The Detroit Lions are one of the oldest franchises in the National Football League (NFL). Fans often ask, who owns Detroit Lions, and how did this ownership evolve over the years? The team’s legacy is deeply tied to family ownership, making it a unique case in professional football.
The Detroit Lions Profile
The Detroit Lions are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the NFL. With roots dating back to 1930, the team has seen eras of glory, heartbreak, and now revival. Below is a complete profile with founders, ownership moves, and milestones that shaped the team into what it is today in 2025.
Founding and Early Years
The Lions were founded on July 12, 1930, as the Portsmouth Spartans in Portsmouth, Ohio. They were originally financed by local businessmen who wanted the town to compete in the growing NFL. Despite a small market, the Spartans quickly made a name for themselves as a tough, competitive team. Financial struggles during the Great Depression forced a sale in 1934.
Radio executive George A. Richards, owner of Detroit’s WJR radio, purchased the franchise for $7,952.08 and moved it to Detroit. He renamed them the Detroit Lions to align with the city’s baseball team, the Tigers, symbolizing strength and dominance.
Championships and Golden Age
The Lions quickly found success after relocating. In 1935, they won their first NFL Championship, defeating the New York Giants. The 1950s then became their golden era. Led by quarterback Bobby Layne and running back Doak Walker, the Lions dominated with championships in 1952, 1953, and 1957.
The 1957 season remains iconic as it marked their last NFL title to date. That team, led by coach George Wilson, crushed the Cleveland Browns 59–14 in the championship game.
Decline and Struggles
After 1957, the Lions entered a long period of decline. Poor management decisions, constant coaching changes, and missed opportunities plagued the franchise.
One of the darkest moments came in 2008, when the Lions became the first team in NFL history to finish a season 0–16. This record symbolized years of instability and poor performance. Despite standout players like Barry Sanders in the 1990s and Calvin Johnson in the 2000s, the team could not find consistent playoff success.
Recent Revival
The tide began to turn in the early 2020s. The Ford family restructured leadership, hiring Brad Holmes as General Manager and Dan Campbell as Head Coach in 2021. The new regime focused on rebuilding with a tough, resilient culture.
By 2023, the Lions won their first NFC North division title in 30 years. In 2024, they repeated as division champions and secured playoff victories, ending a decades-long drought since their last postseason win in 1991. Detroit has since become one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NFL, with young talent like Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jahmyr Gibbs leading the charge.
Major Milestones
Here are the key years and achievements that define the Detroit Lions:
- 1930 – Franchise founded as the Portsmouth Spartans.
- 1934 – Purchased by George A. Richards and relocated to Detroit; renamed the Lions.
- 1935 – Won first NFL Championship, defeating the New York Giants.
- 1952–1953 – Back-to-back NFL Championships under Bobby Layne’s leadership.
- 1957 – Fourth NFL Championship; last title in franchise history.
- 1963 – William Clay Ford Sr. purchased the team for $4.5 million, beginning Ford family ownership.
- 1991 – Won the NFC Central division and their first playoff game since 1957.
- 2008 – Became the first NFL team to finish a season 0–16.
- 2014 – Martha Firestone Ford took over ownership after William Clay Ford Sr.’s death.
- 2020 – Sheila Ford Hamp assumed principal ownership of the team.
- 2023 – Won NFC North, their first division title in three decades.
- 2024 – Secured back-to-back NFC North titles and playoff victories, reviving hopes for a Super Bowl run.
Who Owns Detroit Lions: Top Shareholders
The Detroit Lions are a privately owned NFL franchise, controlled entirely by the Ford family. The team does not have a parent company or outside shareholders. Ownership is centralized around the Ford family estate, with Sheila Ford Hamp as the principal owner and chairperson since 2020.
The Ford family has been in control since 1963, making them one of the longest-tenured ownership groups in the NFL. Their stewardship ensures that the Lions remain financially secure, backed by the family’s broader wealth from Ford Motor Company.
