Quick Facts: Cincinnati Reds
| Owner | Bob Castellini (Principal Owner) |
| Team President | Philip Castellini (Bob’s son) |
| Founded | 1882 |
| Headquarters | Cincinnati, Ohio, USA |
| Ownership Type | Private |
| Stock Ticker | N/A |
| Publicly Traded | No |
Who Owns the Cincinnati Reds?
The Cincinnati Reds are principally owned by Bob Castellini, who led an ownership group that purchased the franchise in 2006 from Carl Lindner Jr. for approximately $270 million. Bob Castellini is a Cincinnati-area businessman who built his wealth in the produce distribution business through W. Lee Flowers & Company and other related enterprises. He grew up as a passionate Reds fan and has been deeply personally invested in the franchise since acquiring it. The Castellini family has increasingly embedded itself into the franchise’s management, with Bob’s son Philip Castellini serving as President of the Cincinnati Reds.
The Cincinnati Reds are one of the oldest franchises in professional baseball, founded in 1882 and widely recognized as being among the sport’s most historic organizations. The team is a member of the National League Central division and plays its home games at Great American Ball Park, which opened in 2003 along the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, replacing the multi-purpose Riverfront Stadium (also known as Cinergy Field). The Reds’ history includes some of baseball’s most celebrated moments — the Big Red Machine teams of the 1970s, featuring Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Joe Morgan, and Ken Griffey Sr., are considered among the greatest in baseball history.
Under Bob Castellini’s ownership, the Reds have experienced periods of both optimism and frustration. The team reached the NL Wild Card game in 2010 and won the NL Central in 2010 and 2012 during a period of competitiveness. Subsequent years saw aggressive rebuilding phases, during which the front office shed high-salary veterans in favor of developing young talent. Nick Krall serves as the team’s General Manager, working to rebuild the Reds into consistent contenders. The franchise’s fan base, deeply rooted in the Ohio Valley, remains one of the most passionate in the National League.
About Bob Castellini
Bob Castellini was born and raised in the Cincinnati area and developed a lifelong passion for the Reds before acquiring the franchise. His business career centered on produce distribution and wholesale food supply, industries in which he built substantial success. Castellini’s love of baseball is genuine and personal — he has spoken frequently about being a Reds fan since childhood. His son Philip Castellini has taken an increasingly active role in running the organization, including controversial public statements during periods of fan frustration that drew significant media attention. The Castellini family’s ownership represents local Cincinnati investment in the franchise rather than the outside corporate ownership seen with some MLB teams.
Key Ownership Highlights
- Bob Castellini purchased the Reds in 2006: Castellini led an ownership group that acquired the Cincinnati Reds in 2006 for approximately $270 million from the estate of Carl Lindner Jr. Castellini grew up as a Reds fan in Cincinnati, making the purchase a deeply personal achievement.
- Philip Castellini is the team’s president: Bob Castellini’s son Philip serves as President of the Cincinnati Reds, representing the next generation of family leadership in the franchise. Philip has been the more publicly visible front office representative in recent years.
- The Reds are one of baseball’s oldest franchises: Founded in 1882, the Cincinnati Reds are one of the oldest professional baseball organizations in the country. They were charter members of the National League and have been a continuous presence in Major League Baseball for more than 140 years.
- The Big Red Machine era defined the franchise: The Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s — the “Big Red Machine” — featuring Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Tony Perez, alongside Pete Rose, won back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. That era remains the gold standard for the franchise and its fan base.
- Great American Ball Park opened in 2003: The Reds play at Great American Ball Park, a modern riverfront ballpark that opened in 2003 along the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati. The park replaced the aging Riverfront Stadium (later Cinergy Field) and has been well-regarded by players and fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Cincinnati Reds?
The Cincinnati Reds are principally owned by Bob Castellini, who purchased the franchise in 2006 for approximately $270 million. His son Philip Castellini serves as the team’s President. The Castellini family’s wealth derives from the produce distribution industry in the Cincinnati area.
Are the Cincinnati Reds publicly traded?
No. The Cincinnati Reds are a privately held franchise not listed on any public stock exchange.
How many World Series have the Reds won?
The Cincinnati Reds have won five World Series championships: 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, and 1990. The 1975 and 1976 titles came during the “Big Red Machine” era and are the franchise’s most celebrated championships.
When did Bob Castellini buy the Reds?
Bob Castellini’s ownership group purchased the Cincinnati Reds in 2006 from the estate of Carl Lindner Jr. for approximately $270 million. Castellini, a lifelong Reds fan from the Cincinnati area, became the franchise’s principal controlling owner.
Related Reading
See also our profile of fellow MLB franchise the Baltimore Orioles.