The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan, competing in the National Hockey League (NHL). Founded in 1926, the Red Wings are one of the NHL’s prestigious “Original Six” teams. Over the years, they have built a reputation for excellence, winning multiple Stanley Cup Championships and cultivating a massive, devoted fan base worldwide.
The team plays its home games at Little Caesars Arena, a modern sports complex in downtown Detroit. The franchise is known for its historic legacy, legendary players, and strong cultural connection to the city of Detroit.
Ownership Status of the Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are owned by Ilitch Holdings, Inc., a private, family-run conglomerate founded by the late Mike Ilitch and Marian Ilitch. Since the company is privately held, the team does not have public shareholders, institutional investors, or stock filings like publicly traded companies.
Today, the Red Wings remain under the Ilitch family’s control, with Christopher Ilitch, son of Mike and Marian, serving as the Governor and CEO of the team. Ilitch Holdings manages the team as part of its broader sports and entertainment portfolio, which also includes the Detroit Tigers (MLB) and Little Caesars Pizza.
Major Ownership Highlights
| Owner / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ilitch Holdings, Inc. | 100% | Privately held company founded by Mike & Marian Ilitch; owns the Detroit Red Wings entirely. |
| Christopher Ilitch | Controls operations | Serves as Governor & CEO of the franchise under Ilitch Holdings. No public minority shareholders. |
Note: The Detroit Red Wings are privately owned, so there are no public investors, no institutional shareholders, and no stock filings.
- The Red Wings are fully owned through Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
- No public ownership stakes, minority shares, or institutional investors are reported.
- Christopher Ilitch oversees business strategy, operations, and team governance.
- The ownership has remained stable since the Ilitch family acquired the team in 1982.
About Christopher Ilitch (Current CEO & Governor)
Christopher Ilitch is the President, CEO, and Governor of the Detroit Red Wings. Born in Detroit, he is the son of Mike Ilitch (founder of Little Caesars Pizza and former owner of the Red Wings) and Marian Ilitch. After Mike Ilitch’s passing in 2017, Christopher took over full responsibilities in overseeing the family’s sports and entertainment operations.
Under his leadership, the Red Wings have shifted focus toward youth development, long-term rebuilding, and enhancing the Detroit sports district. Christopher also played a major role in establishing Little Caesars Arena, one of the most advanced sporting venues in the U.S. He is recognized as a long-term strategic thinker dedicated to carrying forward the Ilitch family legacy.
Christopher Ilitch Net Worth
As of the latest publicly available estimates, Christopher Ilitch’s net worth is approximately between $5 billion and $6 billion. However, this number is highly influenced by the fact that the Ilitch family operates through Ilitch Holdings, a private enterprise — meaning exact financial details are not publicly disclosed.
Key contributors to his estimated net worth:
- Ownership and leadership position in Ilitch Holdings
- Portfolio including Little Caesars Pizza, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, real estate holdings, and entertainment venues
- Multi-billion-dollar assets within the Ilitch organization
His mother, Marian Ilitch, has an estimated net worth of over $6 billion, placing the Ilitch family among the wealthiest families in the United States.
Key Shareholder Highlights
Because Ilitch Holdings is a private company, the Detroit Red Wings do not issue stock, and no public shareholder breakdown is available. All control and ownership remain internal to the Ilitch family.
Key points:
- The Ilitch family controls 100% ownership.
- Christopher Ilitch serves as the top executive responsible for decision-making.
- There are no SEC filings, investor reports, or ownership percentages to reference, as would be required for public companies.
Recent Developments in Ownership
There have been no major ownership changes involving the Detroit Red Wings. The team remains firmly under the control of the Ilitch family.
A recent note:
- In early 2025, Christopher Ilitch filed for divorce from his wife. However, this matter does not affect the ownership or business structure of Ilitch Holdings or the Red Wings.
- There have been no sales, stake transfers, or new owners reported.
Ownership remains stable and unchanged.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Detroit Red Wings?
The team is owned by Ilitch Holdings, Inc., controlled by the Ilitch family, with Christopher Ilitch serving as the Governor & CEO.
2. Is the Detroit Red Wings franchise publicly traded?
No. It is a privately owned sports franchise, not traded on any stock exchange.
3. Who founded the current ownership structure?
The team was purchased by Mike Ilitch in 1982, marking the beginning of the Ilitch family’s ownership.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
No. The Ilitch family still owns the team, and no ownership transitions have been reported.