Acquisition Insights
The Ford family entered ownership in 1963, when William Clay Ford Sr. purchased the Lions for $4.5 million. This was a direct acquisition from a group of shareholders who controlled the team at the time.
Unlike some franchises that have changed hands multiple times, the Lions have remained under continuous Ford family ownership since that purchase. Over six decades later, the Lions are still fully controlled by the same family line, making it a rare example of generational ownership in professional sports.
Transition of Ownership
Ownership has transitioned within the Ford family across generations:
- 1963–2014: William Clay Ford Sr. was the sole owner.
- 2014–2020: His widow, Martha Firestone Ford, took over as principal owner.
- 2020–present: Their daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp, assumed the role of principal owner and chairperson.
While Sheila is the face of current ownership, her siblings and mother retain minority stakes, ensuring the franchise remains under full family control.
Family Control and Influence
The Ford family collectively owns 100% of the Detroit Lions. There are no external or institutional shareholders. Key family members, including William Clay Ford Jr., Elizabeth Ford Kontulis, and Martha Ford Morse, hold minority interests but do not have the same authority as Sheila.
This tight-knit ownership structure has helped maintain stability, though it has also been criticized during years of poor team performance. With Sheila Ford Hamp’s leadership, however, the family has introduced fresh strategies, modern hires, and a renewed focus on competitiveness.
Below is an overview of the major Ford family shareholders who collectively own the Detroit Lions as of September 2025:
| Ford Family Member | Role / Relationship | Estimated Stake (%) | Ownership Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheila Ford Hamp | Principal Owner & Chair | 25% (controlling) | Took over as controlling owner in 2020, represents the team in NFL matters. |
| Martha Firestone Ford | Mother of Sheila, former owner (2014–2020) | 10% (honorary/minority) | Retains a minority stake after stepping down. |
| William Clay Ford Jr. | Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Co. | 15% | Holds a significant minority share; influential in family business and sports decisions. |
| Elizabeth Ford Kontulis | Daughter of William Clay Ford Sr. | 15% | Retains minority ownership; active in philanthropy. |
| Martha Ford Morse | Daughter of William Clay Ford Sr. | 15% | Holds minority ownership; less public involvement in team matters. |
| Others (heirs/trusts) | Family trusts and extended Ford heirs | 20% | Took over as controlling owner in 2020, representing the team in NFL matters. |
Sheila Ford Hamp
Sheila Ford Hamp is the principal owner and chairperson of the Detroit Lions. She took control in June 2020 after her mother, Martha Firestone Ford, stepped down. As principal owner, Sheila holds the controlling interest in the team and has the final say in all major football and business decisions.
Her leadership style is collaborative, but she maintains ultimate authority over the franchise’s direction. Under Sheila, the Lions have undergone major organizational changes, including new leadership hires and a renewed focus on competitiveness. While exact ownership percentages are not publicly disclosed, Sheila is recognized as the controlling shareholder, meaning her stake outweighs other family members in terms of decision-making power.
Martha Firestone Ford
Martha Firestone Ford, widow of William Clay Ford Sr., previously served as principal owner from 2014 to 2020. She remains part of the ownership structure in 2025 as a family shareholder. While no longer in charge of day-to-day leadership, Martha retains a minority stake and continues to represent the family’s historic role in the franchise.
Her era as principal owner brought stability and leadership transitions that eventually paved the way for Sheila’s current management. She is respected as a key figure in preserving the Ford family’s connection to the team.
William Clay Ford Jr.
William Clay Ford Jr., son of William Clay Ford Sr. and former executive chairman of Ford Motor Company, is also a minority shareholder of the Lions. While Sheila is the principal owner, William Jr. provides business expertise and family support in ownership matters.
He has long been involved in Detroit sports and business initiatives, often serving as a bridge between the Lions and the larger Ford Motor legacy. His role is more advisory than operational, but his influence remains significant due to his family name and corporate background.
