The Pittsburgh Steelers are mourning the death of minority owner Doug Lebda, founder of LendingTree, who died in an ATV accident at his North Carolina home
21:59 ET, 14 Oct 2025Updated 22:00 ET, 14 Oct 2025
A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet
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The Steelers mourned the loss of their minority owner
The Pittsburgh Steelers organization was in a state of mourning on Sunday after learning that minority owner Doug Lebda, founder and CEO of LendingTree, died in a tragic ATV accident at his family home in North Carolina. The somber moment overshadowed the organization's ongoing criticism of the playing surface at Acrisure Stadium.
Lebda's death signifies the loss of a key business leader and entrepreneur whose journey from online lending pioneer to NFL stakeholder showcased financial creativity and local pride. His unexpected passing shocked the Steelers community and broader business and political circles in the Carolinas, where Lebda's influence was significant.
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Lebda, one of the highest-paid executives in the country, first bought an undisclosed part of David Tepper's previous stake in the Steelers in November 2019. This was a three-way deal involving the Rooney family and NC Revocable Trust.
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Although the specific ownership percentage of Lebda was not disclosed, Forbes estimated that a 5 percent stake, similar to Tepper's original share, would be worth approximately $140 million. "It's a good investment," Lebda said at the time.
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"But it's also an amazing opportunity to be part of what I think is one of the best organizations of anything in the world."
The Steelers announced his death on Tuesday morning, with Team President Art Rooney II paying tribute to Lebda’s impact on and off the field.
“Doug was a visionary leader in the business world whose innovations in financial services leave a lasting impact,” Rooney said. “Beyond his professional achievements, he was a generous individual who cared deeply about his family and community.”
Lebda's influence stretched far beyond Pittsburgh.
In Charlotte, where LendingTree is based, political leaders, former colleagues, and friends honored him, recognizing his significant role in the city’s economic changes.
Guy Fieri and the CEO and Founder of Lendingtree Doug Lebda speak
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Lebda was famous for finding Lendingtree
North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis wrote, "Susan and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Doug Lebda. Doug was a visionary entrepreneur and business leader who helped drive Charlotte’s growth and success. We're keeping his wife Megan, their children, and the entire Lebda family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, who worked closely with Lebda on several civic initiatives, reflected on his legacy: "I have lost a true friend and North Carolina has lost one of America’s greatest entrepreneurs. Doug Lebda could have put the headquarters of LendingTree anywhere in the nation, but he selected Charlotte as his home. We are so fortunate to have known his passion and heart."
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Born in Pennsylvania and educated at Bucknell University, Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996. The brand sought to shape the way consumers compare and secure loans online.