Who Owns the Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are owned by the Bidwill family, with Michael Bidwill serving as the principal owner and chairman. The franchise operates under Bidwill Cardinal Holdings, the family entity that controls the team. Michael Bidwill assumed the principal owner role after the passing of his father, William V. Bidwill, who had been the long-time controlling owner. The Bidwill ownership structure follows standard NFL franchise rules, where a controlling owner must hold at least a 30 percent stake in the team.
The Cardinals are a member of the National Football League and compete in the National Football Conference West division. The franchise is based in Tempe, Arizona, and plays its home games at State Farm Stadium. The team operates as a privately held sports enterprise, with financial details governed by NFL collective bargaining agreements and private ownership filings. For an overview of NFL ownership rules, refer to the NFL's official structure page here.
Ownership Structure and Key Figures
Principal Owner and Family Control
Michael Bidwill holds the title of principal owner and chairman of the Arizona Cardinals. He is the son of William V. Bidwill, who purchased the franchise in 1972. The Bidwill family maintains controlling interest through Bidwill Cardinal Holdings, which manages the team's business operations, player contracts, and stadium agreements. The NFL requires principal owners to pass league approval and maintain a minimum 30 percent ownership stake in the franchise.
The broader Bidwill ownership group includes family members with minority interests, though the exact ownership percentages are not publicly disclosed. The team's financial reports are filed with the NFL office and are subject to league confidentiality rules. The franchise's operational decisions, including coaching hires and front office management, are overseen by the principal owner and the team's executive leadership.
Franchise Value and Financial Overview
Team Valuation and Revenue
The Arizona Cardinals are valued at approximately $4.2 billion as of the latest Forbes NFL franchise valuations. The team generates revenue from ticket sales, broadcast rights, sponsorships, and stadium concessions. The Cardinals' broadcast deals with national networks and the NFL's collective media agreements form a significant portion of team income. For detailed NFL financial data, see Forbes' NFL valuations page here.
The franchise's financial structure follows the NFL's revenue-sharing model, which distributes national media revenue equally among all 32 teams. Local revenue streams, including stadium naming rights and premium seating, remain under the ownership group's control. The team's operating income and cash flow are managed through Bidwill Cardinal Holdings, which oversees the franchise's business and strategic planning.