NFL Owners Increase Political Contributions to $28 Million, Heavily Favoring Republican Candidates
In the 2023-24 election cycle, NFL owners have collectively contributed $28 million to federal political candidates and causes, with the majority of these funds supporting Republican candidates and initiatives. This substantial uptick—nearly seven times more than the amount donated four years prior—underscores the growing political influence held by the ownership groups of one of the nation’s most popular professional sports leagues. USA TODAY Sports reports that much of this increase can be attributed to new members of the ownership club, particularly the Walton-Penner group, which acquired the Denver Broncos in 2022.
Walton-Penner Group Drives Surge in Contributions
The Walton-Penner ownership group has played a significant role in this year’s political donation landscape. Rob Walton, co-owner of the Broncos and member of the Walmart family fortune, alone contributed over $16.5 million between January 1 and October 1, 2023. This figure not only reflects Walton’s substantial political commitment but also represents more than half of the total contributions made by NFL owners in this election cycle.
As a billionaire philanthropist with ties to several industries, Walton’s financial support for conservative causes has helped shape his political portfolio. Although Walton transferred controlling ownership of the Broncos to his son-in-law Greg Penner in 2022, he remains heavily involved as a financial backer. Penner and his wife, Carrie Walton Penner, have also made sizable contributions this cycle, totaling $1.2 million. In a rare deviation from the group’s largely conservative trend, Carrie Walton Penner donated $1 million to a Democratic political action committee earlier in 2023.
High-Profile NFL Owners and Their Political Contributions
Aside from the Walton-Penner group, other prominent NFL owners have shown significant political support, particularly for Republican candidates and conservative causes. Here are some notable contributors and their preferred recipients:
- Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons: Blank, who contributed $3.3 million this cycle, stands out as one of the few NFL owners backing Democratic candidates. He has directed $1.3 million to support Vice President Kamala Harris’ fundraising efforts, publicly expressing his support for her political trajectory. Additionally, Blank has funded Unite America, a nonpartisan organization focused on election reform. Unlike many of his peers, Blank’s contributions reflect a commitment to bipartisan issues and a balanced political approach.
- David Tepper, Carolina Panthers: Tepper’s $2.9 million donation in support of former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s Republican presidential primary campaign illustrates his support for conservative candidates. Known for his background in hedge funds, Tepper’s donations are indicative of a preference for candidates who align with his fiscal and political values.
- Woody Johnson, New York Jets: Johnson, a close ally of Donald Trump and former US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, has contributed $1.8 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign. Johnson’s support underscores the former president’s sustained influence over key conservative donors in the sports world, with Johnson remaining one of Trump’s most consistent backers in NFL circles.
A Broader Trend: NFL Owners Favor Conservative Candidates
Overall, NFL owners overwhelmingly favored conservative candidates during this election cycle. Out of the 24 owners who made partisan contributions, 16 primarily supported Republican candidates, political action committees (PACs), and joint fundraising committees. USA TODAY Sports’ analysis reveals that approximately 83% of total contributions from NFL owners were directed toward conservative candidates and causes, a figure largely driven by Rob Walton’s substantial Republican donations.
This trend aligns with longstanding patterns among American sports team owners, many of whom built their fortunes in industries such as energy, finance, and real estate—fields that tend to skew conservative in political leanings. Ownership groups often consider donations a method for supporting policy stances that could favor their business interests or personal ideologies.
Gridiron PAC: The NFL’s Unified Political Arm
Many owners within the NFL choose to donate exclusively through the Gridiron PAC, a political action committee established in 2008 by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to represent the league’s interests in Washington, DC According to campaign contribution records, the Gridiron PAC received approximately $432,000 from NFL team owners and personnel as of October 1, 2023. The PAC is expected to allocate $760,000 to support various candidates and causes, with contributions split equally between Republican and Democratic recipients.
This PAC provides a politically neutral option for owners who prefer not to make direct contributions to specific candidates or causes. While many owners have their personal ideologies, the Gridiron PAC enables the league to advocate for policies that promote the business interests of the NFL as a whole, from tax policies to broadcasting rights and beyond.
Comparisons to the 2020 Election Cycle
NFL owners’ contributions have surged dramatically compared to the previous presidential election cycle in 2019-20, when donations from NFL owners amounted to just over $3.6 million. This year, donations have jumped by more than 600%. Eight NFL owners, including high-profile figures such as Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys and Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots, have more than doubled their contributions compared to 2020.
Shifting Contributions: Notable Exceptions
While many NFL owners have increased their spending, a few have shifted their political contributions significantly. For instance, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has taken a more balanced approach this cycle, donating approximately $50,000 to Republican candidates and $45,000 to Democratic causes. This balanced allocation is a notable departure from the 2019-20 cycle, in which Ross contributed significantly more to Republican candidates.
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Why NFL Owners Donate: Ideology, Business, and Influence
NFL owners’ political donations often reflect personal ideologies and broader business interests. The vast fortunes behind many NFL teams were built in industries that are impacted by government policy, from real estate to finance and beyond. Political contributions are a way for owners to support candidates and policies that align with their business goals and values.
Arthur Blank’s unique position, as a bipartisan donor with substantial support for Democratic candidates, exemplifies a more nuanced approach. Blank’s contributions to Unite America highlight his commitment to issues such as election reform, suggesting that his donations are not only ideologically driven but also focused on specific reforms.
For some owners, donations serve as a means of expanding influence in Washington, ensuring that they remain relevant to policymakers on issues ranging from tax policy to broadcasting regulations that could impact the NFL. Others view political contributions as a platform to advocate for personal beliefs and social causes, using their wealth and influence to support the political candidates and policies that resonate with their values.
Future of NFL Owners’ Political Contributions
As we approach the 2024 election, it’s likely that NFL owners will continue to be significant players in federal elections, given their substantial financial capacity and prominent social positions. The trend of conservative donations among NFL owners may further intensify, especially if more ownership groups like the Walton-Penner family continue their robust support for Republican candidates. However, some owners, like Arthur Blank, may continue to diversify their donations across the political spectrum, possibly inspiring others in the league to consider more bipartisan contributions.
The increased political engagement from NFL owners also invites questions about how these donations could impact the league’s public perception. As players, fans, and the broader public grow increasingly aware of ownership’s political affiliations, there may be greater scrutiny of these financial contributions, especially if they continue to overwhelmingly favor one side of the political spectrum.
The Growing Political Power of NFL Ownership
NFL owners’ collective $28 million in political donations underscores a powerful influence that extends beyond the stadium. With the vast majority of these funds directed to conservative candidates and causes, the league’s ownership structure increasingly reflects a significant alignment with Republican ideals and policies. While some owners maintain a bipartisan stance, the general trend toward conservative donations reflects an established connection between business interests, personal ideology, and political contributions in the realm of American sports.