The Ford Family's Feline Fancy: How Much Did They Shell Out for the Detroit Lions?
Ever wondered how much it takes to buy a pride of professional football players (or at least a team that calls themselves the Lions)? Buckle up, because we're diving into the not-so-roaring twenties (well, sixties actually) to uncover the price tag of the Detroit Lions, currently owned by the Ford family.
From also-rans to Motor City mainstays: The Ford Family Takes the Wheel
The year is 1963. JFK's still in office (though sadly not for long), and American muscle cars are cruising the streets. William Clay Ford Sr., a descendant of the legendary Henry Ford, wasn't content with just building cars; he wanted to own a piece of the gridiron glory. Already a minority owner of the Detroit Lions, Ford secured complete control by buying out the remaining shareholders for a cool $4.5 million.
That's right, for the price of a few dozen classic Mustangs back then, the Ford family became the king (or should we say, pride leader) of the Detroit Lions.
While $4.5 million seems like a hefty sum in the 1960s (it could buy you a fleet of Fords!), adjusting for inflation, it translates to roughly $44.8 million in today's dollars. Still a steal for an NFL franchise, even if the Lions haven't exactly brought home the Lombardi Trophy in recent years.
Ford Family Fun Fact: More Than Just Money Talks
Owning a football team isn't just about throwing money around (although that certainly helps). The Fords have a long history with Detroit, and their ownership of the Lions is seen as a sign of their commitment to the city. They've poured their hearts (and presumably a good chunk of change) into the team, hoping to one day bring a Super Bowl victory to the Motor City.
FAQs: You Got Questions, We Got (Brief) Answers!
How to become an NFL owner?
While there's no guaranteed path, having a spare billion dollars (or a very generous sugar daddy) is a good start.
How much are NFL teams worth now?
The Detroit Lions might be considered budget-friendly by today's standards. The average NFL team is valued well over $3 billion!
How many shares do the Fords own in the Lions?
The Fords are smart cookies. They own a special class of stock that ensures they control the team, regardless of how many shares they actually hold.
How many Super Bowls do the Lions have?
Zero, sadly. But hey, they're still in the hunt, right?
How can I buy a minority stake in the Lions?
Get in line, pal! The Ford family isn't exactly known for holding fire sales.
