The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football franchise in the NFL (National Football League). The team is currently based in Glendale, Arizona, and is part of the NFC West division. As of 2025, the Cardinals are owned by Michael J. Bidwill, who also serves as Chairman and President of the franchise.
Ownership Status of the Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are family-owned, with ownership residing in the Bidwill family for multiple generations.
This family-owned franchise, with the Bidwill family maintaining control for more than nine decades — making it one of the longest family ownerships in the NFL. The Bidwills first entered the picture in 1932 when Charles W. “Charley” Bidwill Sr. purchased the then-Chicago Cardinals. Since then, the team has remained under the stewardship of the family, passing through multiple generations.
After Charley’s death, his wife Violet Bidwill Wolfner assumed control, followed by their sons Charles Jr. and Bill Bidwill, who shared ownership until 1972. Bill eventually became the sole owner and oversaw the team’s historic relocation from St. Louis to Arizona in 1988. Following his death in 2019, the reins were handed to his son, Michael J. Bidwill, who continues the family’s legacy. The Bidwills are now recognized as one of the most enduring family dynasties in professional sports ownership, with a deep connection to both the team’s history and the league as a whole.
Major Ownership Timeline
| Period | Owner(s) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1932-1947 | Charles W. “Charley” Bidwill Sr. | He bought the then-Chicago Cardinals in 1932. |
| 1947-1962 | Violet Bidwill Wolfner | After Charles Sr.’s death, his widow Violet inherited the team and ran it. |
| 1962-1972 | Charles Bidwill Jr. & Bill Bidwill (co-owners) | Brother duo ownership. |
| 1972-2019 | Bill V. Bidwill (sole owner) | Bill bought out his brother’s share, becoming the sole owner. He oversaw the move to Arizona (1988) and long tenure until his death in October 2019. |
| 2019-present | Michael J. Bidwill | After Bill Bidwill passed away in 2019, Michael became the principal owner, chairman, and president. |
Key Owner: Michael J. Bidwill
Michael J. Bidwill is the current Principal Owner, Chairman, and President of the Arizona Cardinals. He represents the third generation of the Bidwill family to oversee the franchise. Michael officially joined the Cardinals’ front office in 1996, initially serving as Vice President and General Counsel, where he played a significant role in the team’s legal and business operations. Over time, he became increasingly involved in the strategic and operational aspects of the franchise, effectively taking on leadership responsibilities even before his father’s passing.
When Bill Bidwill died in 2019, Michael formally succeeded him, solidifying his role as the face of the ownership. Under his leadership, the team has focused on strengthening its business profile, community presence, and competitiveness within the NFL. His stewardship reflects both the continuation of the Bidwill family’s legacy and his own modern vision for the future of the Cardinals.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- Passing of Bill Bidwill: Owner Bill V. Bidwill, who had run the team sole-owner since 1972, died in October 2019. Ownership then passed to his son Michael.
- Day-to-day Control: Even before Bill’s passing, Michael was already serving as team president and had assumed many operational duties.
- Public Profile & Controversies: There have been discussions in recent years about workplace culture under Michael Bidwill. Some former employees have made allegations, which have been reported in media and resulted in legal/settlement outcomes in certain instances.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Arizona Cardinals?
The current owner is Michael J. Bidwill. He inherited ownership from his father, Bill Bidwill, who passed away in 2019.
2. How long has the Bidwill family owned the franchise?
Since 1932. The team has been continuously owned by the Bidwill family through multiple generations: Charles W. Bidwill Sr., Violet Bidwill Wolfner, Bill Bidwill, and now Michael Bidwill. (
3. Is the team publicly traded or privately held?
The Arizona Cardinals are privately held, owned by the Bidwill family. There is no public share offering. (As with all NFL teams, by tradition and league rules ownership is private.)
4. Has there been a recent change in ownership?
Yes — the major recent change was in 2019, when Michael Bidwill became principal owner after the death of his father, Bill Bidwill. Since then, Michael also holds the roles of president and chairman.
Arizona Cardinals Official Website
Discover more from Who Is The Owner Of
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.