Detroit Lions

History

Founded in 1930 as the Portsmouth Spartans, the franchise moved to Detroit in 1934 and was renamed the Lions. The team achieved early success, winning NFL championships in 1935, 1952, 1953, and 1957. However, the Lions have experienced a prolonged championship drought and, despite being one of the oldest NFL franchises, are the only team to have been in the league throughout the entire Super Bowl era without a Super Bowl appearance. The Lions failed to win a playoff game from 1991 until a recent resurgence in the 2023 season, when they broke the drought under head coach Dan Campbell.

Business Operations

The franchise is owned by Sheila Ford Hamp and managed by President & CEO Rod Wood, with Executive Vice President & General Manager Brad Holmes overseeing football operations. The front office also includes COO Mike Disner and CFO Allison Maki. The team generates revenue primarily through ticket sales (season, single-game, suites, group tickets), merchandise (Lions Supply store at Ford Field operated with Fanatics), broadcasting rights, and corporate partnerships. Ford Field, with a capacity of approximately 65,000, hosts not only Lions games but also concerts and other events, contributing additional revenue.

Products and Platforms

Key offerings include game tickets and hospitality packages (including travel packages for international games), the official Detroit Lions Mobile App (sponsored by Ford) providing gameday content and ticketing, the Detroit Lions Podcast with player interviews and analysis, fantasy football and gaming content, and a wide range of NFL-licensed merchandise through Lions Supply. The team also operates community programs such as Inspire Change, Crucial Catch, Salute to Service, Character Playbook, and My Cause My Cleats.

Community Engagement

The Lions maintain a strong grassroots presence through partnerships with local nonprofits and grant initiatives. The Detroit Lions Inspire Change program awards grants to metro Detroit nonprofits addressing social justice, education, and community health. The team also supports high school football and cheer programs through dedicated grant initiatives, reflecting a long-standing commitment to the local community.

Recent Developments

Under the leadership of GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have rebounded from years of poor performance, culminating in a 2023 playoff victory. The franchise has also expanded its business partnerships, including an enhanced omnichannel retail partnership with Fanatics. The team continues to host its traditional Thanksgiving Day game, a fixture since 1934, and plans to play a regular-season game in Munich in 2026 as part of the NFL's International Series.