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NFL owners rarely get the same attention as quarterbacks or coaches. However, ownership often shapes everything behind the scenes. Owners hire executives, approve major spending, and establish each franchise’s direction. This ranking considers winning, stability, leadership, spending, player relations, and organizational culture. It also considers how much owners interfere with football operations. The list includes all 32 NFL franchises heading into the 2026 season.
- Michael Bidwill — Arizona Cardinals
Michael Bidwill lands at No. 32 because the Cardinals lack consistent direction. His tenure includes questionable hires and several workplace controversies. The organization also struggled to build sustained success under his leadership.
- Mike Brown — Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Brown has overseen some great Bengals teams. Still, Cincinnati often struggles with spending and organizational resources. The franchise has also dealt with repeated questions about its facilities.
- Mark Davis — Las Vegas Raiders
Mark Davis deserves credit for embracing Las Vegas. However, the Raiders have struggled to find stability since moving there. Coaching and front-office changes remain too frequent.
- Dean Spanos — Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have talented players but rarely maximize their opportunities. Ownership deserves criticism for the franchise’s inconsistent organizational direction. The move to Los Angeles also created plenty of family tension.
- David Tepper — Carolina Panthers
David Tepper has invested heavily in Carolina’s infrastructure. Unfortunately, his football decisions have produced little success. The Panthers have cycled through coaches and executives too quickly.
- Woody Johnson — New York Jets
Woody Johnson has struggled to find the right football leadership. The Jets continue searching for sustained success. Their long playoff drought remains the biggest problem. The Johnson family has provided significant financial resources. Still, ownership has not solved the Jets’ biggest organizational problems. The franchise needs stronger continuity from the top down.
- Stephen Ross — Miami Dolphins
Stephen Ross brought major investment to Miami. However, the Dolphins have not reached the Super Bowl under his ownership. His teams have also struggled to turn talented rosters into playoff success.
The Johnson family has provided significant financial resources. Still, ownership has not solved the Jets’ biggest organizational problems. The franchise needs stronger continuity from the top down.
24. Jim Irsay and the Irsay Family — Indianapolis Colts
The Irsay family built a strong legacy through several eras. However, Indianapolis has struggled since Peyton Manning’s departure. Carlie Irsay-Gordon now leads the franchise after Jim Irsay’s death.
- Jody Allen — Seattle Seahawks
Jody Allen helped maintain stability after Paul Allen’s death. The Seahawks also won Super Bowl LX during her ownership period. However, the franchise currently faces a major ownership transition.
- Zygi Wilf — Minnesota Vikings
Zygi Wilf has provided Minnesota with considerable stability. The Vikings remain competitive more often than not. Still, the franchise continues searching for its next Super Bowl appearance.
- Amy Adams Strunk — Tennessee Titans
Amy Adams Strunk deserves credit for investing in Tennessee. The Titans have also undergone major organizational changes recently. Her willingness to make difficult decisions keeps her above several struggling owners.
- Dee and Jimmy Haslam — Cleveland Browns
The Haslam’s have invested heavily in Cleveland. Unfortunately, their ownership includes too many coaching and quarterback changes. The Browns still lack consistent success despite their resources.
- Shahid Khan — Jacksonville Jaguars
Shahid Khan has transformed Jacksonville’s business profile. The Jaguars have also made significant facility investments. However, football success remains inconsistent under his ownership.
- Rob Walton and Greg Penner — Denver Broncos
The Walton-Penner group immediately brought serious resources to Denver. The Broncos also rebuilt their football infrastructure. They still need more sustained success before moving higher.
- Cal and Hannah McNair — Houston Texans
The McNair’s deserve credit for supporting Houston’s recent rebuild. The Texans have developed into a much healthier organization. Their recent progress pushes them into the middle of this ranking.
- Josh Harris — Washington Commanders
Josh Harris inherited a troubled organization. He quickly brought credibility and modern business practices to Washington. The Commanders still need more winning before Harris reaches the top tier.
- Bryan Glazer and the Glazer Family — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Glazers have enjoyed a remarkable run in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have won two Super Bowls under their ownership. They also showed patience during several difficult rebuilding periods.
- Terry and Kim Pegula — Buffalo Bills
The Pegula’s helped turn Buffalo into a consistent contender. They gave the football operation the resources needed to succeed. The Bills still need another Super Bowl appearance to climb higher.
- Gayle Benson — New Orleans Saints
Gayle Benson has provided stability since taking over the Saints. New Orleans won a Super Bowl under the Benson family. The franchise remains respected around the league.
