News Summary
The Indianapolis Colts have transitioned to new ownership led by three sisters, marking a historic moment in NFL history. Appointed as CEO, Carlie Irsay-Gordon and her sisters own equal shares, aiming to honor their legacy while revitalizing the team. The franchise plans include expanding its global reach and investing in community programs, particularly supporting youth sports. This groundbreaking leadership signals a shift toward more diverse ownership in the league, with the sisters committed to maintaining the Colts’ family-owned identity amidst evolving NFL dynamics.
Indianapolis – The Indianapolis Colts will enter the upcoming NFL season with a new ownership structure led by three sisters: Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson. This transition marks a historic first for the NFL, as the sisters now assume control of a franchise previously owned by their late father, Jim Irsay, who passed away unexpectedly in May 2025.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the eldest sister, has been appointed as the franchise’s CEO. In a press conference held in June, the sisters shared insights about their visions for the team’s future, reflecting on the values imparted by their father. Key themes discussed included the importance of hiring capable individuals, empowering them, committing to community service, and pursuing bold initiatives.
Each sister holds a 33.3% stake in the Colts, putting the estimated worth of their shares at approximately $1.9 billion each. This places them among the wealthiest female owners in the sports industry. Despite the growing trend of lucrative minority stake sales across the NFL, the Irsay sisters have expressed their desire to maintain the Colts as a family-owned franchise.
The Irsay family’s connection with the Colts dates back to 1972 when their grandfather, Robert Irsay, acquired the team for $19 million. Jim Irsay took over the reins in 1997, and during his tenure, the team’s value surged from $227 million in 1998 to an impressive $5.9 billion at the time of his death. Notably, Jim Irsay’s leadership also coincided with the Colts’ relocation from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984, an event referred to as the “Midnight Move.” Under Jim’s governance, the franchise notably flourished, especially after drafting quarterback Peyton Manning in 1998, leading to a Super Bowl victory in 2007.
The three sisters have long held various roles within the Colts organization and have been intimately involved with its operations from a young age. Carlie Irsay-Gordon has directly participated in the franchise for over twenty years and has represented the team at NFL owners’ meetings. As they step into their new roles, the sisters are determined to honor their father’s legacy while ensuring the stability of team operations.
The Colts, however, face the challenge of reversing their fortunes on the field, having missed the playoffs for four consecutive seasons. The new ownership aims to rejuvenate the team and restore its competitive edge. To this end, the organization also plans to expand its international presence by hosting its first-ever regular-season NFL game in Berlin as part of a marketing initiative in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
In addition to their plans for the franchise, the Irsay sisters have committed to fostering grassroots football initiatives. They recently pledged $1 million to support girls’ high school flag football programs in Indiana, aligning their ownership with a focus on community engagement and development in youth sports.
As the Indianapolis Colts embark on this new chapter with the Irsay sisters at the helm, the NFL watches closely, as their leadership represents not only a significant shift in the team’s governance but also a groundbreaking moment in the league’s history with the emergence of female ownership at such a high level.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Forbes: Meet the New Billionaire Owners of the Indianapolis Colts
- Wikipedia: Indianapolis Colts
- NBC News: Exclusive New Indianapolis Colts Owners Make NFL History
- Google Search: Indianapolis Colts NFL history
- CBS4 Indy: Colts Honor Late Owner with Win for Jim Mantra Ring of Honor Induction
- Google Scholar: Indianapolis Colts ownership
- Indy Star: Jim Irsay Indianapolis Colts Owner Inducted into Colts Ring of Honor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- A to Z Sports: Peyton Manning and Other Colts Legends Back for Jim Irsay Ring of Honor
- Google News: Indianapolis Colts new ownership
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
