The Green Bay Packers are like no other team in the NFL. Not only are they one of the oldest teams in the league, but they’re also the only one that’s fan-owned. Formed in 1919 and joining the NFL in 1921, the Packers have racked up multiple championships and legendary status, from Curly Lambeau’s early days to Vince Lombardi’s iconic Super Bowl wins. They play at Lambeau Field as part of the NFC North and maintain a long-standing winning tradition.
What truly sets the Packers apart is their unique ownership model. Unlike other NFL franchises owned by billionaires or family dynasties, the Packers are owned by the fans. Yes, over 538,000 shareholders collectively own more than 5.2 million shares, though they don’t profit or receive dividends from it. Instead, every fan who owns a share has a piece of the team in spirit, if not financially. The team’s $6.3 billion valuation may not be skyrocketing like other NFL powerhouses, but the Packers’ fan-owned, non-profit structure gives them an authenticity few teams can match.
The team uses funds to maintain Lambeau Field, pay player salaries, and renovate facilities through stock offerings—held in 1923, 1935, 1950, 1997, 2011, and most recently, in 2021, to keep the franchise financially stable. Rumors have even surfaced that quarterback Jordan Love took a loan to acquire 51% of the shares. But that speculation doesn’t add up since the team’s unique model caps ownership at 200,000 shares per person, leaving Love’s rumored majority share highly unlikely.
Day-to-day operations are run by a seven-member executive committee and a 43-member board, ensuring that fans retain symbolic ownership while experienced leaders handle the business. Mark Murphy, the current team President and CEO, will retire in 2025, with Ed Policy set to take over.
As the smallest market in the NFL, Green Bay thrives on the unwavering support of its local fans, making the Packers more than just a team—they’re a community. This collective, fan-owned model keeps the Packers grounded and connected, proving that a non-traditional ownership approach can create one of the most authentic franchises in all of sports.
