Bidwill Family Ownership
Three generations of ownership: Charles (1933), Bill (1962–2019), and Michael Bidwill.
Michael Bidwill stands as the principal owner, chairman, and president of the Arizona Cardinals, representing the third generation of his family to lead the franchise. Born December 6, 1964, he joined the organization in 1996 after six years serving as a federal prosecutor. His lineage traces back to his grandfather Charles Bidwill, who purchased the team in Chicago in 1933, and his father Bill Bidwill, who held ownership from at least 1962 until his death in October 2019. Only the Chicago Bears and New York Giants have remained under single-family control longer than the Cardinals.
- Notable Achievement
- Only the Chicago Bears and New York Giants have been owned by a single family lo
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Bidwill family's journey began in Chicago before Violet Bidwill Wolfner moved the team to St. Louis in 1960 following Charles's death in 1947. Ownership eventually consolidated with Bill Bidwill, who became sole owner in 1971 after sharing it with his brother Charles Jr. Michael Bidwill, the second of five children, first visited training camp in 1969 and served as a ball boy starting in 1974 alongside his brothers William Jr., Patrick, and Tim. In 2007, Bill named Michael team president, ceding most day-to-day control to him just before the team moved into State Farm Stadium (originally University of Phoenix Stadium). The new facility transformed the franchise's fortunes; while the team sold out only 12 games in 18 seasons at Sun Devil Stadium, they have sold out all 100 games played at their new home since opening in 2006. During those first nine seasons at State Farm, the Cardinals won three division titles, earned three playoff berths, and finished .500 or better six times.
In Their Own Story
In October 2014, General Manager Steve Keim described Michael Bidwill as "the glue that holds the organization together." Quarterback Carson Palmer echoed this sentiment, noting, "It's easy to say it's the head coach or the GM. It's the owner... He doesn't want to be here when the media's here. He's not doing interviews left and right, but he's picked the right people to hire and he wants to win." This hands-off approach regarding daily roster decisions contrasted with Michael's active role in major strategic moves, such as supporting his Georgetown Prep classmate Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court in July 2018 via official team channels. The legacy faced significant challenges in recent years; in 2023, former vice president Terry McDonough filed an arbitration complaint alleging gross misconduct, discrimination, and harassment by Bidwill. The organization disputed these claims as "wildly false," yet an April 2024 ruling ordered the Cardinals to pay McDonough $3,000,000 for defamation after falsely accusing him of extreme domestic violence.
Reader's Guide
For fans, Michael Bidwill's tenure is defined by both on-field stability and off-field controversy. While he avoids media scrutiny, his leadership style emphasizes hiring the right executives rather than micromanaging personnel decisions. His community impact is tangible: he chaired the Greater Phoenix Economic Council from 2008 to 2010, served on the Arizona Commerce Authority Board in 2011, and chaired the NFL's new conduct committee starting in 2014. Bidwill also oversaw the successful staging of Super Bowl XLII in 2008 and brought Super Bowl XLIX to the state in 2015, which generated a half-billion dollar economic impact. In January 2014, he was voted the business leader with the "best 2013" by Phoenix Business Journal readers. Despite the turbulence of the 2023 allegations and a subsequent 2025 lawsuit from former assistant Brittany Neuheisel regarding workplace harassment, Bidwill remains the sixth principal owner in franchise history, maintaining the family's grip on a team founded in 1898.
Did You Know?
- Michael Bidwill was one of five children and served as a ball boy starting in 1974 alongside his brothers William Jr., Patrick, and Tim.
- The Cardinals sold out all 100 games played at State Farm Stadium since it opened in 2006, compared to just 12 sellouts in their previous 18 seasons at Sun Devil Stadium.
- An arbitration ruling in April 2024 ordered the Arizona Cardinals to pay $3,000,000 for defamation after falsely accusing former executive Terry McDonough of extreme domestic violence.
- Michael Bidwill donated $8,000,000 to his alma mater, Georgetown Prep, to dedicate a new 1,508-seat stadium in honor of his father.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Arizona Cardinals?
The franchise has remained under the control of the Bidwill family since Charles bought the team from Chicago back in 1933.
How long have they been owners?
This tenure is tied with the Rooney family for the longest continuous ownership streak in National Football League history.
What authority does the Bidwill family hold over the franchise?
As the primary stakeholders, they oversee all major business and operational decisions. This control ensures the team's direction aligns with their long-term vision.
Why is Bidwill ownership significant to Cardinals history?
Their enduring legacy provided stability through multiple relocations before establishing the team's permanent home in the desert.
Who currently leads the Bidwill family ownership group?
Mike Bidwill serves as the current Chairman and CEO of the organization. He continues the dynasty originally established by his grandfather, Charles Bidwill.
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