Jed York is now the principal owner of the 49ers. As David Lombardi of The Athletic writes, the now-former CEO officially bought out the shares of his mother, Denise DeBartolo York. This move means Jed York now owns a majority stake of the organization.
Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal reported the move last week, pending approval by the league. The move has apparently been given the go-ahead, and York is now assuring the 49ers remain with his family for the foreseeable future.
“It’s a move from a family standpoint to keep this team in our family for generations to come,” York said (via Lombardi). “I think that’s reflective of how we’ve operated. My parents are going to stay as co-chairmen. I don’t think you’re going to see any change. It’s more of a long-term family planning thing and making sure this team stays in our family for generations to come.”
Edward J. DeBartolo took over ownership of the 49ers in the late 1970s, purchasing the organization from the franchise’s founder, the Morabito family. Edward’s son, Eddie DeBartolo, eventually took over ownership of the team, and the franchise won five Super Bowls during his more than two decades as primary owner. Eddie’s sister, Denise DeBartolo York (along with her husband, Dr. John York), took over control of the 49ers in 2000, with Denise becoming one of the league’s first female owners.
Jed, the son of Denise and John, has worked for the 49ers for nearly 20 years, eventually earning the role of CEO in 2010. Since becoming the main “face” of the ownership group, the organization has made three more trips to the Super Bowl.
York has three Fair Political Practices Commission complaints, two for falsfying non profit filings, and he is witness in a criminal trail involving perjury and corruption charges against Anthony Becker, a Santa Clara City Council member
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I think Eddie Jr. was forced by the league to relinquish ownership because of questionable associations with persons involved in gambling activities.
Eddie Jr paid for his spot in the HOF. Wouldn’t be surprised if Jed followed in his daddy’s footsteps. Two super bowl appearances and no wins is a HOF worthy accomplishment? It is if you have the money to pay for it!
Five rings is quite an accomplishment for any team owner. More of a reason to be a HoF member than owners like Wellington Mara or Jerry Jones who are also in the Hall. York doesn’t have HoF credentials at this point, and no one, not even Niner fans, is advocating for him.
I, for one, would be greatly surprised if Jed followed in his father’s footsteps. Getting a medical degree is highly unusual for a guy in his 40s who has never been employed in the medical field previously.
Sure, but that doesn’t negate the fact that he PAID for his HOF spot instead of earning it. Classic ego move.