Billion-Dollar Legacy: Meet The 3 Daughters Who Took Over The Indianapolis Colts After Jim Irsay's Death

The Indianapolis Colts franchise is now under new, yet familiar, leadership, marking a historic moment in the NFL. Following the passing of long-time owner and CEO Jim Irsay in May 2025, the team’s ownership transitioned smoothly and strategically to his three daughters: Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson. This planned succession ensures the Colts, valued at nearly $6 billion, remain firmly in the Irsay family, continuing a legacy that began with Jim’s father, Robert Irsay, in 1972. The three sisters, who have been deeply involved in the organization for years, are now among the most powerful female executives and sports owners in professional football, inheriting one of the NFL's most valuable franchises.

This transition, which was meticulously planned by Jim Irsay himself, elevates the daughters from executive roles to co-owners, with each taking a pivotal leadership position to steer the franchise into its next era. The move was widely praised by sports business experts, who noted the seamless transfer of power preserves the team's enterprise value and demonstrates a robust family succession plan. As of today, December 10, 2025, the Irsay sisters are actively leading the Colts' football and business operations, determined to honor their father's memory by chasing another Super Bowl trophy for Indianapolis.

Jim Irsay: A Life of Legacy and Transition (1959–2025)

James Stephen "Jim" Irsay was born on June 13, 1959, in Lincolnwood, Illinois. He was the son of Robert Irsay, a businessman who purchased the Baltimore Colts in 1972 and famously moved the team to Indianapolis in 1984.

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Jim Irsay's involvement with the team began early. He joined the organization in 1984, the year of the controversial move, and held various roles before becoming the principal owner in 1997 following his father's death.

Key Biography & Family Entities:

• Full Name: James Stephen Irsay
• Born: June 13, 1959, Lincolnwood, Illinois
• Died: May 21, 2025
• Father: Robert Irsay (Original Colts Owner)
• Mother: Harriet Irsay
• Spouse: Meg Coyle (m. 1980, div. 2003)
• Children: Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson
• Education: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
• Primary Role: Principal Owner, Chairman, and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts (1997–2025)
• Estimated Net Worth at Death: ~$4.8 billion (according to Forbes valuation of his assets).

Under Jim Irsay's principal ownership, the Colts achieved significant success, including a Super Bowl XLI victory in 2007. Beyond football, he was known for his philanthropic efforts and his extensive collection of historical artifacts and musical instruments, including guitars owned by Kurt Cobain and Elvis Presley.

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His health had been a concern in his later years, including treatment for a severe respiratory illness in January 2024. His death in May 2025, however, was met with a clear and immediate succession plan, a testament to his foresight in business and his dedication to keeping the team a family enterprise.

The Three Pillars: Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson

The three Irsay daughters—Carlie, Casey, and Kalen—did not simply inherit the team; they were groomed for their roles over more than a decade. Each sister has carved out a distinct and critical area of responsibility within the organization, demonstrating a deep understanding of both the business and cultural aspects of the Colts. Their collective leadership is a modern example of strategic family business succession.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon: The Owner & CEO

As the eldest daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon has stepped into the most prominent role, taking on the titles of Owner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Her background is unique for an NFL executive. She joined the Colts organization full-time in 2008 as a Vice President, but she also holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology.

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Her experience spans various departments, giving her a holistic view of the franchise. She spent time in the ticket office and marketing, eventually rising to Vice Chair/Owner for 13 seasons before assuming the CEO position in 2025. Carlie Irsay-Gordon is now the primary face of the ownership group, overseeing the entire business and football operations of the Indianapolis Colts. Her leadership style is often described as detail-oriented and highly engaged, frequently seen on the sidelines with a headset during games.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon Key Entities:

• Title: Owner & CEO
• Born: September 29, 1980
• Previous Role: Vice Chair/Owner (13 seasons)
• Noteworthy: Holds a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology.

Casey Foyt: The Owner & Executive Vice President

Casey Foyt, the middle sister, focuses her considerable energy on the fan experience, marketing, and community relations. She joined the Colts in 2007, a pivotal year for the franchise as they celebrated their Super Bowl XLI victory. In 2012, she was named Vice Chair.

In her new role as Owner and Executive Vice President, Casey Foyt is instrumental in strengthening the bond between the team and the Indianapolis community. She is credited with helping to revitalize the Indianapolis Colts Women's Organization, a key community outreach entity. Her work ensures that the team’s brand remains positive and deeply connected to its loyal fanbase.

Casey Foyt Key Entities:

• Title: Owner & Executive Vice President
• Born: February 10, 1983
• Focus Areas: Marketing, Community Relations, Fan Experience.
• Noteworthy: Helped revitalize the Indianapolis Colts Women's Organization.

Kalen Jackson: The Owner & Chief Brand Officer

Kalen Jackson is the youngest of the three sisters and the only one born in Indianapolis, giving her a special connection to the city the team calls home. She joined the organization in 2010 and quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating a passion for strategic branding and philanthropic endeavors.

As Owner and Chief Brand Officer, Kalen Jackson is responsible for shaping the public image and strategic direction of the Colts brand. She also serves as President of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation, overseeing the team's charitable efforts. Her most impactful work has been leading the "Kicking the Stigma" initiative, a major campaign launched by the Irsay family to raise awareness about mental health disorders. This initiative is a core part of the Irsay legacy, focusing on a cause deeply personal to the family.

Kalen Jackson Key Entities:

• Title: Owner & Chief Brand Officer; President of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation
• Focus Areas: Team Branding, Philanthropy, Community Impact.
• Noteworthy: Spearheads the "Kicking the Stigma" mental health initiative.

The Future of the Colts: A Billion-Dollar Family Enterprise

The seamless transition of ownership to Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson highlights the stability and long-term vision of the Irsay family. The Indianapolis Colts, with an enterprise value of approximately $5.9 billion, represent a significant financial and cultural asset. The daughters’ shared inheritance of the team makes them instant billionaires, placing them among the wealthiest women in professional sports ownership.

The sisters are united in their goal to continue their father's legacy of competitive excellence and community engagement. Their complementary roles—Carlie Irsay-Gordon leading the overall business, Casey Foyt driving fan and community relationships, and Kalen Jackson shaping the brand and philanthropic mission—create a powerful and well-rounded executive structure.

The Irsay family's commitment to the team is absolute. Jim Irsay was reportedly adamant that the Colts would remain in his family, a mandate the sisters are dedicated to upholding. This generational continuity is a rarity in the modern NFL, where ownership changes are often driven by corporate sales. The Irsay daughters represent the next generation of leadership, blending deep-rooted family values with modern executive expertise. Their story is a powerful example of successful family succession planning in the high-stakes world of professional sports.