The Indianapolis Colts announced on Monday that the three daughters of the late owner, Jim Irsay, will take over ownership of the franchise. This transition marks a significant moment in the team's history, as it continues under family leadership. Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the eldest daughter, will assume the role of principal owner and chief executive officer, with the Colts confirming that all three sisters will share leadership duties for the club. This change is in line with longstanding plans set forth by their father, Jim Irsay.
Effective immediately, the new titles for Jim Irsay’s daughters reflect their ongoing commitment to the team. Casey Foyt, another of Irsay’s daughters, will take on the position of owner and executive vice president. Meanwhile, the youngest sister, Kalen Jackson, will serve as owner and chief brand officer, as well as president of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation. All three women have held part-ownership and vice chair positions with the team since 2012, showcasing their dedication to the franchise.
Jim Irsay passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 21, at the age of 65. The Colts did not disclose a cause of death, but a private memorial service was held in Indianapolis last week. Known as one of the NFL’s most charismatic owners, Irsay made significant contributions to the team and the league. He became general manager in 1984 under his father, Robert Irsay, and took sole ownership of the franchise in 1997, leading the Colts to a Super Bowl victory in the 2006 season.
According to the recent 2024 team valuations by CNBC, the Colts are estimated to be worth $5.8 billion, ranking them as the 27th most valuable franchise among the 32 teams in the NFL. It remains unclear how the ownership stakes will be divided among Jim Irsay’s daughters or what measures, if any, have been taken to address potential estate tax issues. Jim Irsay had previously expressed his desire to keep ownership of the Colts within the family, making this transition a natural progression.
Notably, the Colts’ ownership transition does not require approval from the other NFL team owners. Typically, sales of ownership stakes must be ratified by at least 24 out of the 32 teams, but since this is a family succession, the standard procedures do not apply. Carlie Irsay-Gordon has been actively involved in league meetings for over 20 years and has served as a team vice president since 2008. Her extensive experience includes participation in various league committees and serving on the board of the NFL Player Care Foundation, which provides support to retired players.
The future of the Indianapolis Colts now rests in the capable hands of the Irsay sisters, who are poised to carry on their father's legacy while navigating the challenges of NFL ownership.
