The Denver Broncos are owned by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group (WPFOG). Since October 12, 2023, Greg Penner has been the team’s designated controlling owner and also serves as Owner & CEO.
The broader group includes Rob Walton, Carrie Walton Penner, Mellody Hobson, Condoleezza Rice, and Sir Lewis Hamilton. The NFL approved the group’s record $4.65 billion purchase of the franchise on August 9, 2022.
Ownership Status of Denver Broncos
| Shareholder / Owner | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group | 100% | Private consortium that bought the team for $4.65 billion in 2022. |
| Greg Penner | — | Controlling owner (since Oct 12, 2023); Owner & CEO. Percentages not publicly disclosed; meets NFL 30% control rule. |
| Rob Walton | — | Owner; led the bid approved by NFL owners in 2022. |
| Carrie Walton Penner | — | Owner; leadership partner in WPFOG. |
| Mellody Hobson | — | Co-owner; Ariel Investments co-CEO and Starbucks chair. |
| Condoleezza Rice | — | Limited partner added in July 2022. |
| Sir Lewis Hamilton | — | Limited partner added in Aug 2022. |
Note: The NFL requires each club to designate a single controlling owner; the Broncos now list Greg Penner in that role. Individual equity stakes beyond that minimum are not public.
Greg Penner (Controlling Owner; Owner & CEO)
Penner was named controlling owner in 2023 and represents the club at league meetings. He oversees business and football operations and led leadership hires such as Team President Damani Leech and Head Coach Sean Payton.
Rob Walton & Carrie Walton Penner (Owners)
Walmart heir Rob Walton and his daughter Carrie Walton Penner led the investment group that acquired the franchise in 2022, concluding the transition from the Pat Bowlen Trust.
Mellody Hobson (Co-owner)
The Ariel Investments co-CEO and Starbucks chair joined the group in 2022, bringing corporate governance and finance expertise.
Condoleezza Rice (Limited Partner)
The former U.S. Secretary of State, a longtime Denver resident and University of Denver alumna, joined the ownership group in July 2022.
Sir Lewis Hamilton (Limited Partner)
The seven-time Formula One world champion joined as a limited partner in August 2022, expanding the group’s sports portfolio and global reach.
Company Overview
The Denver Broncos were founded in 1960 as an AFL charter franchise and joined the NFL after the 1970 merger. The club plays in the AFC West and currently plays home games at Empower Field at Mile High (Denver). Key leadership: Owner & CEO (controlling owner) Greg Penner, President Damani Leech, General Manager George Paton, and Head Coach Sean Payton (in his third season in 2025).
Recent Developments in Ownership
- Aug 9, 2022: NFL owners unanimously approve the sale to the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group ($4.65 billion, an NFL record).
- Oct 12, 2023: Broncos designate Greg Penner as controlling owner; internal adjustments include reallocating part of Rob Walton’s stake to the Penners’ children (does not change day-to-day leadership).
- Sept 9, 2025: Ownership group announces Burnham Yard as the preferred site for a privately funded retractable-roof stadium and mixed-use district in Denver, underscoring long-term commitment to the market.
FAQs
Q: Who owns the Denver Broncos right now?
The team is owned by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group; Greg Penner is the controlling owner and Owner & CEO.
Q: Is the team publicly traded or privately owned?
Privately owned. The franchise is held by a private consortium (WPFOG), not a public company.
Q: When did the Walton-Penner group buy the Broncos and for how much?
The NFL approved the sale on Aug 9, 2022, for $4.65 billion.
Q: Who founded the Broncos?
The original franchise was founded by Bob Howsam in 1959 (first season 1960) as an AFL charter member.
Q: Any big ownership-led projects underway?
Yes. In Sept 2025, the Broncos announced Burnham Yard as the preferred location for a privately funded new stadium and surrounding district.
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