Content Warning: The source text and this guide contain references to murder, violence, suicide, racism, sexism, and addiction.

The ownership structure of the NFL is unique among major professional sports leagues. Each of the 32 teams in the league is owned by private entities or families, with the exception of the Green Bay Packers, who are publicly owned by the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin. The individuals and families who own NFL teams have significant autonomy over their respective franchises, including decisions on hiring executives and coaches and drafting player contracts. Despite this autonomy, the NFL operates under a collective framework that requires cooperation and adherence to league policies and guidelines.

Ownership of NFL teams can be transferred through various means, most notably buyouts and family inheritance, as is the case in The House of Wolves. The character of Jenny Wolf may be inspired by Virginia Halas McCaskey, who inherited the Chicago Bears after her father’s death. McCaskey’s father had originally intended the team to go to her brother, but she inherited the team instead since her brother died before her father.

The NFL is governed by a commissioner who is appointed by team owners. The commissioner also serves as the organization’s chief executive officer and oversees league operations, enforces rules, and represents the NFL in negotiations with external entities.