The Cincinnati Bengals are a privately owned professional sports franchise competing in the National Football League (NFL). Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Bengals are part of the American Football Conference (AFC) North Division, alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns. The team is best known for its passionate fan base, fierce divisional rivalries, and appearances in multiple Super Bowls, including their most recent run in 2022 (Super Bowl LVI).
The Bengals were founded in 1967 by the legendary football coach Paul Brown, who had previously coached and co-founded the Cleveland Browns. The team began play in the American Football League (AFL) in 1968 before the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Since then, the Bengals have established themselves as a respected NFL franchise with several playoff runs and multiple Hall of Fame players.
The team plays its home games at Paycor Stadium (formerly Paul Brown Stadium), located on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati. As of September 2025, the franchise is led by Owner and President Mike Brown, who took over leadership after his father’s passing in 1991. Mike Brown, along with other members of the Brown family, continues to manage the Bengals, keeping ownership and operations firmly in family hands.
Ownership Status of Cincinnati Bengals
Unlike publicly traded corporations, the Cincinnati Bengals are a privately owned franchise. This means there are no shares available to public investors, and ownership is concentrated within the Brown family.
The principal owner is Mike Brown, who serves as both the majority owner and president of the Bengals. While Mike Brown is the public face of ownership, his daughter Katie Blackburn, Executive Vice President, plays a key role in day-to-day operations and is widely regarded as the eventual successor to her father’s leadership role.
Ownership of the Bengals has remained consistent since its founding. It began with Paul Brown, transitioned to his son Mike Brown in 1991, and is expected to stay within the family for the foreseeable future.
Major Shareholders
Since the Bengals are privately owned, they do not have shareholders in the same way as a publicly traded company. However, the ownership structure within the Brown family can be broken down as follows:
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Brown | Majority Owner | Took over after Paul Brown’s death in 1991; long-time team president. |
| Katie Blackburn | Family Owner/Executive | Daughter of Mike Brown; serves as Executive VP and influential decision-maker. |
| Other Brown Family Members | Minority Ownership | Other heirs of Paul Brown retain smaller stakes in the franchise. |
Note: The Bengals are not a publicly traded company. Ownership remains entirely within the Brown family.
Key Shareholder Highlights
The ownership of the Cincinnati Bengals is notable because it is one of the few NFL franchises that has stayed entirely within the founding family for nearly six decades. Below are the key figures involved:
- Mike Brown – As the principal owner and team president, Mike Brown has been one of the most influential, though at times controversial, figures in NFL ownership. Known for his hands-on approach, Brown has long been criticized for being heavily involved in player and coaching decisions. Despite criticism, his leadership brought stability and ultimately contributed to the team’s resurgence in recent years.
- Katie Blackburn – Widely recognized as the future leader of the franchise, Blackburn has earned respect throughout the NFL as one of the league’s most influential female executives. She manages the team’s finances, contracts, and league relations. Her strong role signals a smooth transition plan for post-Mike Brown ownership.
- Other Brown family members – While less visible, they maintain partial stakes in the team, ensuring the franchise remains firmly under Brown family control.
Recent Developments in Ownership
Ownership of the Bengals has remained stable, but there have been several important recent developments worth highlighting:
- Stadium Lease Extension (2025): In June 2025, the Bengals signed a new lease with Hamilton County to keep Paycor Stadium as their home through 2036, with an option to extend to 2046. This agreement includes $470 million in renovations, with $350 million funded by the county and $120 million from the Bengals. This deal reaffirms the Brown family’s commitment to staying in Cincinnati for decades.
- Katie Blackburn’s Leadership Role: In recent years, Blackburn has taken on increasing responsibility in NFL circles, including serving on key league committees. Many insiders view this as preparation for her eventual succession to full ownership leadership.
- Franchise Value Growth: The Bengals’ valuation has risen sharply following their success with quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, reaching an estimated value of $4 billion in 2025, according to Forbes. This growth reflects the Brown family’s commitment to building a competitive team.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Cincinnati Bengals?
The current owner is Mike Brown, who has led the team since 1991 after the death of his father, Paul Brown.
2. Is the Cincinnati Bengals publicly traded or privately owned?
The Bengals are a privately owned NFL franchise. Ownership is entirely within the Brown family.
3. Who founded the Cincinnati Bengals?
The team was founded by Paul Brown in 1967 and began play in 1968.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
No major ownership changes have occurred recently. The team remains in the hands of the Brown family, with Mike Brown as majority owner and Katie Blackburn in a major leadership role.
5. What role does Katie Blackburn play in ownership?
Katie Blackburn, Mike Brown’s daughter, is the Executive Vice President of the Bengals. She handles contracts, negotiations, and is seen as the future leader of the franchise.
6. How long will the Bengals remain in Cincinnati?
Thanks to the 2025 stadium lease extension, the Bengals will remain at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati through at least 2036, with an option through 2046.