Elizabeth Ford Kontulis
Elizabeth Ford Kontulis, one of the daughters of William Clay Ford Sr. and Martha Firestone Ford, also holds a stake in the team’s ownership. Like her siblings, she inherited part of the franchise through family succession. While she is less publicly visible in team operations, her ownership share ensures that the Lions remain under collective Ford family control.
Martha Ford Morse
Another daughter of William Clay Ford Sr. and Martha Firestone Ford, Martha Ford Morse, is also a minority shareholder. Like Elizabeth, she plays a more private role but maintains legal and financial interest in the team. Together, the four children of William Clay Ford Sr. (Sheila, William Jr., Elizabeth, and Martha) form the family shareholder group.
Collective Family Control
Although Sheila Ford Hamp is the principal owner, the Lions’ ownership is essentially a family trust structure. The Ford family collectively owns 100% of the franchise. The family has shown no indication of selling, ensuring that the Lions remain under Ford control.
In practical terms:
- Sheila has the largest stake and controlling rights.
- Other siblings and Martha Firestone Ford hold minority shares and retain influence in broader family decisions.
- No external or institutional shareholders exist in the Lions’ ownership.
This arrangement keeps the Lions one of the few NFL franchises still entirely under family control, a rarity in modern professional sports.
The Detroit Lions Ownership History
The Detroit Lions have a long and unique ownership story that spans nearly a century. From their humble beginnings as the Portsmouth Spartans to their long-standing Ford family control, the franchise’s history reflects both business decisions and generational succession.
Below is a quick summary of its ownership:
- 1930–1934: Portsmouth businessmen (Spartans)
- 1934–1940: George A. Richards
- 1940–1948: Fred L. Mandel Jr.
- 1948–1963: D. Lyle Fife and Edwin J. Anderson ownership group
- 1963–2014: William Clay Ford Sr.
- 2014–2020: Martha Firestone Ford
- 2020–Present: Sheila Ford Hamp.
Portsmouth Spartans Era (1930–1934)
The franchise was founded in 1930 as the Portsmouth Spartans in Portsmouth, Ohio. The team was owned by a group of local businessmen who wanted their small town to compete in the growing National Football League. Despite limited financial resources, the Spartans built a competitive roster and quickly gained a reputation as a tough team.
However, the Great Depression made it difficult for the small market to sustain an NFL team. By 1934, the Spartans were struggling financially and needed a buyer.
George A. Richards Era (1934–1940)
In 1934, George A. Richards, a wealthy Detroit radio executive and owner of station WJR, purchased the Spartans for just under $8,000. He relocated the franchise to Detroit and renamed it the Detroit Lions, aligning with the city’s baseball team, the Tigers, and symbolizing power and dominance.
Under Richards’ ownership, the Lions quickly found success, winning the NFL Championship in 1935. Richards was known for his strong promotional efforts, using his radio connections to boost the team’s popularity in Detroit.
Fred L. Mandel Jr. Era (1940–1948)
In 1940, George A. Richards sold the team to Fred L. Mandel Jr., a Chicago department store heir. Mandel’s ownership saw mixed results on the field. While the team remained competitive, it did not recapture the championship form of the mid-1930s. Financial pressures during World War II also made this a challenging period for the franchise.
D. Lyle Fife and Edwin J. Anderson Era (1948–1963)
In 1948, a group of Detroit businessmen led by D. Lyle Fife and Edwin J. Anderson purchased the Lions. This ownership era marked the team’s most successful period.
Under their leadership, the Lions captured three NFL Championships in 1952, 1953, and 1957. This golden era featured legendary players such as Bobby Layne, Doak Walker, and Joe Schmidt. The team became one of the NFL’s most dominant forces in the 1950s.
However, after 1957, the Lions’ success declined, and by the early 1960s, the ownership group was ready to sell.
William Clay Ford Sr. Era (1963–2014)
In 1963, William Clay Ford Sr., grandson of automotive pioneer Henry Ford, purchased the Lions for $4.5 million. This marked the beginning of the Ford family’s long-term ownership.
