NFL Approves Charles Woodson Minority Ownership Browns

Charles Woodson, former NFL defensive back and Fox NFL analyst, has become a minority owner of the Cleveland Browns, acquiring a 0.1% stake approved by NFL owners during the spring meetings in May 2025. Woodson's ownership marks the first minority stake in the Browns since the Haslam family took control in 2012, and he expressed honor in joining the franchise in his home state of Ohio. However, Woodson faces restrictions similar to those imposed on Tom Brady when he became a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, including limitations on access to team facilities and broadcasting duties, as well as requirements to remove his name and likeness from his alcohol brands due to NFL policies. Meanwhile, tensions escalate between the Browns and Cuyahoga County over the franchise's pursuit of $600 million in state-backed bonds for a new domed stadium in Brook Park, with county officials accusing the Haslam Sports Group of greed and opportunism. The Browns argue that the new stadium would generate greater economic impact compared to investing in the existing open-air stadium, but the dispute highlights the contentious politics of stadium relocations. Separately, NFL owners also approved minority stake sales in other teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, underscoring ongoing investment activity in NFL franchises.