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Lions Announce Important Stadium News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 4:37 PM ET

In November 1999, construction broke ground at the site of Ford Field and the stadium would go on to open nearly three years later in August 2002. That year, the stadium's naming rights were bought by the Ford Motor Company for $40 million for 20 years.

On Friday, the Lions and Ford announced they would extend the naming rights agreement through the 2036 season. It is the second-longest naming rights partnership in the NFL, behind Tampa Bay's Raymond James Stadium.

"Renewing our relationship with Ford Motor Company has always been a top priority for us," said Detroit Lions President and CEO Rod Wood. "Ford was an integral partner in our move back to downtown Detroit in 2002 and continues to be valuable to the growth of our brand. We are proud to have an iconic, Detroit-founded company's name on our building for the foreseeable future."

The Detroit Lions and Ford Motor Company today announced they are extending the stadium naming rights agreement through the 2036 season.

Ford Field has been the home of the Detroit Lions since 2002, making it the second longest tenured naming rights partnership in the NFL.… pic.twitter.com/oWSOAkP8fv
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) March 28, 2025

The Lions have been owned by the Ford family since 1963. William Clay Ford Sr. purchased a controlling interest in the team for $6 million.

Shield Hamp Ford, the Lions' current owner, has been working with the franchise since 2014. In June 2020, Hamp took over as principal owner and chairwoman.

Located in downtown Detroit, Ford Field, in addition to the Lions, is host to the UFL's Michigan Panthers, the Mid-American Conference championship college football game, and events across several sports, including basketball, college hockey, high school athletics, soccer, and more.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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