William Clay Ford Sr. remained the sole owner for over 50 years, making him one of the longest-tenured owners in NFL history. While the Lions struggled on the field during much of his era, his ownership provided stability and kept the franchise in Detroit.
Martha Firestone Ford Era (2014–2020)
After William Clay Ford Sr.’s passing in 2014, his widow, Martha Firestone Ford, took over as principal owner. Martha came from two powerful American dynasties: the Firestone tire family and the Ford automotive family.
During her ownership, she emphasized accountability and made key leadership changes, including replacing team executives and coaches. Her leadership helped modernize the organization and set the stage for the transition to the next generation.
Sheila Ford Hamp Era (2020–Present)
In June 2020, Martha Firestone Ford stepped down, and her daughter Sheila Ford Hamp became the principal owner and chairperson. Sheila brought a new vision to the franchise, emphasizing culture, competitiveness, and modernization.
She has overseen the hiring of General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell, who have led the Lions into a new era of resurgence. Under her ownership, the team has enjoyed back-to-back NFC North division titles in 2023 and 2024 and playoff victories, reviving hope among fans.
Detroit Lions Net Worth
The Detroit Lions are one of the oldest teams in the NFL, and their value has grown significantly in the last decade. In 2025, the franchise is valued at around $3.2 billion, according to sports finance estimates. This makes the Lions one of the fastest-rising teams in terms of valuation, fueled by recent success on the field, historic fan loyalty, and the NFL’s booming media revenues.
Here’s the net worth of the Detroit Lions from 2015-25:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth / Valuation | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $1.44 billion | Franchise value grows with NFL media rights boom. |
| 2016 | $1.65 billion | Continued steady growth as NFL revenues climb. |
| 2017 | $1.70 billion | Incremental rise, Lions benefit from league-wide revenue sharing. |
| 2018 | $1.95 billion | NFL franchise values near the $2B average mark. |
| 2019 | $2.10 billion | Growth fueled by sponsorships and NFL TV contracts. |
| 2020 | $2.15 billion | Franchise value grows with the NFL media rights boom. |
| 2021 | $2.40 billion | Recovery begins as fans return to stadiums. |
| 2022 | $2.65 billion | Rebuilding momentum and improving attendance. |
| 2023 | $2.86 billion | On-field success under Dan Campbell boosts value. |
| 2024 | $3.05 billion | Slight growth despite the COVID-19 impact on ticket sales. |
| 2025 | $3.20 billion (est.) | Franchise surpasses $ the $3B mark after playoff wins and strong fan engagement. |
Growth in Franchise Valuation
For decades, the Lions were considered one of the league’s less valuable franchises due to limited postseason success and stadium-related struggles. However, starting in the 2020s, the team’s valuation grew rapidly. A combination of a revitalized roster, head coach Dan Campbell’s leadership, and increased fan demand pushed the Lions past the $3 billion mark in 2024.
Revenue Streams
The Lions generate their income from multiple sources.
- Broadcasting rights: Like all NFL teams, the Lions benefit from the league’s national television contracts, which account for a large portion of their earnings.
- Ticket sales and game-day revenue: Ford Field, the team’s home stadium, sees high attendance and provides significant revenue from ticketing, concessions, and premium seating.
- Sponsorships and partnerships: Corporate sponsorships and naming rights deals continue to grow, contributing to the team’s overall value.
- Merchandise and branding: Strong local support and renewed national attention have boosted jersey sales and team merchandise revenue.
Comparison to Other NFL Teams
While not among the top five most valuable NFL franchises, the Lions’ valuation places them in the middle tier of the league. For comparison:
- Dallas Cowboys lead the league with valuations above $9 billion.
- Teams like the Patriots, Rams, and Giants rank above $7 billion.
- The Lions’ $3.2 billion places them behind the top-tier clubs, but their growth trajectory has outpaced many others in recent years.
Future Outlook
With playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024 and a fan base that has become one of the most energized in the NFL, the Lions are projected to continue growing in value. If the team sustains long-term competitiveness, its net worth could push toward $4 billion within the next five years.
