List of Cleveland Browns owners: past and ownership history

Find out about the list of Cleveland Browns owners, past and present, and the ownership history of the NFL franchise.

The Cleveland Browns are a household name in the National Football League based in Cleveland, Ohio, competing as members of the American Football Conference North division.

The Cleveland Browns were founded in 1946 and boast of a significant fanbase across the United States.

Who owns the Cleveland Browns NFL franchise?

The Cleveland Browns have been owned by Jimmy & Dee Haslam since 2012, when it was purchased for $1 billion by Jimmy Haslam in 2012.

Who are Jimmy and Dee Haslam?

Jimmy Haslam is an American businessman and sports executive. Dee Haslam, his wife, has been part of the ownership structure.

List of Cleveland Browns past owners and ownership history of the team 

Arthur B. McBride (1944–1953)

Arthur B. "Mickey" McBride was the founder of the Cleveland Browns in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and National Football League (NFL). During his tenure as owner, the team won five championships from 1944 to 1953.

McBride had an interest in real estate development in Cleveland.

Dave Jones (1953–1961)

Dave Jones was part of the group that purchased the Cleveland Browns during the summer before the 1953 season.

Art Modell (1961–1996)

Art Modell was the third majority owner of the Cleveland Browns. He owned the team for 35 years and established the Baltimore Ravens franchise, which he owned for eight years.

Art Modell assumed control of the Browns franchise in 1961 and became a key figure. Under his watch, the team won the 1964 NFL championship, Super Bowl XXXV. He became popular in the Cleveland area due to his involvement with the community.

Al Lerner (1998–2002)

Al Lerner was the fourth owner of the Cleveland Browns. He purchased the franchise rights of the Cleveland Browns for $530 million in 1998.

Randy Lerner (2002–2012)

Al Lerner's son Randy Lerner and his wife took over the ownership rights of the Cleveland Browns following his passing. He was in charge of the team before selling it to Jimmy and Dee.

What conference are the Cleveland Browns in?

The Cleveland Browns compete in the NFL as part of the American Football Conference North division.