Lions president Rod Wood talks potential private equity investment, Ford Field future

PHOENIX – Private equity firms and individual investors “regularly” inquire about investing in the Detroit Lions , but outgoing president Rod Wood said the Ford family has no current plans to sell a stake in the team. “Right now there’s no immediate desire or need,” Wood told the Free Press at the NFL’s annual meeting this week. “They’re aware of what’s out here in the market, they’re aware of what the market values are.

Mrs. Ford, still around, she still has a big stake in the team. At her passing, some of this I’m sure will get revisited but right now there’s no urgency.

I mean, there’s a lot of people that reach out that would love to invest. ” At least three NFL teams have sold non-voting minority shares in their franchise to private equity firms since the NFL first allowed the practice in 2024. THE BIG PAYBACK: Detroit Lions forced Frank Ragnow to repay bonus; Rod Wood explains why Some owners have used the sales, which are limited to 10% stakes, to tap into the soaring values of their franchises or fund capital-intensive projects.

The Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers are among the teams who’ve taken investments from private equity firms, according to Front Office Sports . “I mean every private equity firm for sure and occasionally individuals reach out,” Wood said. “More like, ‘If you ever would sell a stake, I’d be interested.