The Los Angeles Chargers are a professional American football franchise in the National Football League (NFL). Based in Inglewood, California, the team competes in the AFC West Division and plays home games at SoFi Stadium, which they share with the Los Angeles Rams.
Founded in 1960 by Barron Hilton, the Chargers were originally based in Los Angeles, later moved to San Diego, and returned to Los Angeles in 2017. The franchise has grown into one of the NFL’s most recognized teams, representing Southern California’s football culture.
As of October 2025, the team is led by Dean Spanos, who serves as the Chairman and Controlling Owner of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Ownership Status of the Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are privately owned, with no single corporate or public shareholder. The franchise is primarily controlled by the Spanos family, who have owned the team since 1984 when Alex Spanos purchased a controlling stake.
After Alex Spanos’ passing, control of the team passed to his son Dean Spanos, who remains the controlling owner.
In recent years, the ownership group has diversified slightly following approved investments by private investors.
Major Shareholders
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dean Spanos & Spanos Family | ~61% | Controlling ownership; includes Dean, Michael, and Alexis Spanos. |
| Tom Gores | ~27% | Minority stakeholder; investment approved by NFL in 2024. |
| Arctos Partners | ~8% | Private equity firm; became limited partner in 2025. |
| Legacy Holders | ~4% | Remaining shares held by early franchise investors. |
Note: The Spanos family retains control of the franchise, even with minority investors holding partial stakes.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- Dean Spanos serves as the Chairman of the Board and Controlling Owner, overseeing all major business and football operations.
- Tom Gores, owner of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, acquired a 27% stake in October 2024, approved by NFL team owners. Despite his stake, Gores does not have operational control of the Chargers.
- Arctos Partners, a private equity group, was approved by the NFL in May 2025 as a limited partner with an 8% share, marking one of the first examples of league-approved private equity involvement in team ownership.
- The Spanos family, led by Dean Spanos, continues to hold the majority stake and full decision-making authority within the franchise.
Recent Developments in Ownership
Recent years have brought significant developments in the Chargers’ ownership structure:
- In October 2024, billionaire investor Tom Gores purchased a 27% stake in the team from Dea Spanos Berberian, resolving a long-running family dispute over control.
- In May 2025, the NFL approved Arctos Partners as a limited partner with an 8% equity stake, further diversifying ownership.
- After these transactions, the Spanos family maintains a controlling 61% stake in the team, ensuring it remains under their long-term leadership.
These updates reflect the growing trend of private equity participation in NFL franchises, with the Chargers among the first to adopt this model.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Los Angeles Chargers?
The current controlling owner is Dean Spanos, representing the Spanos family, which has owned the franchise since 1984.
2. Is Los Angeles Chargers publicly traded or privately owned?
The Chargers are a privately owned NFL team, not publicly traded.
3. Who founded the Los Angeles Chargers?
The franchise was founded by Barron Hilton in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL).
4. Who are the major shareholders of the Chargers?
The major shareholders include Dean Spanos & family (~61%), Tom Gores (~27%), and Arctos Partners (~8%).
5. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. In 2024, Tom Gores joined as a minority investor, and in 2025, Arctos Partners became a limited partner. However, the Spanos family remains in full control.