Do Packers Shareholders Get Any Benefits?

If you’ve ever dreamt of owning part of an NFL team, then you might be intrigued by the unique ownership structure of the Green Bay Packers. Unlike any other team in the league, the Packers are publicly owned by fans who have purchased shares in the team. But does owning a piece of this beloved franchise come with tangible benefits? Let's delve deep into what it means to be a shareholder in the Green Bay Packers.

The Mystique of Packers Ownership

Imagine walking into a room and telling people, “I’m a part-owner of an NFL team.” It’s a conversation starter, a bragging right, and something that’s truly unique to Packers shareholders. But beyond the allure of saying you’re an owner of one of the most storied franchises in football history, what else do you get?

Green Bay Packers shareholders don’t own the team in the traditional sense. In most cases, when you own stock in a company, you’re entitled to dividends, voting rights, or a share of the profits. Packers stock doesn’t work like that. Instead, it’s more like owning a certificate of honor, a symbol of loyalty to the team. Yet, there are some notable perks that come with being a shareholder.

The Perks of Being a Packers Shareholder

1. Shareholder Meetings
   Packers shareholders are invited to the annual shareholder meetings, usually held at Lambeau Field. These meetings give you insight into the team’s finances and future plans. You get to vote on key issues, including electing the board of directors. Attending the meeting allows shareholders to feel more connected to the team and its operations.

2. Exclusive Merchandise
   One of the more fun perks of being a Packers shareholder is access to exclusive shareholder-only merchandise. From clothing to memorabilia, you can wear your ownership pride on your sleeve—literally. This merchandise is only available to shareholders, making it a rare and coveted collection for diehard fans.

3. Shareholder Certificate
   Every shareholder receives an official Green Bay Packers stock certificate, which is a significant part of the ownership experience. Many fans frame these certificates and proudly display them in their homes or offices. It’s a piece of history, symbolizing your personal connection to one of the NFL's oldest and most successful franchises.

4. Owner’s Discount at the Pro Shop
   Shareholders can also enjoy a discount at the Packers Pro Shop both online and at the physical store at Lambeau Field. This allows you to save money on team merchandise, and it’s a nice bonus for those who love collecting gear or gifts for fellow Packers fans.

5. Invitations to Special Events
   From time to time, Packers shareholders may receive invitations to exclusive events. These can range from special viewings at Lambeau Field to meet-and-greet opportunities with players and coaches. While these events don’t happen often, they add a personal touch to the shareholder experience.

6. No Financial Gain
   It’s important to note that Packers shareholders do not receive any financial gain from their ownership. Shares cannot be sold (except back to the team at a fraction of the price), and there are no dividends. The stock has no real monetary value in terms of investment, but its sentimental and symbolic value is immense to true fans.

A Deeper Dive: The Unconventional Ownership Model

The Green Bay Packers are unique in the NFL. While every other team is owned by wealthy individuals or corporations, the Packers are owned by the community. The team has operated under this ownership structure since 1923, with over 361,000 people holding approximately 5 million shares. The team is legally structured as a non-profit, meaning it operates for the benefit of the team and the community rather than generating profits for shareholders.

This model allows the Packers to focus on long-term success rather than short-term financial gain, which may be one of the reasons why they’ve remained competitive throughout their history. Unlike other teams, where owners can sell or relocate the franchise, the Packers are firmly rooted in Green Bay. It’s more than a team; it’s a community institution.

Shareholders as Stewards of Tradition

Being a Packers shareholder isn’t about financial returns—it’s about stewardship. The ownership structure prevents any single person from gaining too much control of the franchise, ensuring the Packers remain a community asset. This model allows fans to feel a stronger connection to the team, knowing that they have a voice (albeit a small one) in the team's future.

Shareholders vote on key issues, including the election of the team’s board of directors and decisions affecting the team’s future. This democratic approach to ownership is rare in professional sports, where billionaires typically call the shots. Packers shareholders act as guardians of the team’s legacy, helping to preserve its unique place in American sports history.

What Owning Packers Stock Means to Fans

For many Packers shareholders, owning stock is an emotional experience. It’s a way of showing undying loyalty to the team and becoming part of something bigger than yourself. Shareholders take pride in their small role in the team’s ongoing success. Even though the stock doesn’t increase in value and can’t be sold for a profit, it represents an everlasting bond between the fan and the team.

It’s also worth mentioning that stock sales have helped fund critical renovations to Lambeau Field, ensuring that the stadium remains one of the best in the league. The team has held five stock sales in its history, most recently in 2021, raising millions to improve the stadium and facilities.

The Downsides of Being a Packers Shareholder

While there are many sentimental benefits to owning Packers stock, it’s not without its limitations. Shares cannot be traded on the open market or sold for profit. The stock isn’t transferable, meaning it can’t be passed down to future generations (though there are exceptions for gifts and inheritance).

Moreover, the stock doesn't offer traditional financial benefits, such as dividends or appreciation in value. In fact, the fine print of the stock offering states that the team reserves the right to repurchase the shares at a mere fraction of the original price, should the need arise. Therefore, buying Packers stock should be viewed as a fan experience rather than an investment.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

So, do Packers shareholders get any benefits? Absolutely—just not the kind of benefits one typically associates with stock ownership. For most shareholders, the value lies not in financial returns but in the emotional and symbolic connection to the team. It’s about being part of something larger, a community that has collectively owned and operated a football team for nearly a century. That’s a unique distinction that no other sports fan base in America can claim.

If you’re considering buying Packers stock, know that you’re investing in tradition, community, and a sense of belonging. While you won’t see any financial returns, you will gain access to a world of exclusive perks, from shareholder meetings to special events, as well as the priceless feeling of being part-owner of one of the greatest sports franchises in history.

In the end, owning Packers stock isn’t about the benefits—it’s about being part of the Packers family.