How to Become a Packers Shareholder

The Green Bay Packers stand alone in professional sports with their unique public ownership structure. Unlike every other team in major professional leagues, the Packers are not owned by a single individual or a small group of wealthy investors. Instead, the team is owned by its fans through shares of stock. This model emphasizes community support and fan involvement rather than traditional financial investment.

Eligibility and Sale Events

Becoming a Green Bay Packers shareholder involves meeting specific criteria and waiting for rare stock sale events. Individuals must be at least 18 years old and reside within the United States or certain U.S. territories to be eligible. While past sales have also included Canadian residents, availability can vary by offering. The team imposes purchase limits, usually a maximum of 200 shares per individual across all offerings, to ensure broad fan participation.

Stock sales occur infrequently, only when the team determines a need to raise capital for significant projects. Historically, these sales have been initiated to ensure financial stability or to fund major facility enhancements, such as renovations to Lambeau Field and upgrades like new video boards. These events are highly anticipated by fans and are publicly announced through official team channels and media outlets.

The team has conducted only six stock offerings throughout its long history, with sales occurring in 1923, 1935, 1950, 1997, 2011, and 2021. Prospective shareholders must stay informed about official announcements, as sale periods are limited and often conclude once the target number of shares or funds has been raised. These sales present an opportunity for fans to connect with the franchise on a deeper level.

The Purchase Process

Once a Green Bay Packers stock sale is announced, the purchase process is straightforward for eligible individuals. The most efficient method for acquiring shares is typically through the team’s dedicated official stock offering website. This online portal allows prospective shareholders to select the desired number of shares, provide necessary personal details, and complete payment using major credit cards, debit cards, or electronic bank transfers. The online system is the safest and only authorized place for direct purchases, protecting buyers from potential scams.

For those who prefer an alternative, purchasing shares by mail is also an option. This usually involves requesting an offering document and order form through a toll-free number provided by the team. The completed form, along with payment via personal check or cashier’s check, must then be mailed to the designated subscription agent. This method generally takes longer to process compared to online purchases.

After a successful transaction, purchasers typically receive a confirmation, such as an email receipt. The physical stock certificate, a tangible representation of ownership, is subsequently mailed to the provided address. While delivery times can vary, allowing for approximately one to two weeks is a reasonable expectation for receiving the certificate. The certificate itself is often printed on heavyweight paper and is designed as a collectible item.

Understanding Packers Stock

Owning Green Bay Packers stock is fundamentally different from holding shares in a typical publicly traded corporation. This stock does not represent a financial investment, and purchasers should not expect any economic returns. Specifically, the shares do not pay dividends. Furthermore, there is no secondary market for these shares; they cannot be resold for profit to other individuals, nor can they appreciate in market value.

The stock also cannot be pledged or used as collateral, and it holds no inherent value for liquidation or dissolution purposes. If the team were ever to be sold, any proceeds would typically go to the Green Bay Packers Foundation, rather than to individual shareholders. Consequently, purchasing Packers stock does not qualify as a charitable contribution, and no tax deduction can be claimed.

The primary value of Green Bay Packers stock lies in its symbolic nature and the unique connection it provides to the franchise. Shareholders gain voting rights on certain corporate matters at the annual shareholders meeting. This meeting offers shareholders an opportunity to hear directly from team leadership and participate in the team’s governance. While the voting rights are real, their practical influence on day-to-day operations is limited.

Shareholders also receive an official stock certificate, often framed as a memento of their ownership. Additional perks often include invitations to exclusive shareholder events and the ability to purchase shareholder merchandise. This unique ownership model allows fans to feel a profound sense of pride and belonging, directly contributing to the team’s stability and future through their purchase.