The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The franchise competes in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the NFC South Division.
Founded in 1993 by Jerry Richardson, the Panthers began playing in 1995 and have since become one of the most recognisable franchises in the NFL. The team plays its home games at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
As of October 2025, the Carolina Panthers are owned by David Tepper, who purchased the team in 2018.
Ownership Status of Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are privately owned and are not publicly traded. The team is owned by David Tepper, a billionaire hedge fund manager and founder of Appaloosa Management, one of the most successful hedge funds in the United States.
Tepper purchased the franchise from founding owner Jerry Richardson in May 2018 for approximately $2.3 billion, which at the time was a record price for an NFL team.
Major Ownership Details
| Owner / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| David Tepper | Majority Owner (100%) | Purchased team in 2018 for $2.3 billion |
| Jerry Richardson (former) | 0% | Sold ownership after NFL approval in 2018 |
Note: The Carolina Panthers are fully privately owned under David Tepper’s holding company, Tepper Sports & Entertainment.
About Owner David Tepper
David Alan Tepper (born September 11, 1957) is an American businessman, hedge fund manager, and sports team owner. He is the founder and president of Appaloosa Management, a prominent hedge fund known for investing in distressed debt and special situations. Before entering finance, Tepper earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA (or MSIA equivalent) from Carnegie Mellon University. Over his career, he has built a reputation for bold investment moves, especially during financial crises, and has also pursued interests in sports ownership—most notably acquiring the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and the Major League Soccer team Charlotte FC.
David Tepper Net Worth
As of 2025, David Tepper’s net worth is estimated in the range of $20–24 billion, placing him among the top‐tier billionaires globally. His wealth is largely tied to his hedge fund, Appaloosa Management, which manages significant assets, much of which he personally controls. Because of fluctuations in markets and investments, the exact figure moves, but most credible sources agree he sits comfortably in the multibillion-dollar club.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- David Tepper is a hedge fund billionaire known for founding Appaloosa Management in 1993.
- Tepper is also the owner of Charlotte FC, the Major League Soccer team, under his sports group Tepper Sports & Entertainment.
- His ownership has been characterized by major investments in team infrastructure, including renovations at Bank of America Stadium and expansion into entertainment ventures in Charlotte.
- Tepper’s estimated net worth is around $20 billion (as of 2025), making him one of the wealthiest team owners in the NFL.
Recent Developments in Ownership
Since acquiring the Panthers, Tepper has made several changes to the organization, including:
- 2019–2024: Multiple coaching and management shifts to rebuild the team.
- 2024: Tepper and the city of Charlotte agreed on a $800 million stadium renovation project, with Tepper personally contributing around $150 million.
- 2025: Kristi Coleman, long-time team president, was promoted to CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, expanding her oversight role across Tepper’s sports operations.
These actions show Tepper’s long-term commitment to keeping the Panthers in Charlotte and modernizing team facilities.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Carolina Panthers?
The Carolina Panthers are owned by David Tepper, who bought the franchise in 2018 from Jerry Richardson.
2. Is the Carolina Panthers team publicly traded or privately owned?
The team is privately owned through Tepper Sports & Entertainment and is not publicly traded.
3. Who founded the Carolina Panthers?
The team was founded by Jerry Richardson in 1993.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
No, the ownership has remained under David Tepper since 2018. However, some internal management roles have evolved, including promotions within Tepper Sports & Entertainment.
Carolina Panthers Official Site
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