Michael Bidwill

Third-generation owner who inherited the team from his father, Bill Bidwill.

Michael Bidwill (born December 6, 1964) is an American businessman and attorney who is the principal owner, chairman, and president of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). After practicing law for six years as a federal prosecutor, he joined the Arizona Cardinals organization in 1996 as vice president and general counsel. Bidwill inherited the team from his father, Bill Bidwill, who was at least part-owner from 1962 until his death in 2019.

Quick Facts

Born

6 December 1964

Birthplace

St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.

Occupation

Businessman, prosecutor

Known for

Principal owner
chairman
and president of the Arizona Cardinals

Father

Bill Bidwill

Education

Saint Louis University (BS), Catholic University of America (JD)

Lore & Background

Bidwill grew up the second of four children in his family, and is the third generation of his family to own the Cardinals. His grandfather, Charles Bidwill, bought the Cardinals in 1933, while they were still in Chicago. When Charles died in 1947, his widow, Violet, inherited the team, moving it to St. Louis in 1960. Upon Violet's death, ownership passed to father Bill and uncle Charles Bidwill Jr., with Bill becoming sole owner in 1972. Only the Chicago Bears (owned by the Halas-McCaskey family since 1921) and New York Giants (owned by the Mara family since their founding in 1925) have been in the hands of a single family longer than the Cardinals.

Reader's Guide

Bidwill began to enjoy American football when he visited the Cardinals' training camp for the first time in 1969. In 1974, his father, Bill, made him one of the team's ball boys including his brothers William Jr., Patrick, and Tim. Michael Bidwill attended Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda, Maryland and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Saint Louis University in 1987 where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Later, he received his Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law in 1990. Bidwill followed the Cardinals to Phoenix in 1988. From 1990 to 1996, he was a federal prosecutor in Phoenix. In 1996, he worked for Bob Dole's presidential campaign.

Did You Know?

The Cardinals have had more than six principal owners when including early group ownership periods, so the claim that Bidwill is only the sixth principal owner is inaccurate.
In 2007, Bill Bidwill named Michael as team president and ceded most day-to-day control over the Cardinals to Michael.
The Cardinals have not sold out every game at State Farm Stadium since it opened in 2006; some games were not officially sold out.
Bidwill served as Chairman of Greater Phoenix Economic Council from 2008 to 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Michael Bidwill?

Michael Bidwill is an attorney and businessman who serves as the principal owner, chairman, and president of the Arizona Cardinals. Born in 1964, he represents the third generation of his family to lead the franchise since his grandfather purchased it in 1933.

What is Michael Bidwill known for?

As the team's top executive, he holds full authority over all business and football operations as principal owner, chairman, and president. He oversees major strategic decisions, including stadium management and long-term franchise planning.

How did Michael Bidwill become the owner?

He joined the organization in 1996 as vice president and general counsel after working as a federal prosecutor for six years. Following the death of his father, Bill Bidwill, in October 2019, he officially succeeded him as chairman and principal owner.

What is Michael Bidwill's connection to the stadium?

Bidwill oversaw the development of the facility originally known as University of Phoenix Stadium, which is now called State Farm Stadium. This venue serves as the home field where he continues to host games and community events as the active owner.