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Carlie Irsay-Gordon

Carlie Irsay-Gordon is an American businesswoman and football executive who serves as principal owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Carlie Irsay-Gordon is an American businesswoman and football executive who serves as principal owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). She is the eldest daughter of former Colts owner Jim Irsay and has held leadership roles with the team for many years.

Early life and education

Carlie Irsay-Gordon was born on September 29, 1980. She attended Skidmore College and later worked toward a doctorate in clinical psychology.

Career with the Colts

Irsay-Gordon began working with the Indianapolis Colts in 2008 and had already represented the team at NFL owners' meetings since 2004. She rose through leadership roles and became principal owner and CEO in 2025.

NFL involvement

Beyond team ownership, Irsay-Gordon has participated in league governance. She has served on NFL committees related to media, strategic capital, security and fan conduct, data governance, and club business optimization.

Family ownership transition

She is the eldest of Jim Irsay's three daughters and shares ownership interests with her sisters Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson. The family has continued the Colts' ownership structure following Jim Irsay's death in 2025.

Key facts

  • Carlie Irsay-Gordon became principal owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts in 2025.
  • She had previously served as vice chair/owner with the team.
  • She has represented the Colts at NFL owners' meetings since 2004.
  • She joined the Colts organization in 2008 while working toward a doctorate in clinical psychology.
  • She is active in NFL committee work, including media, equity, and security-related groups.
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Canadian context

The Indianapolis Colts are an NFL franchise followed by Canadian football fans, especially because the NFL has a significant Canadian audience and regularly attracts attention in Canadian sports media.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Carlie Irsay-Gordon?
She is an American businesswoman and football executive who is the principal owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts.
When was Carlie Irsay-Gordon born?
She was born on September 29, 1980.
What is her connection to Jim Irsay?
She is Jim Irsay's eldest daughter.
What team does she lead?
She leads the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL.
What did she study?
She attended Skidmore College and later pursued graduate work in clinical psychology.
Does she have children?
Yes. Available sources say she has three children.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlie_Irsay-Gordon
    Supports: Birth date, identity, Colts ownership role, and transition to principal owner/CEO in 2025.
  2. Indianapolis Colts — https://www.colts.com/team/history/ownership/carlie-irsay-gordon
    Supports: Official team biography, ownership timeline, representation at owners' meetings, committee roles, family details, and residence.
  3. Sports Business Journal — https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/05/22/who-is-carlie-irsay-gordon/
    Supports: Leadership profile, NFL committee involvement, education, family role, and focus on football operations.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/blog/indianapolis-colts/post/_/id/4935/irsay-gordon-the-person-leading-the-way-in-indy
    Supports: Colts leadership background, Skidmore College, and long-term representation at NFL owners' meetings.