The Cost of Being a Green Bay Packers Shareholder

By Jason Bolton November 27, 2023 08:55

Being a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers is a unique and cherished opportunity for fans of the NFL team. As the only publicly owned franchise in the league, the Packers offer fans a chance to own a piece of the team's history and future. However, becoming a shareholder does come with some costs. In this article, we will explore the financial aspects of being a Packers shareholder, including the initial investment, ongoing expenses, and the benefits that come with ownership.

Initial Investment: To become a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers, one must purchase shares during an offering period. However, as of the latest information available, the common stock of the team is not currently available for purchase. The last stock sale occurred in 2012, and there are no plans for future offerings. During the offering period, the price per share was $300, with an additional handling fee of $35 for each certificate. It is important to note that these prices are subject to change in future offerings, if any.
No Dividends: Unlike traditional shareholders in publicly traded companies, Green Bay Packers shareholders do not receive dividends on their initial investment. The team operates as a nonprofit corporation, and any revenue generated is reinvested into the organization. This unique structure ensures that the team remains competitive and financially stable in an era of free agency and salary caps.
Shareholder Expenses: While there are no ongoing dividends to consider, being a Packers shareholder does come with a few expenses. The primary expense is the cost of maintaining an updated contact information record. Shareholders are requested to update their contact details to ensure they receive proxy materials and other important information. To update their contact information, shareholders can complete the Address Change Request form on the official Packers shareholder website. Additionally, shareholders have the option to receive shareholder information electronically via email, eliminating the need for paper copies sent through USPS. Shareholders can sign up for email delivery by completing the Email Delivery Registration form on the website.
Ownership Benefits: Despite the financial costs, being a Packers shareholder comes with unique benefits and perks. Shareholders have exclusive access to merchandise created specifically for them, which can be purchased through the Packers Pro Shop website. To access this exclusive merchandise, shareholders need to sign in with their stock account information. These offerings allow Packers shareholders to showcase their support for the team while proudly displaying their ownership status.
Ownership Limitations: To prevent any single individual from gaining control of the team, there are limitations on the number of shares one can own. No person can own more than 200,000 shares of Green Bay Packers stock. This ensures that the team remains a community-owned organization, reflecting the values and passion of the fans.

While the financial cost of becoming a Green Bay Packers shareholder may vary depending on future offerings, the initial investment is a one-time purchase during an offering period. As a nonprofit corporation, the team does not offer dividends on the initial investment. However, shareholders enjoy exclusive benefits, such as access to specially created merchandise, and have the opportunity to play an active role in supporting and shaping the future of the team. The pride of ownership and the unique community spirit associated with being a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers make the financial costs well worth it for many dedicated fans.