Michael Bidwill
Third-generation owner who transitioned the franchise from St. Louis to Arizona and oversaw the construction of State Farm Stadium.
Michael Bidwill (born December 6, 1964) is an American businessman and attorney serving as principal owner, chairman, and president of the Arizona Cardinals. After practicing law for six years as a federal prosecutor in Phoenix, he joined the organization in 1996 as vice president and general counsel. He succeeded his father, Bill Bidwill, as chairman in October 2019 following Bill's death. Michael represents the third generation to own the franchise, tracing back to his grandfather Charles who purchased the team in Chicago in 1933. His educational path includes Georgetown Preparatory School, a finance degree from Saint Louis University in 1987, and a law degree from The Catholic University of America in 1990.
- Role
- Principal Owner, Chairman, and President
- Tenure Start
- 1996 (joined as VP/General Counsel)
- Stadium Association
- State Farm Stadium (formerly University of Phoenix Stadium)
- Status
- Active
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Bidwill family's grip on the Cardinals spans nearly a century, making them one of only two NFL franchises owned by a single family longer than their tenure. Michael's grandfather, Charles, bought the team in 1933 while it was still in Chicago; upon his death in 1947, ownership passed to his widow Violet, who moved the team to St. Louis in 1960. When Violet died, control shifted to Bill and his brother Charles Bidwill Jr., with Bill becoming sole owner in 1971. Michael's journey into the fold began early; he started enjoying football at a 1969 training camp visit and served as a ball boy from 1974 alongside his brothers. He followed the team to Phoenix in 1988 before launching a legal career. In October 2014, General Manager Steve Keim described him as 'the glue that holds the organization together,' noting that while Bidwill avoids media scrutiny and does not micromanage every roster move, he hires the right people and demands winning.
In Their Own Story
In the late 1980s, Michael faced a critical challenge: Sun Devil Stadium could not fill its seats. He argued publicly that fans would respond to a better environment and that the franchise needed new revenue streams to compete. This vision materialized in 2006 with the opening of University of Phoenix Stadium (now State Farm Stadium). The results were immediate and stark; the team sold out all 100 games played there since opening, compared to just 12 sellouts in 18 seasons at Sun Devil Stadium. On-field performance mirrored this stability: in the first nine seasons at the new stadium, the Cardinals won their division three times, earned three playoff berths, and finished .500 or better six times. This stood in sharp contrast to their previous 18 years in Arizona (1988–2006), where they managed only two seasons with a winning record. In 2007, Bill Bidwill formally named Michael team president, ceding most day-to-day control and making him the operating head of the franchise.
Reader's Guide
Visitors to State Farm Stadium experience a venue that has hosted Super Bowl XLII in 2008 and Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, 2015. The latter event generated a half-billion-dollar economic impact for the state, prompting Commissioner Roger Goodell to praise Arizona's community support after the game. Bidwill has been instrumental in these efforts, serving on the league's Business Ventures Committee since 2007 and chairing both the Conduct Committee and the Security and Fan Conduct Committee. Beyond football, he actively shapes the Phoenix business landscape, having served as Chairman of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council from 2008 to 2010. He also holds board positions with Greater Phoenix Leadership, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Pat Tillman Foundation. In January 2014, a Phoenix Business Journal poll voted him the city's top business leader for 2013. His personal commitment to his roots was highlighted in 2023 when he donated $8,000,000 to Georgetown Prep, leading to the dedication of the William V. Bidwill '49 Stadium.
Did You Know?
- Bidwill served as a federal prosecutor in Phoenix from 1990 to 1996 before joining the Cardinals.
- The Cardinals sold out all 100 games at State Farm Stadium since it opened in 2006, compared to only 12 sellouts in 18 seasons at Sun Devil Stadium.
- In April 2024, an arbitration ruling ordered the Cardinals to pay $3,000,000 for defamation regarding false accusations made against former executive Terry McDonough.
- Bidwill donated $8,000,000 to Georgetown Prep to fund a new stadium named in honor of his father.
- He was appointed to the NFL's Business Ventures Committee by Commissioner Roger Goodell in 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michael Bidwill?
Michael Bidwill is an attorney and businessman who serves as the principal owner, chairman, and president of the Arizona Cardinals. Born in 1964, he represents the third generation of his family to lead the franchise since his grandfather purchased it in 1933.
What are Michael Bidwill's powers or role?
As the team's top executive, he holds full authority over all business and football operations as principal owner, chairman, and president. He oversees major strategic decisions, including stadium management and long-term franchise planning.
How did Michael Bidwill become the owner?
He joined the organization in 1996 as vice president and general counsel after working as a federal prosecutor for six years. Following the death of his father, Bill Bidwill, in October 2019, he officially succeeded him as chairman and principal owner.
Why is Michael Bidwill important to Cardinals history?
He played a pivotal role in transitioning the franchise from St. Louis to Arizona and spearheading the construction of their current home, State Farm Stadium. His leadership has maintained family ownership continuity for over nine decades while modernizing the team's infrastructure.
What is Michael Bidwill's connection to the stadium?
Bidwill oversaw the development of the facility originally known as University of Phoenix Stadium, which is now called State Farm Stadium. This venue serves as the home field where he continues to host games and community events as the active owner.
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