INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indianapolis Colts are starting their 2025 NFL season under groundbreaking new leadership as three sisters become the first female sibling trio to own a professional football team in league history.
Carly Irsay Gordon and her sisters Casey Foyt and Calen Jackson officially took control of the franchise after their father, longtime Colts owner Jim Irsay, passed away in May. The transition marks a historic milestone for women’s representation in NFL ownership and management.
Each sister has carved out distinct roles within the organization, bringing years of hands-on experience with the team. Carly Irsay Gordon serves as CEO and is frequently spotted on the sidelines wearing a headset during games. Casey Foyt focuses her efforts on marketing and community relations, while Calen Jackson handles brand development as Chief Brand Officer and heads the Colts Foundation.
The sisters grew up immersed in NFL culture during an era when women held virtually no leadership positions in professional football. Their father consistently reinforced their belonging in the sport, according to Carly Irsay Gordon, who recalled his frequent reminders: “You deserve to be here. Don’t forget that.”
“He was the one reminding us, you deserve to be here. Don’t forget that. He always gave us the strength and the courage to know and believe in ourselves and believe in that we can do this one day and this is the day,” she said in an exclusive interview.
Their leadership comes during a period of expanding female representation across the NFL. At least 11 teams now have women serving as primary owners this season, while last year saw a record 15 women holding full-time coaching positions – up from just 10 the previous year.
The trend extends beyond ownership and coaching. In Philadelphia, Autumn Lockwood made history in February by becoming the first Black female coach to win a Super Bowl. More women are also working as game officials, and the league has actively courted female fans through social media influencer partnerships, youth flag football programs for girls, and capitalizing on the popularity surrounding Taylor Swift’s relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Despite these advances, the sisters acknowledge significant work remains. “There’s always more work to be done. We’re still in the minority, if you will, in terms of NFL owners, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” one of the sisters noted. “We want to show, prove that we belong here and also fight for the women that did scratch and claw their way and break down those walls.”
The Irsay sisters inherit a franchise with high expectations following a disappointing 8-9 record last season. They’ve made clear this won’t be a rebuilding year, emphasizing their commitment to competitive excellence.
“Our fans deserve a winning product every year, so that’s what we’re going to stick to,” they stated, setting ambitious goals for the upcoming season.
The emotional weight of their father’s legacy remains ever-present as they navigate their first season as owners. When asked what Jim Irsay would think seeing his daughters leading the franchise, Carly became emotional: “I think he’d be crying. He always… it mattered to not just do well with his own name and leave a legacy behind, but he wanted to do it for us, and I think we don’t take that lightly in any way.”
The sisters’ rise to NFL ownership represents more than just a business succession – it symbolizes changing dynamics in professional sports where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles previously dominated by men. Their success could pave the way for other female executives and owners across the league.
As the Colts kick off their 2025 season, all eyes will be on Indianapolis to see how this historic ownership trio guides the franchise both on and off the field. Their father’s confidence in their abilities will be tested in the competitive world of professional football, where results ultimately determine success.
