The Evolution of Detroit Lions Ownership: From George Richards to William Clay Ford

The Detroit Lions have a rich history that is often overshadowed by the assumption that the Ford family has been the original owners since the team's inception. However, a closer look reveals a diverse and intriguing list of ownerships over the decades. This article delves into the original ownership of the Detroit Lions and their evolution over the years.

The Original Owner: George Richards

The story of the Detroit Lions begins in 1928 with the Portsmouth Spartans, a team that originated from a local community in Portsmouth, Ohio. In 1930, the Portsmouth Spartans joined the National Football League (NFL) and began their journey towards becoming the Detroit Lions. The turning point for the team came in 1934, when George Richards, a local media mogul and the owner of the powerful WJR radio station, purchased the team and relocated it to Detroit.

Richards invested approximately $23,000 to buy the team, which included covering some of the team's outstanding debts. The purchase was a strategic move, driven by both financial and media interests. WJR's influence on radio was immense, and the move to Detroit provided a significant boost to the team's visibility and fan base. This was a crucial period in the team's history, as it marked the beginning of the Lions' identity as a Detroit institution.

Ownership Transition: From George Richards to Fred Mandel and Beyond

Richards remained the owner of the Detroit Lions until 1940, when he sold the team to Fred Mandel, a retail store magnate. Mandel's purchase was for $225,000, and it was a significant transfer of ownership. This change marked a new chapter for the team, as it moved away from Richards' hands and into more business-oriented ones.

Mandel continued the tradition of playing the Lions on Thanksgiving Day, a tradition rooted in the influence of George Richards. However, Mandel's ownership period was relatively short-lived. After the 1947 season, Mandel had to pay a large sum to buy out the coach, Gus Dorais, which ultimately led to the sale of the team. The Lions were then purchased by a cooperative ownership group headed by D. Lyle Fife of Electrical Products Co. and Edwin Anderson, the owner of local Goebel's Brewery, for $165,000. This marked another significant change in the team's history, reflecting the growing trend of corporate involvement in sports.

The Ford Era: William Clay Ford Takes the Helm

William Clay Ford, a member of the powerful Ford family, made his significant impact on the Lions in 1961 when he bought minority shares in the franchise. Initially, he was appointed as the team president, a role he would hold until 1963. The same year, Ford became the sole owner of the team when he purchased all other minority shares for $45 million. This was a monumental shift in the Lions' history, with Ford taking complete control of the team.

William Clay Ford's leadership marked a new era for the Detroit Lions. Under his ownership, the team continued to develop and grow, albeit not always at a steady pace. The Ford family's ownership of the Lions has spanned over five decades, with Ford passing away in 2014 at the age of 89. His wife, Martha Firestone Ford, assumed control upon his death, and she has continued to be actively involved in the team's management, laying the groundwork for the next generation of owners.

The Current Ownership Landscape

After Martha Firestone Ford, the team was passed on to their second-oldest daughter, Sheila, who now serves as the principal owner of the Detroit Lions. She has been more actively involved with the team in recent years, participating in owner's meetings and frequently being seen at the team's headquarters. This change in leadership continues to shape the Detroit Lions, ensuring that the team remains a significant part of the sports landscape in Michigan.

The evolution of the Detroit Lions' ownership is a testament to the changing nature of sports business. From a local media mogul to a corporate giant, the journey of the Lions has been both complex and fascinating. Each owner has left their mark on the team, shaping its identity and legacy in unique ways.