Mike Brown owns the Cincinnati Bengals, a franchise his father, legendary coach and executive Paul Brown, founded in 1968. It’s one of the last true family-founder-to-family-owner lines left in the NFL — the Bengals have never been owned by anyone outside the Brown family.
Mike took over as team president after his father’s death in 1991 and has run the organization ever since, making him one of the longest-tenured controlling owners in the league.
Quick Facts
| Team | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|
| Owner | Mike Brown |
| Ownership Since | 1991 (family-founded 1968) |
| Founded | 1968 |
| League | NFL (AFC North) |
| Home | Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Founder | Paul Brown |
Ownership History
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Paul Brown, already a Hall of Fame coach who founded the Cleveland Browns, establishes the Cincinnati Bengals as an AFL expansion team |
| 1970 | Bengals join the NFL as part of the AFL-NFL merger |
| 1991 | Paul Brown dies; son Mike Brown becomes team president and controlling owner |
| 2000s-2010s | Team faces criticism over front-office spending and stadium lease terms, though ownership remains stable throughout |
| 2022 | Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI under Mike Brown’s ownership, their first Super Bowl appearance since 1989 |
Key Ownership Highlights
- The Bengals are one of only a small handful of NFL teams that have never changed ownership families since their founding.
- Mike Brown’s daughter, Katie Blackburn, serves as executive vice president and has taken on increasing day-to-day authority, positioning her as a likely successor.
- Paul Brown’s legacy extends beyond the Bengals — he also founded the Cleveland Browns, which are named after him, making the Brown family one of the most influential in NFL history.
FAQ
Who owns the Cincinnati Bengals?
Mike Brown, son of franchise founder Paul Brown, has been the controlling owner since 1991.
Who will take over the Bengals next?
No formal succession has been announced, but Mike Brown’s daughter Katie Blackburn, the team’s executive vice president, is widely seen as the most likely successor.
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