Sheila Ford Hamp’s Personal Net Worth
Sheila Ford Hamp, the principal owner and chairperson of the Detroit Lions since 2020, is estimated to have a net worth of over $750 million as of August 2025.
Her fortune is closely linked to both the Ford family legacy through her father, William Clay Ford Sr., and the Firestone family fortune through her mother, Martha Firestone Ford.
This dual inheritance makes her one of the wealthiest women in sports ownership, even if her personal wealth is more modest compared to billionaire NFL owners backed by tech or oil empires.
Connection to the Ford Family Fortune
The Ford family is one of America’s wealthiest dynasties, with its fortune rooted in Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford in 1903. The family still controls significant voting power in the company through Class B shares, even though they own a minority of total stock.
As the granddaughter of Edsel Ford and great-granddaughter of Henry Ford, Sheila benefits from this inheritance. While she may not be among the very richest members of the family (like her cousin, William Clay Ford Jr., who has a more direct corporate role), she remains a high-net-worth individual with substantial financial backing.
Inheritance from William Clay Ford Sr.
Sheila inherited her ownership stake in the Detroit Lions through her father, William Clay Ford Sr., who purchased the team in 1963 for $4.5 million. Over his lifetime, the value of the franchise grew dramatically. By the time of his passing in 2014, the Lions were valued at over $1 billion.
This stake was transferred through the Ford family estate, giving Sheila and her siblings ownership rights. When she became principal owner in 2020, Sheila inherited not just control but also the prestige and financial leverage tied to the team’s soaring valuation.
Association with the Firestone Family
Through her mother, Martha Firestone Ford, Sheila is also connected to the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company fortune. Martha was the granddaughter of Harvey S. Firestone, founder of the tire giant. This link adds another layer of generational wealth to Sheila’s personal fortune, giving her access to one of the most powerful family lineages in American industry.
Standing Among NFL Owners
When compared with other NFL team owners, Sheila’s personal net worth may not reach the multi-billionaire level of figures like Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys) or Stan Kroenke (Los Angeles Rams). However, her financial position is strengthened by the backing of the Ford family’s multi-billion-dollar collective fortune.
Who is the CEO of the Detroit Lions?
The Detroit Lions has a President & CEO, who is the highest-ranking executive responsible for day-to-day operations, business growth, and overall organizational strategy. In 2025, this role is held by Rod Wood.
Current CEO: Rod Wood
Rod Wood has served as the President & CEO of the Detroit Lions since 2015. He was appointed after the departure of long-time president Tom Lewand. Before joining the Lions, Wood was the President & CEO of Ford Estates, where he managed the business and financial affairs of the Ford family. His close ties to the family made him a trusted leader for the organization.
Role and Responsibilities
As CEO, Wood oversees the Lions’ business operations, including finance, marketing, stadium management, sponsorships, and community outreach. While football operations are handled by the General Manager (Brad Holmes) and the Head Coach (Dan Campbell), Wood ensures the business side of the franchise remains profitable and aligned with the family’s long-term vision.
Leadership Style and Achievements
Rod Wood is credited with stabilizing the Lions’ front office and improving the organization’s culture. Under his leadership:
- The Lions invested in upgrades to Ford Field, enhancing the fan experience.
- Sponsorship deals and revenue partnerships increased, boosting the team’s financial performance.
- He supported the hiring of Brad Holmes as GM and Dan Campbell as head coach, a leadership duo that has transformed the Lions into playoff contenders.
Past Leadership
Before Rod Wood, the Lions had several key executives shaping the team’s front office:
- Tom Lewand (2009–2015): Oversaw the organization during a difficult rebuilding era.
- Matt Millen (2001–2008, President/GM): His tenure is often criticized due to poor on-field performance.
- Earlier decades saw family members and close associates directly involved in management, reflecting the Ford family’s tight control of the franchise.
