The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the most prominent teams in the NFL, known for their passionate fans and intense rivalries with the Giants and Cowboys. They’re often in the spotlight and have grown into a powerhouse over the last 30 years.

A major reason for their success is owner Jeffrey Lurie, who bought the team in 1994 and has since led them to many playoff runs and their first Super Bowl win.

Jeffrey Lurie’s Acquisition And Early Impact

Lurie purchased the Philadelphia Eagles on May 6, 1994, for $195 million. Before acquiring the Eagles, Lurie had attempted to buy the New England Patriots and had discussions about investing in the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens. To finance the Eagles’ purchase, Lurie and his mother, Nancy Lurie Marks, borrowed $190 million from the Bank of Boston, using personal stock in Harcourt General and GC Companies Inc. as collateral.

Under Lurie’s ownership, the Eagles quickly became a consistent playoff contender. In his first full season as owner in 1995, the team began a steady rise, making the postseason 18 times in his tenure. The Eagles have been among the most successful franchises of the 21st century, reaching the NFC Championship Game seven times since 2001 and appearing in three Super Bowls (XXXIX, LII, and LVII). Their crowning achievement came on February 4, 2018, when they defeated the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII, securing the first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.

Growth In Franchise Value And Infrastructure

When Lurie bought the Eagles, the franchise was worth $195 million. Today, Forbes values the Eagles at $4.9 billion, making them the 10th most valuable NFL team. This exponential growth has been fueled by the team’s on-field success, strategic business decisions, and significant investments in infrastructure.

Jeffrey Lurie (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Lurie has prioritized modernizing the franchise, spearheading the construction of the NovaCare Complex in 2001, a state-of-the-art training facility in South Philadelphia that remains the team’s headquarters. In 2003, he oversaw the opening of Lincoln Financial Field, which seats nearly 70,000 fans and has since hosted high-profile sporting events, concerts, and international soccer matches, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium’s naming rights deal with Lincoln Financial Group was extended in 2021 through 2032 for a sum nearing $140 million.

Lurie’s Leadership And Philanthropy

Lurie’s influence extends beyond the field. He has built a strong organizational culture, hiring successful head coaches such as Andy Reid, Doug Pederson, and Nick Sirianni. Under his leadership, the Eagles have recorded a winning percentage of .586 (244-172-2) since 2000, ranking among the top franchises in the league. The team also boasts 10 NFC East titles since 2001, the most in the division during that span.

Beyond football, Lurie has made significant philanthropic contributions, most notably through the Eagles Autism Challenge. This initiative has raised millions of dollars for autism research and support programs. Not only that, he also has a background in Hollywood, where he founded Chestnut Hill Productions and produced two Oscar-winning documentaries, Inside Job and Inocente.