Quick Facts: Philadelphia Flyers
| Owner | Comcast Corporation (via Comcast Spectacor) |
| CEO / Leader | Dan Hilferty (Chairman, Comcast Spectacor) |
| Founded | 1967, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Ownership Type | Public (parent Comcast is publicly traded) |
| Stock Ticker | NASDAQ: CMCSA (parent Comcast) |
| Publicly Traded | No (Flyers/Spectacor); Yes (Comcast parent) |
Who Owns the Philadelphia Flyers?
The Philadelphia Flyers are owned by Comcast Spectacor, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, the largest broadcasting and cable television company in the United States. Comcast Corporation trades publicly on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol CMCSA, but Comcast Spectacor itself operates as a privately held subsidiary with no separate public market for its shares. Comcast is led by CEO Brian Roberts, who is also the son of founder Ralph Roberts and maintains family control through super-voting shares similar to other media company structures.
The Flyers’ history of ownership traces to founder Ed Snider, who was one of the visionaries behind the franchise’s creation in 1967 and who ran the organization for nearly five decades with enormous passion and commitment. Snider’s Spectacor organization became the vehicle that partnered with and eventually merged with Comcast. Ed Snider passed away in April 2016 at the age of 83, leaving a profound legacy as one of the most beloved and innovative owners in hockey history. Since his death, Comcast Corporation has been the effective sole owner through Comcast Spectacor.
Comcast Spectacor also owns Wells Fargo Center, the arena in South Philadelphia where the Flyers and NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers play. The company is one of the few in North America that owns both a major arena and an NHL franchise, giving it a fully vertically integrated sports and entertainment business in the Philadelphia market. Dan Hilferty serves as Chairman of Comcast Spectacor, overseeing both the Flyers and the arena operations.
About Ed Snider’s Legacy and Comcast’s Role
Ed Snider co-founded the Philadelphia Flyers in 1967 as part of the NHL’s first major expansion and quickly built the franchise into one of the sport’s most intimidating teams. The “Broad Street Bullies” teams of the mid-1970s — featuring Bobby Clarke, Bernie Parent, Bill Barber, and enforcer Bob Kelly — won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975 with a physical, bruising style that defined an era in hockey. Snider’s marketing savvy and commitment to building a winning culture made the Flyers one of the most successful franchises in NHL history.
Comcast Corporation, founded by Ralph Roberts in 1963, grew from a small cable operator in Tupelo, Mississippi into the nation’s largest cable and media company. It acquired NBC Universal in 2011 and Sky (the European satellite broadcaster) in 2018, cementing its position as a global media powerhouse. Brian Roberts, Ralph’s son, has served as CEO since 2002. The company’s ownership of the Flyers gives it a prominent sports presence in one of America’s largest media markets, complementing its NBCSports Philadelphia regional sports network and broader entertainment holdings.
Key Ownership Highlights
- The Philadelphia Flyers are owned by Comcast Spectacor, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA). Comcast is the United States’ largest cable and media company, with revenues exceeding $120 billion annually. CEO Brian Roberts, son of founder Ralph Roberts, maintains family control through a super-voting share structure.
- Ed Snider founded the Flyers in 1967 and ran the organization for nearly 50 years until his death in April 2016. His leadership produced two Stanley Cup championships and one of the most passionate fan bases in American professional sports. The “Broad Street Bullies” era remains one of hockey’s most iconic chapters.
- The Philadelphia Flyers won the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975, the team’s only championships. Both titles came under coach Fred Shero and featured the “Broad Street Bullies” style of hockey — physical, intimidating, and highly effective in an era when such play was more permissible under the rules.
- Comcast Spectacor also owns Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia, giving it control of both the NHL franchise and its home arena. The arena also hosts the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), major concerts, and other events — making Comcast Spectacor a vertically integrated sports and entertainment operator in Philadelphia.
- Dan Hilferty was named Chairman of Comcast Spectacor in 2021, taking over from David Scott. He oversees the Flyers and Wells Fargo Center as Comcast navigates the franchise through a rebuilding period with young talent and new management following a long stretch of playoff absence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Philadelphia Flyers?
The Philadelphia Flyers are owned by Comcast Spectacor, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA). Comcast is the largest cable and media company in the United States. Dan Hilferty serves as Chairman of Comcast Spectacor, overseeing both the Flyers and Wells Fargo Center.
Are the Philadelphia Flyers publicly traded?
The Flyers themselves and Comcast Spectacor are not separately traded. However, their parent company, Comcast Corporation, is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker CMCSA and is one of America’s largest and most widely held public companies.
When did the Flyers last win the Stanley Cup?
The Philadelphia Flyers last won the Stanley Cup in 1975, defeating the Buffalo Sabres in six games. It was the franchise’s second consecutive championship and its last title to date. The “Broad Street Bullies” teams of 1974 and 1975 remain the most celebrated in Flyers history.
Who founded the Philadelphia Flyers?
Ed Snider co-founded the Philadelphia Flyers in 1967 as part of the NHL’s first major expansion wave. He ran the organization for nearly 50 years with extraordinary passion and commitment until his death in April 2016. Snider is remembered as one of hockey’s greatest owners and advocates.