Decision-Making Structure
While Rod Wood runs the business operations, football decisions are made collaboratively between:
- Sheila Ford Hamp (Principal Owner) – final decision-making authority.
- Brad Holmes (General Manager) – responsible for player acquisitions, roster management, and draft picks.
- Dan Campbell (Head Coach) – leads on-field performance and coaching staff.
This shared leadership model has been highly effective since 2021, creating one of the most competitive Lions teams in decades.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions remain under the proud ownership of the Ford family, with Sheila Ford Hamp serving as the current principal owner. From their early beginnings as the Portsmouth Spartans to their modern era at Ford Field, the Lions’ ownership reflects continuity and tradition. Despite past struggles, the franchise’s financial strength and dedicated leadership aim to bring long-term success to Detroit fans.
FAQs
What’s the list of Detroit Lions owners?
The Detroit Lions are privately owned and not a publicly traded company. The Ford family is the sole owner of the franchise. Ownership began in 1963 when William Clay Ford Sr. purchased the team. Today, his daughter Sheila Ford Hamp is the principal owner, with other Ford family members holding minority stakes.
Who owns the Detroit Lions franchise?
The Detroit Lions franchise is owned by Sheila Ford Hamp, who took over as principal owner in June 2020. She inherited control from her mother, Martha Firestone Ford, ensuring the team stayed under Ford family ownership.
Who are all the owners of the Detroit Lions?
The Lions’ ownership is concentrated within the Ford family. Key figures include:
- Sheila Ford Hamp – Principal Owner and Chair
- Martha Firestone Ford – Former Principal Owner (2014–2020)
- Other Ford siblings and descendants of William Clay Ford Sr. hold minority shares, but Sheila holds the controlling authority.
Who are Sheila Ford Hamp’s parents?
Sheila Ford Hamp is the daughter of William Clay Ford Sr., former owner of the Detroit Lions, and Martha Firestone Ford, who took over ownership after his passing. She is also a granddaughter of Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, and Harvey Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire & Rubber Company.
Does the Ford family own the Detroit Lions?
Yes. The Ford family has owned the Lions since 1963. William Clay Ford Sr. purchased the team for $4.5 million, and the family has controlled the franchise ever since.
How rich is Sheila Ford Hamp?
In 2025, Sheila Ford Hamp’s estimated net worth is around $1.7 billion, derived from her inherited stake in Ford Motor Company and her control of the Lions franchise.
How much did Ford pay for the Detroit Lions?
In 1963, William Clay Ford Sr. bought the Detroit Lions for $4.5 million. The franchise is now worth about $3.2 billion in 2025, representing one of the largest returns on investment in NFL history.
Does Eminem own the Lions?
No. Eminem, the Detroit-born rapper, does not own the Lions. He is a lifelong fan and often associated with Detroit sports, but the franchise remains solely in the hands of the Ford family.
Who is the highest-paid Detroit Lion?
As of 2025, the highest-paid Detroit Lion is Jared Goff, the team’s quarterback. His recent contract extension made him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL, reflecting his role in leading the Lions back to playoff contention.
What teams does the Ford family own?
The Ford family owns only the Detroit Lions in professional sports. However, through Ford Motor Company and personal wealth, the family holds influence across business and philanthropy, but no other major sports franchises.
How did Sheila Ford become owner of the Lions?
Sheila Ford Hamp became the principal owner in June 2020, when her mother, Martha Firestone Ford, stepped down at age 94. Sheila was already heavily involved in team decisions and transitioned naturally into the ownership role, continuing the family’s long-standing control.
Do the Detroit Lions own Ford Field?
Yes. The Detroit Lions own Ford Field, their home stadium in downtown Detroit. The venue opened in 2002 and has been a central part of the team’s financial and community success.
Is Barry Sanders part owner of the Detroit Lions?
No. Barry Sanders, the Hall of Fame running back and Lions legend, is not an owner of the team. He remains a beloved ambassador for the franchise and often represents the Lions at public and NFL events, but he has no ownership stake.