The New York Jets are a professional American football team based in Florham Park, New Jersey, competing in the National Football League (NFL). The team is part of the AFC East Division and is known for its passionate fan base and historic rivalry with teams like the New England Patriots and New York Giants.
Founded in 1959 as the Titans of New York, the team joined the American Football League (AFL) before merging into the NFL in 1970. In 1963, the franchise was renamed the New York Jets. The Jets’ iconic moment came in 1969, when they won Super Bowl III, led by legendary quarterback Joe Namath.
As of September 2025, the Jets are headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, and play their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which they share with the New York Giants. The current head coach is Robert Saleh (since 2021).
Ownership Status of New York Jets
The New York Jets are a privately owned franchise, not publicly traded. The team is primarily owned by the Johnson family, famous for founding and leading the health products company Johnson & Johnson.
Major Shareholders
| Owner / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Woody Johnson | Majority Owner | Purchased the team in 2000 for $635 million. |
| Christopher Johnson | Minority/Co-Owner | Served as CEO of the Jets from 2017–2021 when Woody was U.S. Ambassador. |
Note: Ownership is consolidated within the Johnson family, with Woody Johnson being the primary controlling owner.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- Woody Johnson is the principal owner of the Jets, having bought the franchise in 2000. He is the great-grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I, co-founder of Johnson & Johnson.
- During his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom (2017–2021) under the Trump administration, his brother Christopher Johnson temporarily ran the Jets’ day-to-day operations.
- Ownership of the Jets has stayed stable since Woody Johnson’s acquisition, with no significant outside shareholders.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- In 2021, after Woody Johnson returned from his diplomatic role, he resumed his position as the Jets’ principal owner.
- Christopher Johnson stepped back but still holds a minority interest and remains active in advisory roles.
- There have been no recent sales, major restructuring, or new shareholders announced as of 2025.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the New York Jets?
The current owner is Woody Johnson, with his brother Christopher Johnson holding a minority stake.
2. Is the New York Jets franchise publicly traded or privately owned?
The Jets are privately owned and are not listed on any stock exchange.
3. Who founded the New York Jets?
The team was founded in 1959 as the Titans of New York by Harry Wismer, a sports broadcaster. It was later renamed the Jets in 1963.
4. Has the ownership of the New York Jets changed recently?
No. Since Woody Johnson bought the team in 2000, ownership has remained with the Johnson family. Christopher Johnson temporarily managed the team during Woody’s diplomatic service, but there has been no sale or change in majority ownership.