Skip to main content

Michael Bidwill

Principal Owner, Arizona Cardinals

Michael Bidwill represents his family’s third generation of franchise leadership, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Charles - a Pro Football Hall of Famer who purchased the team in 1933 - and his father Bill, who handled day-to-day operations for decades. After earning his undergraduate degree from St. Louis University and his law degree from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Michael served as a federal prosecutor before joining the Cardinals as Vice President/General Counsel in 1996. He took over as team president in 2007 and as owner in 2019 following the passing of his father. In his nearly two decades steering the organization, the Cardinals have appeared in the NFC Championship Game twice and made their first-ever Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl XLIII). Michael was also the driving force behind the creation of State Farm Stadium, which has proven critical for the franchise and generated over $6 billion in economic impact for Arizona while hosting three Super Bowls and the Final Four in men’s college basketball twice. In 2025, his contributions were recognized when he became the sixth Cardinal selected to the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, a list that includes his father and four other team greats. Aside from his prominent role with the Cardinals, Bidwill also serves on a number of notable league committees and has established himself as one of the most influential leaders in the greater Phoenix business community.

Thoughtful Leaders. Decision Makers. Activists and Experts.

The Sedona Forum is the McCain Institute’s annual, high-level gathering of national and international leaders held each spring in the red rock country of Sedona, Arizona. Starting from the assumption of character-driven leadership and core democratic values, The Sedona Forum convenes thought-leaders, decision makers, activists and diverse experts to discuss approaches and solutions to real-world problems.