Dream of owning a piece of the Green Bay Packers? Forget about buying shares like regular stock. These aren’t traded on any exchange. Instead, they’re sold directly by the team at a fixed price—$250 per share as of 2026. No dividends, no trading, no market fluctuations. Just a slice of history and a potential tax write-off for many.
Here’s the twist: the Packers are the only major U.S. pro sports team owned by its fans. Over 360,000 shareholders hold more than 5 million shares. That structure keeps control in the hands of the community, not a single billionaire. So if you want in, your best bet is to buy directly from the team, get approved, and wait for someone to sell theirs someday.
Quick Fix Summary: Want to become a Packers owner? You can’t buy shares on the open market. They’re only sold by the team at $250 each, with no dividends or trading. Call 855-8GO-PACK (855-846-7225), or email ownership@packers.com. Be prepared to wait—shares are rare and tightly controlled.
What’s the deal with Packers ownership?
The Green Bay Packers operate as a non-profit, community-owned franchise. No single owner calls the shots. Instead, over 360,000 fans hold shares, totaling more than 5 million. Since 2011, the team has held four stock sales—most recently in 2021—and each share costs $250.
These shares aren’t investments in the traditional sense. They don’t appreciate in value. They don’t pay dividends. And they can’t be sold without Packers approval. Think of it like buying a collector’s item that also gives you a small say in how the team is run.
Team bylaws cap individual ownership at 200,000 shares. That rule keeps the community—not a wealthy individual—in control. The Packers even report “profit from operations” instead of net income, with all surplus going toward team operations or local charities. The stock itself? Pure fan tradition, not a financial opportunity.
How do I actually become a Packers shareholder?
You can’t just hop online and click “buy.” The Packers handle share sales directly through their Shareholder Services team. Here’s the process:
- Check availability: As of 2026, new shares aren’t being issued. You’ll be buying existing shares from current owners. The Packers maintain a waitlist for interested buyers. Waitlists can stretch on for years.
- Get in touch:
- Phone: 855-8GO-PACK (855-846-7225) – weekdays, 8 AM to 5 PM Central Time
- Email: ownership@packers.com
- Mail: Green Bay Packers Shareholder Services, P.O. Box 1062, Green Bay, WI 54305
- Submit your details: You’ll need to provide your full legal name, mailing address, and Social Security number (U.S. citizens) or tax ID (international). The Packers use Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions to manage shareholder records.
- Pay up: Each share costs $250. Payment must be made via check, money order, or bank transfer—no credit cards or PayPal. Make checks payable to “Green Bay Packers, Inc.”
- Wait for approval: The Packers board reviews ownership transfers. Approval isn’t automatic, even if a share is available. They favor long-time fans and may turn down speculative buyers.
- Get your paperwork: Once approved, you’ll receive a certificate and join the ownership family. You’ll get invitations to shareholder meetings and team updates, but voting rights only kick in if you own multiple shares.
Pro tip: Call early. The phone lines get slammed during stock sales and before big games. I once waited 45 minutes just to ask if the waitlist was open—turns out it wasn’t. Always verify the latest status before reaching out.
What if I can’t buy a share?
No luck finding a share? Here are a couple alternatives:
- Try eBay or collector sites: Some fans resell shares at crazy markups—often $1,000 or more. The Packers do not recognize transfers made outside their system. If they spot a private sale, they may block your ownership. eBay and other platforms even warn buyers that Packers shares can’t be transferred without approval.
- Support the Packers Foundation: While not ownership, donating to the Green Bay Packers Foundation helps local youth sports and community programs. It’s not the same as owning a piece of the team, but it’s a way to get involved.
- Join the waitlist: Even when shares aren’t for sale, the Packers keep a waitlist. Email ownership@packers.com and ask to be added. Patience is key—it could be years before new shares are issued.
How do I avoid Packers share scams?
Shares aren’t an investment, but scammers treat them like one. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Stick to the $250 price: The face value is fixed. Any price above that is pure speculation—and likely a scam. The Packers have repeatedly warned fans about overpriced “off-market” sales.
- Ignore third-party brokers: The Packers don’t work with stockbrokers or financial advisors. If someone offers to “help” you buy a share for a fee, it’s a red flag.
- Confirm transfers directly: Before sending money, check with the Packers that the seller is legit. Call 855-8GO-PACK and ask if the transfer is approved. They’ll tell you if it’s real or not.
- Forget digital upgrades: The Packers issue paper certificates. Any offer to “convert” your share into a digital token or upgrade your certificate is fake. The team has never offered digital shares.
Bottom line? Packers shares are about passion, not profit. They’re a piece of NFL history, not a get-rich-quick scheme. If you’re in it for the love of the game—and the bragging rights—you’re heading in the right direction. If you’re chasing wealth, index funds will serve you better.
