The Green Bay Packers have a one-of-a-kind ownership structure that sets them apart from all other teams in the National Football League. As the 12th most valuable NFL franchise, with a valuation of $6.3 billion, the Packers are the only team that is structured as a publicly owned entity. This ownership model allows for a unique level of engagement and connection between the team and its fans, setting them apart from the rest of the league. Despite their high valuation, the Packers maintain a different approach to ownership that has been in place for over a century.
The Packers have had a total of six stock offerings throughout their history, starting as far back as 1923. These offerings have resulted in over 5.2 million outstanding shares being owned by more than 538,000 individuals, many of whom are devoted Packers fans. However, unlike traditional stocks, these shares do not pay dividends, cannot be transferred outside of family members, and do not have market value. Shareholders do have the ability to attend the team’s annual meeting and vote for a board of directors, but they do not receive any financial gain from their ownership.
In terms of revenue, the Packers brought in $638 million in 2023, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization reaching $128 million. Despite their high profitability, the team operates as a nonprofit, with revenue going towards player salaries, stadium maintenance, and marketing efforts. Only the team president receives compensation, highlighting the unique structure of the organization. The stock offerings have been crucial in times of financial instability and have been used for major renovations of Lambeau Field.
The ownership structure of the Packers has its challenges, particularly when it comes to attracting private equity investors. With a strict ownership cap of 200,000 shares per person, the team limits outside investment and remains largely fan-owned. While other teams may seek private equity funding, the Packers have maintained their independence and resilience through their unique ownership model. Despite the low cost of shares compared to the average valuation of NFL teams, the timing of stock offerings remains a significant barrier for fans looking to own a piece of the team.
The Green Bay Packers are truly an outlier in the NFL, not just because of their ownership structure, but also due to their location and long-term stability. Located in the smallest television market among NFL teams, the Packers have managed to thrive without the same level of tourism or media attention as larger cities. Additionally, the team’s ability to maintain top-tier quarterbacks like Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love has drawn both admirers and critics, solidifying their reputation as a unique and successful franchise.
The Green Bay Packers’ ownership structure and operational model stand out as a symbol of tradition and fan engagement in the NFL. Despite the challenges and criticisms, the team has managed to maintain its independence and success through a unique approach to ownership that sets them apart from the rest of the league.