- Stan Kroenke — Los Angeles Rams
Stan Kroenke deserves tremendous credit for the Rams’ modern transformation. He funded SoFi Stadium and supported aggressive football decisions. The Rams also won Super Bowl LVI during his ownership.
- Jerry Jones — Dallas Cowboys
Jones would rank higher based purely on business success. The Cowboys remain the NFL’s most valuable franchise. Sportico valued Dallas at $15.5 billion in 2026. Jerry Jones deserves enormous credit for building the Cowboys into America’s Team. He also deserves criticism for his involvement in football decisions. Dallas has not won a Super Bowl since the 1995 season.
- Robert Kraft — New England Patriots
Robert Kraft remains one of the NFL’s most successful owners. The Patriots won six Super Bowls during the Tom Brady era. Recent struggles keep Kraft outside the top five.
- Jeffrey Lurie — Philadelphia Eagles
Jeffrey Lurie consistently supports his football operation. The Eagles have maintained strong organizational stability. Philadelphia also won Super Bowl LIX before falling short in the following season.
- Sheila Ford Hamp — Detroit Lions
Sheila Ford Hamp deserves enormous credit for Detroit’s transformation. She gave Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell room to build. The Lions now look like one of the league’s strongest organizations.
- John Mara and Steve Tisch — New York Giants
The Giants have struggled recently, but ownership provides valuable stability. Mara and Tisch understand the franchise’s history and importance. Their next football decisions will determine their future ranking.
- Steve Bisciotti — Baltimore Ravens
Steve Bisciotti consistently gives Baltimore’s football department room to operate. The Ravens have remained competitive for years. His organization also develops talent better than almost anyone.
- Art Rooney II and the Rooney Family — Pittsburgh Steelers
The Rooney family represents stability in professional football. Pittsburgh rarely experiences organizational chaos. The Steelers also maintain one of the league’s strongest cultures.
- Clark Hunt — Kansas City Chiefs
Clark Hunt deserves enormous credit for Kansas City’s sustained success. He hired and trusted strong football leadership. The Chiefs became the NFL’s dominant team during the Patrick Mahomes era.
- Arthur Blank — Atlanta Falcons
Arthur Blank ranks near the top because of his leadership style. He invests heavily in Atlanta’s infrastructure and community. He also consistently supports major organizational improvements.
- The Green Bay Packers — Green Bay Packers, Inc.
The Packers earn the top spot because their ownership model remains unique. More than 500,000 shareholders own the publicly held organization. Green Bay also maintains remarkable stability across generations.
The Packers operate differently from every other NFL franchise. Their community ownership model creates a special connection with fans. That structure also removes the traditional billionaire-owner dynamic.
Final Ranking
Green Bay Packers, Inc. — Green Bay Packers
Arthur Blank — Atlanta Falcons
Clark Hunt — Kansas City Chiefs
Art Rooney II — Pittsburgh Steelers
Steve Bisciotti — Baltimore Ravens
John Mara and Steve Tisch — New York Giants
Sheila Ford Hamp — Detroit Lions
Jeffrey Lurie — Philadelphia Eagles
Robert Kraft — New England Patriots
Jerry Jones — Dallas Cowboys
Stan Kroenke — Los Angeles Rams
Gayle Benson — New Orleans Saints
Terry and Kim Pegula — Buffalo Bills
Bryan Glazer and the Glazer Family — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josh Harris — Washington Commanders
Cal and Hannah McNair — Houston Texans
Rob Walton and Greg Penner — Denver Broncos
Shahid Khan — Jacksonville Jaguars
Dee and Jimmy Haslam — Cleveland Browns
Amy Adams Strunk — Tennessee Titans
Zygi Wilf — Minnesota Vikings
Jody Allen — Seattle Seahawks
Jim Irsay and the Irsay Family — Indianapolis Colts
Stephen Ross — Miami Dolphins
Woody Johnson — New York Jets
David Tepper — Carolina Panthers
Dean Spanos — Los Angeles Chargers
Mark Davis — Las Vegas Raiders
Mike Brown — Cincinnati Bengals
Michael Bidwill — Arizona Cardinals
The NFL’s ownership landscape continues changing quickly. Seattle could soon have a new controlling owner after the proposed $9.612 billion sale. NFL owners need at least 24 votes to approve that transaction. Ultimately, ownership rankings remain subjective. Winning matters, but strong leadership matters just as much. The best owners build organizations that succeed without constant interference. The Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers have no distinct owners that is why they are not listed.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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