Green Bay Packers: The NFL Team Owned by Its Fans—A Unique Model of Community Ownership

The Green Bay Packers hold a unique place in the world of professional sports. Unlike every other team in the NFL, the Packers are not owned by a wealthy individual, corporation, or family. Instead, they are the only team in major American sports that is publicly owned by their fans. This distinctive structure not only reflects Green Bay’s deep-rooted football culture but also provides a fascinating example of how a community-owned franchise can thrive in the modern sports world.

A Historical Legacy of Fan Ownership

The Green Bay Packers were founded in 1919, and by 1923, the team was on the verge of financial collapse. To save the franchise, community leaders in Green Bay formed a nonprofit corporation and began selling shares to the public, allowing local residents to financially support their beloved team. Over the years, this ownership structure has remained intact, despite the rapidly growing commercialization of professional sports.

Today, the Packers have more than 537,000 shareholders, a group that collectively owns the team through the Green Bay Packers, Inc., a nonprofit organization. Shares in the team do not pay dividends, cannot be traded, and offer no tangible financial benefits, but owning a part of the Packers is a point of pride for fans. In a world dominated by billionaire team owners, this fan-based model is truly one of a kind.

The Structure: How It Works

The Packers’ ownership structure operates much like a cooperative. Although they sell shares during periodic public stock sales, these shares carry no financial value, cannot be sold again, and do not entitle the shareholder to any share of profits. Th model ensures that the team remains in Green Bay and is not subject to the whims of a private owner looking to relocate the franchise for profit.

The organization is run by a seven-member executive committee, and major decisions are made by a 45-member board of directors, composed mostly of local business leaders. Shareholders are allowed to vote on major issues, such as electing the board of directors. However, with so many shareholders spread across the country (and even the world), each individual shareholder's influence is limited.

This structure, while non-traditional, is what has allowed the Packers to remain in Green Bay, a relatively small market compared to the major cities where most NFL teams reside. It also helps to explain the loyalty and deep connection the fans have to their team, as they are quite literally invested in the Packers’ success.

Why It Works for the Packers

The success of the Packers’ unique ownership model is closely tied to the team's history and the community of Green Bay. Unlike other professional sports franchises, the Packers’ fans are not just spectators but stakeholders, and this creates a strong emotional connection between the team and its supporters. It also fosters a culture of community and shared responsibility that extends beyond the football field.

In financial terms, the Packers are also remarkably successful. They’ve won more championships than any other team in NFL history and have one of the most passionate fan bases in the league. Their home, Lambeau Field, is consistently sold out for every game, and the team is financially stable, thanks to a combination of national NFL revenue-sharing and strong merchandise sales.

The Packers have conducted five stock sales throughout their history, raising funds to maintain and expand Lambeau Field without relying on taxpayer money. These stock sales allow fans to buy a symbolic piece of the team while generating significant revenue for the franchise. The most recent sale, conducted in 2021, raised millions to help finance stadium renovations.

Community Spirit and Legacy

For the residents of Green Bay and Packers fans worldwide, owning a share of the team is more than just a financial investment—it's an emotional and community bond. The team's success is not only a source of local pride but a unifying force in a small market that punches above its weight on the national stage.

The Packers’ community ownership model is unlikely to be replicated in other sports or cities due to the complexities of modern-day sports economics and the rise of corporate ownership. However, it remains a shining example of how fan ownership can create a unique, enduring relationship between a sports team and its community.

Challenges and the Future

Despite the success of this ownership model, the Packers face challenges, particularly as they compete against teams in much larger markets. Maintaining financial stability, improving the stadium, and ensuring that the team remains competitive are ongoing concerns. However, the team's long-standing tradition of success and their special bond with the community seem poised to help them thrive in the years to come.

In conclusion, the Green Bay Packers are a living example of how a publicly-owned, nonprofit model can succeed in the high-stakes world of professional sports. By placing control of the team in the hands of its fans, the Packers have built an unbreakable connection with their community that transcends the traditional owner-fan relationship. In Green Bay, football is more than just a game—it's a shared passion, a community endeavor, and a source of collective pride for hundreds of thousands of shareholders.