The Pittsburgh Steelers got some tragic news. The organization lost one of its minority owners, Doug Lebda, in a devastating accident. Lebda, the founder and CEO of LendingTree, passed away at the age of 55 on Sunday after an ATV accident at his family’s home in North Carolina. His unexpected death has sent shockwaves through the Steelers organization and the broader football community.
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Steelers' minority owner Doug Lebda speaking on NBC in 2016.
Lebda had been a part of the Steelers’ ownership group for several years, contributing not only financially, but also as a passionate supporter of the team. Known for his entrepreneurial success with LendingTree, he was equally admired for his commitment to giving back to the community. Steelers fans and teammates alike remember him as someone who approached ownership with genuine care and enthusiasm, always putting the team and its legacy at the forefront.
RIP: Steelers minority owner Doug Lebda was killed in an ATV accident over the weekend. https://t.co/6kvdCY5VqI pic.twitter.com/I2zlxSHHYJ
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) October 14, 2025
The news of Lebda’s passing has left a void in the Steelers family. Tributes have begun pouring in from across the NFL, highlighting his impact both on and off the field. As the organization mourns, they honor his memory and the mark he left on the franchise, celebrating a life dedicated to leadership, innovation, and a love for the Steelers that will not be forgotten. Steelers Team President Art Rooney II shared his heartfelt message about the death as soon as he heard the news.
"Doug was a visionary leader in the business world whose innovations in financial services leave a lasting impact," Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a prepared statement. "Beyond his professional achievements, he was a generous individual who cared deeply about his family and community."
Lebda’s influence extended beyond the business world and into the sports community. As a minority owner of the Steelers, he often attended games and events, showing visible support for the team.
While minority owners don’t usually make daily operational decisions, Lebda’s presence was felt through his dedication to the franchise and the relationships he built with fellow owners and team executives.
Steelers' Doug Lebda's Legacy Lives On
Friends and colleagues have shared memories of Lebda as a visionary entrepreneur with a warm personality and a genuine love for sports. Under his leadership, LendingTree grew into one of the nation’s leading online financial marketplaces, but those who knew him personally say his greatest pride came from family, community involvement, and his connection to the Steelers organization. Tributes online have reflected this balance of professional success and personal warmth, with many noting his approachable nature and generosity.
Melissa Key / CBJ
Steelers' minority owner Doug Lebda with his Steelers helmet.
The Steelers organization is expected to hold a statement or memorial to honor Lebda in the coming days. While his death leaves a sorrowful gap, it also serves as a reminder of the close-knit nature of the Steelers family, where owners, players, and fans share a deep bond. As the team heads into the remainder of the 2025 season, Lebda’s legacy will remain part of the organization, and his memory will undoubtedly inspire both the front office and the fans who celebrated his passion for the team.
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