News Summary
The Indianapolis Colts enter a new chapter with ownership by three sisters, marking the first time women hold stakes in an NFL franchise. Appointed as CEO, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, along with sisters Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, aim to uphold their family legacy while addressing team performance, expanding internationally, and supporting community initiatives. This milestone highlights a significant shift in NFL ownership and demonstrates a commitment to growth both on and off the field.
Indianapolis – The Indianapolis Colts are entering a new era in the NFL as they begin the season under the ownership of three sisters: Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson. This transition marks a significant milestone, as the sisters become the first trio of women to hold ownership stakes in an NFL franchise. Their late father, Jim Irsay, who passed away in May 2025, had previously managed the team, and they have expressed a desire to uphold his legacy while striving for new successes.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon has been appointed as the franchise’s CEO, taking the helm at a pivotal point as the team seeks to improve its performance. The sisters, each valued at an estimated $1.9 billion due to their equal stakes in the franchise, are focused on addressing the Colts’ struggles, as the team has failed to reach the playoffs for four consecutive seasons. They face the dual challenge of honoring their father’s legacy while navigating the current state of the franchise.
The history of the Irsay family with the Colts dates back to 1972, when their grandfather, Robert Irsay, purchased the team for a then-record $19 million. Jim Irsay took ownership in 1997 and oversaw a remarkable growth in franchise value, from approximately $227 million in 1998 to about $5.9 billion at the time of his death. Their deep connection to the Colts not only shaped the family’s financial landscape but also significantly influenced their personal lives and careers.
As new owners, the sisters are committed to maintaining family control of the team and have expressed no intentions to sell their stakes. They are well aware of the significance of their roles, considering both the historic nature of their ownership and the responsibility it entails. The sisters have been involved in various aspects of the franchise, contributing to organizational and philanthropic efforts prior to assuming ownership.
Under Jim Irsay’s leadership, the Colts saw significant successes, including their Super Bowl victory in 2007. Additionally, Jim orchestrated the highly publicized relocation of the Colts from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984, an event often referred to as the “Midnight Move.” These moments are not just pivotal points in team history but serve as foundational stories for the Irsay family’s involvement in the NFL.
The sisters are now poised to tap into international marketing opportunities, looking to expand the Colts’ brand globally. They have secured marketing rights in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as plans to host the first NFL regular-season game in Berlin. This strategic move reflects their aim to broaden the reach of the Colts and the NFL while attracting new fans.
In addition to their focus on team performance and international outreach, the Irsay sisters are also committed to community engagement. They have allocated $1 million to support high school girls’ flag football programs across Indiana, a gesture aimed at encouraging participation in sports and fostering young talent. This initiative highlights the sisters’ dedication to community development and their desire to create a positive impact beyond football.
The transition to ownership is being faced with a mix of excitement and emotional challenges, as the sisters navigate their new responsibilities following their father’s passing. With their combined expertise and commitment to the team, they hope to lead the Colts into a successful new chapter, building on their father’s legacy while addressing the team’s current needs.
As the Indianapolis Colts embark on this new journey, all eyes will be on the three sisters as they seek to revitalize the franchise and connect with both the local community and the broader NFL fan base.
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HERE Resources
Indianapolis Colts Welcome First Female Franchise Owners in NFL History
Additional Resources
- NBC News: Three Sisters Become Owners of the Indianapolis Colts
- NBC News: New Indianapolis Colts Owners Make NFL History
- Indy Star: Colts Winning First Game After Jim Irsay’s Death
- Wikipedia: Indianapolis Colts
- Google Search: Indianapolis Colts
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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.
