Part 9/11:
Ownership as the Root Cause: Analysts argue that poor ownership is the root of dysfunction—teams with unstable or inexperienced owners are more likely to suffer from mismanagement, poor team culture, and inconsistent leadership. Even an NFL legend like Bud Adams’ estate mismanagement demonstrates how inherited control can lead to chaos rather than stability.
The Need for Better Governance
Calls for reform suggest NFL franchises should be more like corporations—complete with boards of directors, professional CEOs, and performance evaluations detached from ownership influence. Without structural changes, the cycle of dysfunction is likely to continue, especially as owners who lack football expertise hesitate to cede control or bring in seasoned professionals.