Who owns the Pittsburgh Steelers? Inside the Rooney family legacy and the team's ownership structure

A lack of stability can ruin a franchise’s season before it even begins. That’s why the Steelers have put a huge emphasis on that particular element since the formation of the franchise in 1933.

The Steelers started with Art Rooney, and his family has followed the blueprint he laid out, allowing Pittsburgh to contend for the Lombardi Trophy over the course of multiple decades.

From Super Bowl rings to NFL rule changes, the Rooney family has made a significant impact not only on the organization, but also the entire league.

Here’s a breakdown of Steelers ownership and its impact.

The origins of the Rooney family and the Steelers

Art Rooney, the man known simply as “The Chief,” started his run in football with the Hope-Harvey Football Club, a semi-professional team. He eventually applied for and was granted the rights to own an NFL franchise in Pittsburgh in 1933.

Originally known as the Pirates, the team struggled in the early years, but Rooney’s gambling winnings kept Pittsburgh afloat. It wasn’t until 1940 that Rooney changed the team name to the Steelers.

After merging with other teams in the 1940s and failing to find success after World War II, Pittsburgh hired Chuck Noll as the team’s head coach in 1969, launching the “Steel Curtain” dynasty in the 1970s.

Art certainly had input on team decisions throughout his tenure, but he wasn’t always a hands-on owner. He eventually gave the keys to his son, Dan Rooney.

The current ownership structure of the Steelers

Dan began serving as the president of the team in 1975, and Art Rooney II, Dan’s son, succeeded him as president in 2003. Art remains atop the organizational chart, and Arthur J. Rooney Jr., Art’s son, is Pittsburgh’s vice president.

In 2008, there was a major restructuring of Steelers ownership. That came following an evaluation of the Steelers being valued between $800 million and $1.2 billion.

Per Forbes, the Steelers are currently valued at $6.5 billion with $619 million in revenue (as of 2025).

The Rooney family’s legacy in the NFL

Unlike other franchises, the Steelers are known for their patience with coaches. There have been only three head coaches employed in Pittsburgh since 1969: Noll, Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin.

Art Rooney II not only deals with the Steelers but is also part of the NFL’s Stadium, Legislative and International Committees, among others.

Dan Rooney was the former chairman of the NFL’s Workplace Diversity Committee. He helped create the “Rooney Rule,” ensuring teams would consider minority candidates for coaching positions.

How the Steelers’ ownership differs from other NFL teams

The Steelers are a family-owned organization, providing a steady hand that is rare in a culture filled with executive groups ready to make massive changes without hesitation.

The Rooney family maintains a majority interest in the franchise, similar to the New York Giants and the Mara family. It’s easy to see why the Steelers have stuck with the family formula for so many years.