Find out who owns the Detroit Lions. Owners' net worth, source of wealth, and ownership history of the NFL franchise.
The Detroit Lions NFL franchise is based in Detroit, Michigan, and competes in the National Football League (NFL) as members of the National Football Conference North division.
The franchise's origin is traced back to Portsmouth in Ohio, where it was founded as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1928. The team joined the NFL in 1930 before its eventual relocation to Detroit in 1934, rebranded as the Detroit Lions.
Who owns the Detroit Lions NFL franchise?
The Detroit Lions are currently owned by Sheila Ford Hamp, who has been the principal owner since 2020. In May 2025, Nick Saban joined the ownership of the franchise as a co-owner and strategic partner.
Since 1963, the Ford family has maintained control of the Detroit Lions.
Owner's net worth and source of wealth
Sheila Ford Hamp
Sheila Ford Hamp accrued her wealth from the inheritance of Ford Motor Company and Firestone Tires. As of May 2025, her net worth is around $2 billion.
Club Net Worth and Valuation
According to figures from Forbes, the Detroit Lions are valued at $4.15 billion as of August 2024. A further breakdown of the team's valuation shows that it generates up to $501 million in revenue annually, with an operating income of $56 million.
Ownership History of the Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have gone through a series of owners throughout their history.
Harry Snyder 1930-1933 (Portsmouth Spartans)
Harry Snyder was the first owner of the Detroit Lions and the original founder of the franchise during its formation in Portsmouth, Ohio, as the Portsmouth Spartans.
George Richards - 1936-1939 (Moved team to Detroit)
After the ownership of the franchise was transferred to George Richards, it was relocated to Detroit and rebranded as the Detroit Lions.
Fred Mandel – 1940-1947
Edwin Anderson & Lyle Fife – 1948-1963 (Partial Owners)
William Clay Ford Sr – 1963-2013
The Ford family's ownership of the Detroit Lions began when William Clay Ford Sr emerged as the new owner of the franchise in 1963.
Martha Firestone Ford - 2014-2020
Sheila Ford Hamp 2020-Present (Current principal owner)
Founding Year
The Detroit Lions franchise was established in 1929 as the Portsmouth Spartans and joined the National Football League on July 12, 1930. The team was relocated to Detroit in 1934 and was renamed the Detroit Lions.
Stadium Information
The Detroit Lions franchise currently plays its home games at the famous Ford Field located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It has a seating capacity of around 65,000, expandable to accommodate over 70,000 for football games.
Ford Field was opened in 2002 and has gone through some renovations, especially in 2017. The stadium is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority.
About the Club and Trophies
When it comes to trophies, the Detroit Lions have won four NFL Championships (before the Super Bowl era) in 1935, 1952, 1953, and 1957.
What conference are the Detroit Lions in?
The Detroit Lions are members of the National Football League North Division.