift of authority from Mike Brown to Katie and Troy Blackburn ensures that leadership remains within the family while modernizing the franchise’s business approach.
Mike Brown – Principal Owner and Controlling Authority
Mike Brown continues to serve as the principal owner and controlling stakeholder of the Bengals in 2025. Holding a 51% ownership stake, he remains the ultimate authority on major franchise decisions, including financial policy, ownership matters, and high-level operational oversight. Although he has stepped back from daily management, his influence still shapes the organization. Mike’s philosophy emphasizes financial discipline and long-term sustainability, often contrasting with the aggressive spending of other NFL teams.
Katie Blackburn – Executive Vice President and Successor-in-Waiting
Katie Blackburn, Mike Brown’s daughter, is the Executive Vice President of the Bengals and widely recognized as the next leader of the franchise. She is the first woman in NFL history to negotiate player contracts and plays a central role in the team’s operations. Her responsibilities include:
- Managing contract negotiations and salary cap strategy.
- Representing the Bengals in NFL committees and league meetings.
- Overseeing financial planning and player relations.
Katie was instrumental in finalizing the 2025 Paycor Stadium renovation and lease extension, which secured the team’s future in Cincinnati. Her growing role highlights the transition of leadership to the next generation of the Brown family.
Troy Blackburn – Business Operations and Corporate Strategy
Troy Blackburn, Katie’s husband, serves as a senior executive overseeing the Bengals’ business operations. His focus includes sponsorships, stadium management, revenue diversification, and fan engagement. Troy was a key figure in negotiating sponsorship deals and driving corporate partnerships around Paycor Stadium, especially during the 2025 renovation project. His leadership complements Katie’s operational oversight, balancing the football side with business development.
Cynthia Brown – Minority Owner and Family Representative
Cynthia Brown, another of Mike Brown’s daughters, holds a 15% ownership stake and contributes to family governance of the franchise. While less visible publicly than Katie, she plays an important role in maintaining the balance of ownership within the family. Cynthia ensures the Browns’ consolidated control and participates in key family decisions affecting the Bengals’ long-term direction.
Duke Tobin – Director of Player Personnel
On the football operations side, Duke Tobin serves as the Bengals’ Director of Player Personnel, effectively functioning as the general manager. Tobin oversees draft strategy, player acquisitions, scouting, and roster construction. His leadership has been vital in assembling the team’s core talent, including stars like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Though not a Brown family member, Tobin’s long tenure makes him one of the most trusted executives in the organization.
Coaching Leadership – Zac Taylor
At the field level, Zac Taylor is the Bengals’ head coach, hired in 2019. Under his leadership, the team reached Super Bowl LVI and re-established itself as a consistent playoff contender. Taylor is known for his collaborative approach with Duke Tobin and the Brown family, creating alignment between ownership, management, and coaching staff.
Conclusion
Ownership of the Cincinnati Bengals is more than a financial arrangement—it is a reflection of family legacy and consistency in the NFL. The Brown family has shaped every chapter of the team’s history, from its founding days under Paul Brown to the current era led by Mike Brown and his daughters. Their decision to keep the franchise privately held has preserved a sense of stability that contrasts with the high-profile sales seen across the league.
As the Bengals move forward, their ownership model remains a powerful reminder that some teams are still built on tradition and long-term vision rather than quick turnover. For fans, that makes the Bengals’ journey not just about football, but about a family’s lasting commitment to its city and team.
FAQs
Who are the owners of the Cincinnati Bengals?
The Cincinnati Bengals are owned primarily by the Brown family, with Mike Brown serving as the controlling owner. His daughter, Katie Blackburn, plays a leading executive role, while other family members, such as Troy Blackburn (son-in-law) and Cynthia Brown, also hold significant stakes. The Browns collectively maintain majority control of the franchise.
Does the Brown family own 100% of the Bengals?
No, the Brown family does not own 100% of the Bengals. They currently hold approximately 69% of the team’s shares, with Mike Brown controlling 51% outright. The remaining 31% is divided among other shareholders and minority investors, but the Brown family remains firmly in control of all major decisions.
Who are the minority owners of the Cincinnati Bengals?
The minority owners include members of the extended Brown family, like Cynthia Brown, as well as outside investors who hold smaller stakes. These minority shareholders do not influence the daily operations of the franchise, which are directed by Mike Brown and the core Brown family group.
What is the origin of the Cincinnati Bengals’ name?
The name “Bengals” was chosen by team founder Paul Brown in 1967 to honor a former professional football team in Cincinnati from the 1930s and 1940s that also went by the name Bengals. It was selected to reflect both continuity with the city’s football history and to give the franchise a strong, recognizable identity.
Did Paul Brown own the Bengals?
Yes. Paul Brown, a legendary football coach and innovator, co-founded the Bengals in 1967 and was their first head coach and general manager. He held a significant ownership role until his passing in 1991, after which ownership and leadership transitioned to his son, Mike Brown.
How long has the Brown family owned the Bengals?
The Brown family has owned the Bengals since the team’s founding in 1967. That means as of 2025, the family has been in charge for 58 years, making them one of the longest-tenured ownership families in the NFL.
Is Boomer Esiason the co-owner of the Cincinnati Bengals?
No. Boomer Esiason, a former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, is not a co-owner of the team. He is a retired player turned sports analyst but has no ownership stake in the Bengals.
What is Mike Brown’s net worth?
As of 2025, Mike Brown’s personal net worth is estimated at around $1.2 billion, primarily from his ownership stake in the Bengals. His family collectively holds an estimated net worth of $5 billion, largely tied to their continued ownership of the franchise.
Who are Mike Brown’s Bengals children?
Mike Brown has several children, but the most publicly involved in the Bengals franchise is Katie Blackburn, who serves as the Executive Vice President and is expected to succeed him in ownership leadership.
Who is the son of Mike Brown?
Mike Brown’s son is Paul Brown Jr., named after the franchise’s legendary founder. He is involved with the team, working in an administrative and advisory capacity, though he does not hold as prominent a public role as his sister Katie Blackburn.
How did the Brown family make their money?
The Brown family’s wealth is almost entirely tied to professional football. Their fortune began with Paul Brown, who earned fame and financial success as head coach and executive of both the Cleveland Browns and, later, the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then, their primary wealth has come from owning and operating the Bengals, whose franchise value has grown significantly over the decades, reaching $5.25 billion in 2025.
Who is the highest-paid Bengals player?
As of 2025, the highest-paid Bengals player is Joe Burrow, the star quarterback. He signed a record-breaking contract extension in 2023, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL overall, with annual earnings exceeding $55 million per year.
Who is the Bengals’ owner’s daughter?
The Bengals’ owner’s daughter is Katie Blackburn, who serves as the team’s Executive Vice President. She is heavily involved in daily operations, player contract negotiations, and NFL committee work, making her one of the most influential women in professional football.