Quick Facts: Arizona Cardinals
| Current Owner | Bidwill family (Michael Bidwill, President & Managing Owner) |
| Ownership Type | Private (family) |
| Bidwill Family Owner Since | 1932 |
| Michael Bidwill Controlling Owner Since | 2019 |
| Franchise Founded | 1898 — NFL’s oldest continuously run franchise |
| Relocations | Chicago → St. Louis (1960) → Arizona (1988) |
| Notable | NFL’s longest continuously family-owned team |
Who Owns the Arizona Cardinals?
The Bidwill family has owned the Arizona Cardinals since 1932, making it the longest continuously family-owned franchise in the NFL, now led by Michael Bidwill as president and managing owner.
The franchise itself dates back even further, to 1898, when it began as an amateur football club on Chicago’s South Side — decades before the NFL even existed — giving the Cardinals a claim to being the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in America.
Charles Bidwill Sr. bought the team in 1932, and it has stayed in family hands ever since, moving from Chicago to St. Louis in 1960 and finally to Arizona in 1988, with a Bidwill family member overseeing ownership through every relocation.
Michael Bidwill became controlling owner in 2019 following the death of his father Bill Bidwill, who had run the team since 1972 and oversaw its move to Arizona and the franchise’s only Super Bowl appearance, a loss in Super Bowl XLIII following the 2008 season.
Arizona Cardinals Ownership History
| Year | Event | Owner / Key Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1898 | Founded in Chicago | Chris O’Brien | Predates the NFL itself |
| 1932–Present | Charles Bidwill Sr. buys the team | Bidwill family | NFL’s longest continuous family ownership |
| 1960 | Relocates to St. Louis | Bidwill family | Violet Bidwill Wolfner led the move |
| 1988 | Relocates to Arizona | Bill Bidwill | Becomes the Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals |
| 2008 | Franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance | Bill Bidwill | Lost Super Bowl XLIII to the Steelers |
| 2019–Present | Michael Bidwill becomes controlling owner | Michael Bidwill | Following Bill Bidwill’s death |
About the Bidwill Family
Charles Bidwill Sr. bought the Cardinals in 1932 with money made partly through printing and entertainment businesses, beginning a family ownership run that has now lasted nearly a century without ever being sold outside the family.
Michael Bidwill has continued his father and grandfather’s approach of direct family control, overseeing the franchise’s stadium operations and business growth in the Phoenix market while the team continues chasing its first-ever league championship.
Key Ownership Highlights
- The Cardinals are the NFL’s longest continuously family-owned franchise: Bidwill family control since 1932, without interruption.
- The franchise’s roots predate the NFL entirely: founded in 1898 as an amateur club, making it arguably the oldest continuously operating professional football team in America.
- Ownership has overseen two separate relocations: Chicago to St. Louis in 1960, then St. Louis to Arizona in 1988, both under Bidwill family control.
- The franchise has never won an NFL championship since joining the league: its only Super Bowl appearance came in the 2008 season, a loss to the Steelers.
- Leadership transitioned smoothly across generations: Charles Bidwill Sr. to Bill Bidwill to current owner Michael Bidwill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Arizona Cardinals?
The Bidwill family, with Michael Bidwill serving as president and managing owner since 2019.
How long has the Bidwill family owned the team?
Since 1932, making it the NFL’s longest continuously family-owned franchise.
Have the Cardinals won a Super Bowl?
No, their only appearance came in Super Bowl XLIII after the 2008 season, a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Where did the Cardinals franchise originate?
Chicago, in 1898, as an amateur football club that predates the NFL itself.
How many times has the team relocated?
Twice: Chicago to St. Louis in 1960, then St. Louis to Arizona in 1988.