The Detroit Lions are a professional American football franchise in the National Football League (NFL). They play in the NFC North Division. Their home stadium is Ford Field, located in Detroit, Michigan.
The franchise is one of the oldest in the NFL, originally founded in 1930 as the Portsmouth Spartans before relocating to Detroit in 1934 and adopting the Lions name. Over the decades, the team has built a loyal fan base and become an integral part of Detroit’s sports culture. While the Lions have faced challenges in securing consistent playoff success, they remain one of the most recognized and historic franchises in American football, with strong community ties and a passionate following across Michigan and beyond.
Ownership Status of the Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are privately owned. The ownership is held by the Ford family, and the current principal owner and chair is Sheila Ford Hamp.
Major Owners / History
Here is a timeline of ownership for the Lions and the key transitions, especially from recent decades:
| Owner / Entity | Years | Relation / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Harry N. Snyder | 1930–1934 | Early original owner when the franchise moved from Portsmouth to Detroit. |
| George A. Richards | 1934–1940 | Owned the team during early Detroit period. |
| Fred L. Mandel Jr. | 1940–1947 | Purchased from Richards. |
| Detroit Football Company (syndicate) | 1948–1963 | A group of shareholders, including William Clay Ford Sr. before full ownership. |
| William Clay Ford Sr. | 1963 / 1964 – 2014 | Became the full owner for many decades. |
| Martha Firestone Ford | 2014 – June 2020 | Widow of William Clay Ford Sr.; she became principal owner after his death. |
| Sheila Ford Hamp | June 23, 2020 – Present | Daughter of William Clay Ford Sr. Became principal owner and chair on that date. |
Key Facts about the Current Owner
Sheila Ford Hamp
- Born October 31, 1951. She is part of the Ford family (her father was William Clay Ford Sr., her mother is Martha Firestone Ford).
- She succeeded her mother, Martha Firestone Ford, as principal owner and chair of the team on June 23, 2020.
- One of her first major decisions after taking over was to fire the general manager and head coach at the end of the 2020 season (Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia) after a poor start.
- Under her ownership, the club has seen a resurgence in competitiveness: better records, playoff appearances, and general organizational improvements.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- There are no indications that ownership is expected to change hands imminently. Sheila Ford Hamp remains the active principal owner.
- There has been discussion and reporting about ownership responsibilities being shared or roles among family members, but Sheila Ford Hamp is firmly the lead.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Detroit Lions?
The current owner (principal owner & chair) is Sheila Ford Hamp.
2. How did she become owner?
She took over ownership on June 23, 2020, succeeding her mother Martha Firestone Ford. The Ford family had held ownership previously, with William Clay Ford Sr. owning from 1964 until his death in 2014.
3. Is the team still owned by the Ford family?
Yes. The team remains under the Ford family ownership. Sheila Ford Hamp is a member of that family.
4. Have there been any major changes or controversies under the current ownership?
One of the biggest changes was management changes (GM & head coach) soon after Sheila Ford Hamp took over, reflecting a shift in leadership and strategy. The team’s performance has improved in recent seasons under her and the front office.
5. Where can one find more info about the full owner’s group?
You can consult the official Detroit Lions website (“Front Office / Team Ownership” pages), and reputable publications like Free Press, ESPN, etc., which track team valuations, ownership announcements, and NFL filings.
6. What is the ownership history of the Detroit Lions?
The team’s ownership history dates back to 1930 when they were founded as the Portsmouth Spartans. After moving to Detroit in 1934, the franchise went through several owners until William Clay Ford Sr. took full control in 1964. Since then, the Lions have remained under the Ford family, passing from William Clay Ford Sr. to Martha Firestone Ford, and now to Sheila Ford Hamp.
7. Has the Detroit Lions owner ever been fined?
Yes. Like other NFL teams, the Lions have faced fines over the years, often related to league violations (such as tampering or player-related issues). These fines reflect organizational accountability rather than personal penalties against the Ford family.
8. Does the Detroit Lions owner support Pride Month?
The Lions, under Sheila Ford Hamp’s leadership, have shown public support for diversity and inclusion, including events and campaigns during Pride Month. This aligns with the NFL’s broader support of LGBTQ+ initiatives.
9. What is the net worth of the Detroit Lions’ owner?
Sheila Ford Hamp’s personal net worth is not disclosed separately, but as a member of the Ford family (heirs to the Ford Motor Company fortune), her wealth is substantial. The Detroit Lions franchise itself is valued at approximately $3.6 billion (2024 Forbes estimate), contributing to the family’s overall financial standing.
10. Is there an ownership group behind the Detroit Lions?
The Lions are not owned by a traditional investment group. Instead, they are fully controlled by the Ford family, with Sheila Ford Hamp as the principal owner and chair. Other family members remain influential but do not operate as a formal “ownership group.”
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