How to Buy Green Bay Packers Stock: A Deep Dive for Cheeseheads

So, you want to own a piece of Lambeau Field and the Green Bay Packers? Excellent choice! It’s more than just an investment; it’s joining a legendary family. The Packers are unique in the world of professional sports: they’re a non-profit, publicly owned corporation. But buying stock isn’t like buying shares of Apple. Let’s get into the specifics of how you buy Packers stock, what it really means, and what to expect.

The straightforward answer is: You can only buy Packers stock when the team offers a public stock offering. These offerings are rare, happening only five times in the team’s history: 1923, 1935, 1950, 1997, and 2011. When an offering is announced, you can purchase shares directly from the team, usually through an online platform they establish specifically for that purpose. The key is to stay informed about potential future offerings, because outside of these specific periods, acquiring shares is simply not possible.

Understanding the Packers Stock Offering

Before you start dreaming of sideline passes, let’s be clear: Packers stock is more a symbolic gesture of ownership than a financial investment. It’s about pride and belonging. Here’s what you need to understand about these unique offerings:

• Limited Financial Return: Don’t expect dividends or stock splits. The primary “return” is the bragging rights of being a shareholder and receiving occasional shareholder communications.
• Restrictions on Resale: Selling Packers stock is heavily restricted. You can generally only transfer shares to immediate family members or back to the team for a nominal fee (far less than the original purchase price).
• No Ownership Privileges: Owning stock doesn’t give you any special privileges related to team management or access to the team. You are not voting on player trades or coaching decisions.
• Purpose of the Offerings: The stock offerings primarily serve to raise funds for stadium improvements and other capital projects. It’s a way for the team to engage its fan base and secure its financial future.

Preparing for a Potential Offering

Since you can’t just buy Packers stock any time you want, being ready is crucial. Here’s how to position yourself:

• Stay Informed: Monitor the official Green Bay Packers website (packers.com) and reputable Packers news sources for any announcements regarding a stock offering. Set up Google Alerts for keywords like “Green Bay Packers stock offering.”
• Budget Accordingly: Determine how many shares you might want to purchase and start saving. Past offerings have had share prices in the hundreds of dollars. Remember this is more of a donation with a share certificate attached than an investment.
• Be Prepared for High Demand: If a stock offering is announced, be prepared for a rush. The 2011 offering was incredibly popular, and the online system experienced heavy traffic. Have your payment information ready and be patient.
• Read the Prospectus: Before you buy, carefully read the prospectus for the stock offering. This document will outline the terms of the offering, the risks involved, and the intended use of the funds raised.
• Know the Limits: There are usually limits on the number of shares an individual can purchase. Be aware of these limitations before you attempt to buy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Packers Stock

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of owning a piece of the Green Bay Packers:

1. What are the benefits of owning Packers stock?

The primary benefit is the sense of ownership and pride associated with being a part of the Green Bay Packers organization. You’ll receive a stock certificate, which is a cool piece of memorabilia, and you’ll be able to say you “own” a small piece of the team. You might also receive periodic shareholder communications. The intangible benefits are the real draw.

2. How much does Packers stock cost?

The price of Packers stock varies with each offering. In the 2011 offering, shares were sold for $250 each. Expect a similar price point, or potentially higher, in any future offerings. This price is set by the team based on their fundraising goals.

3. Can I sell my Packers stock?

Selling Packers stock is severely restricted. You can generally only transfer your shares to immediate family members (spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren) or back to the team for a nominal fee, typically a small fraction of the original purchase price. Don’t expect to make a profit.

4. Does owning Packers stock give me access to tickets or special events?

No, owning Packers stock does not guarantee you access to tickets or special events. Season ticket holders are generally on a waiting list that stretches back decades. Stock ownership doesn’t provide any preferential treatment in that regard.

5. Will I receive dividends if I own Packers stock?

No, you will not receive dividends. Packers stock is not a traditional stock investment. The team is a non-profit organization, and shareholder profits are not distributed.

6. Is Packers stock traded on any stock exchange?

No, Packers stock is not traded on any stock exchange. It can only be purchased directly from the team during a stock offering and cannot be bought or sold on the open market.

7. How many shares of Packers stock are there?

The number of shares outstanding changes with each offering. As of the 2011 offering, there were approximately 360,760 shareholders owning 5,009,462 shares.

8. What is the difference between Packers stock and stock in other professional sports teams?

The Green Bay Packers are unique in that they are a publicly owned, non-profit corporation. Most other professional sports teams are privately owned, and their stock is not available to the general public. This community ownership is a defining characteristic of the Packers.

9. Where can I find the official prospectus for Packers stock?

The official prospectus for a Packers stock offering will be available on the official Green Bay Packers website (packers.com) at the time of the offering. This document is crucial for understanding the terms and conditions of the stock.

10. What happens to the money raised from Packers stock offerings?

The money raised from Packers stock offerings is typically used for stadium improvements, capital projects, and other team-related expenses. The specific use of funds is outlined in the prospectus. The 2011 sale raised $67 million to help fund a Lambeau Field expansion.

11. Are there any tax advantages to owning Packers stock?

Generally, there are no significant tax advantages to owning Packers stock. Since you won’t receive dividends or capital gains, there’s little impact on your taxes. The primary benefit is the symbolic ownership.

12. If I transfer my shares to a family member, can they then sell them?

No, the restrictions on resale still apply even after transferring shares to a family member. The shares can only be transferred to another immediate family member or back to the team under the same terms as the original ownership.

The Final Huddle

Buying Green Bay Packers stock is not about getting rich; it’s about joining a community and supporting a team that is deeply ingrained in the fabric of its city and its fans. It’s a unique opportunity to own a piece of a legendary franchise. So, keep your eyes peeled for any future stock offerings, be prepared to act quickly, and get ready to proudly display your Packers stock certificate! Go Pack Go!