The Indianapolis Colts are a privately owned professional football team competing in the National Football League (NFL). The franchise is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is part of the AFC South Division. The Colts are known for their rich history, including two Super Bowl championships (1970, 2006), and legendary players such as Peyton Manning, Johnny Unitas, and Reggie Wayne.
The team was originally founded in 1953 as the Baltimore Colts before relocating to Indianapolis in 1984 under the Irsay family’s leadership. As of September 2025, the franchise is led by Carlie Irsay-Gordon, who took over as Principal Owner & CEO following the passing of longtime owner Jim Irsay in May 2025.
Ownership Status of Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are privately owned, not publicly traded. Ownership has remained within the Irsay family since 1972, when Robert Irsay acquired the team. Following Robert’s death, Jim Irsay took control in 1997 and remained the owner until his passing in 2025.
Today, the Colts are jointly owned by Jim Irsay’s three daughters, who inherited equal shares of the franchise. The structure ensures the Colts remain a family-owned NFL team.
Current Owners
| Owner / Family Member | Role / Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carlie Irsay-Gordon | Principal Owner & CEO | Acts as the face of the franchise, oversees operations. |
| Casey Foyt | Executive Vice President / Co-Owner | Supports leadership and management decisions. |
| Kalen Jackson | Chief Brand Officer, Colts Foundation Pres., Co-Owner | Leads branding, community initiatives, and the Colts Foundation. |
Note: The Colts are 100% owned by the Irsay family; no outside institutional shareholders are involved.
Key Shareholder Highlights
Since the Colts are privately held, there are no institutional investors like mutual funds or hedge funds. Instead, the Irsay family has retained full ownership control for over 50 years.
- Carlie Irsay-Gordon holds the role of principal owner & CEO, making her the first woman in franchise history to hold this level of control.
- Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson remain actively involved in leadership, ensuring equal family participation in the team’s governance.
- The Colts’ ownership model has often been praised for its continuity and stability, given that the team has stayed in one family since 1972.
Recent Developments in Ownership
Recent changes in ownership were triggered by the death of Jim Irsay on May 21, 2025, at the age of 65.
- In June 2025, the Colts officially announced that his three daughters would assume ownership.
- Carlie Irsay-Gordon was elevated as Principal Owner & CEO, while her sisters maintained executive and co-ownership roles.
- This transition was planned well in advance, ensuring a smooth continuation of the Colts’ legacy under the Irsay family.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Indianapolis Colts?
The team is owned by Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, with Carlie serving as the Principal Owner & CEO.
2. Is the Indianapolis Colts publicly traded or privately owned?
The Colts are a privately owned team, fully controlled by the Irsay family.
3. Who founded the Indianapolis Colts?
The franchise was originally founded in 1953 as the Baltimore Colts. It was purchased by Robert Irsay in 1972 and relocated to Indianapolis in 1984.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. In May 2025, longtime owner Jim Irsay passed away, and ownership transitioned to his three daughters.
Indianapolis Colts Official Site
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