Who Owns the Pittsburgh Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are more than a football team. The Steelers are a high-value organization that has been in one family for generations.
Nov. 23 2020, Published 11:22 a.m. ET
In 2020, the value of the Pittsburgh Steelers increased by 7 percent up to $3 billion. The company has jumped in valuation for the second consecutive year.
Even with such a high valuation, the Steelers are the 15th most valuable NFL team. The Dallas Cowboys is the most valuable team in the NFL and the world at $5.7 billion.
Who owns the Steelers?
The Rooney family owns and runs the Pittsburgh Steelers. Art Rooney was the original founder, principal owner, and president of the Steelers until 1942. He also led the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. Art Rooney died in 1988.
The Rooney family still owns the Steelers. Dan Rooney followed in his father's footsteps and owned the Steelers until his death in 2017. Art Rooney's other sons, Tim and Pat, sold their own 16 percent stakes in 2009. At the time, the company was worth just $1.02 billion. Currently, Dan's son, Art Rooney Jr., owns the Steelers and is the company's president.
A controlling owner of an NFL team must have a minimum of 30 percent equity stake in the company, which Art Rooney Jr. has maintained. Prior to Dan's death, Art Rooney Jr. shared the minimum position with him.
Who is Art Rooney Jr.?
Currently, Art Rooney Jr. is 68 years old. He's married to Greta K. Rooney. He's the only one of his brothers who actually lives in Pittsburgh.
Who is Dan Rooney Jr.?
Art Rooney Jr. has two brothers. Dan Rooney Jr. still serves as the nominal vice president and is a part-owner of the company.
Dan Rooney Jr. is the most likely candidate to take over ownership and presidency after Art Rooney Jr. Currently, Dan Rooney Jr. works as the Steelers' player personnel coordinator.
The Rooney family recycles the names "Art" and "Dan." Dan Martin Rooney is Art Rooney Jr.'s son. Currently, he serves as the team's coaching assistant.
The Rooney family in Hollywood
Kathleen McNulty Rooney is Art Rooney Jr.'s sister. She works as a real estate broker. Her daughter, Rooney Mara, is an American actress who has starred in movies like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Carol. Kathleen McNulty Rooney's other daughter, Kate Mara, is also an actress. She has starred in films like Fantastic Four and The Martian.
What is the Rooney family's net worth?
The Rooney family's fame goes well beyond football, so you can imagine that their net worth is pretty hefty. Also, we're dealing with generational wealth that doesn't look like it will be leaving the Rooney family anytime soon. After all, the Pittsburgh Steelers team has come a long way from being a fledgling startup in 1933.
On his own, Art Rooney Jr. is reportedly worth $1.2 billion. On the Hollywood side of things, Rooney and Kate Mara are worth a combined $26 million.