R.I.P: San Francisco 49ers Minority Owner And Lendingtree Founder Doug Lebda Dies In Tragic Atv Accident

Santa Clara, CA — October 14, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers organization and the financial world are united in grief following the tragic passing of Doug Lebda, a minority owner of the 49ers and the visionary founder and CEO of LendingTree. Lebda died over the weekend in a fatal ATV accident on his family property in North Carolina. He was 55 years old.

LendingTree confirmed his passing in an emotional statement Monday, honoring him as a transformative business leader and a man whose innovation reshaped an entire industry.

“Doug was a visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation, and passion reshaped the financial services landscape, touching the lives of millions of consumers,” the company wrote. “His energy and vision will continue to guide us forward.”

A native of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and a Bucknell University graduate, Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996 after struggling to secure his first mortgage. That personal challenge inspired a revolutionary idea — a 

digital platform where lenders compete to offer the best deals to consumers.

Under his leadership, LendingTree went live in 1998 and soon transformed how Americans access credit. By 2000, it went public on NASDAQ under the ticker 

TREE, marking Lebda as one of the pioneers of the fintech revolution.

Lebda joined the San Francisco 49ers ownership group in 2019, acquiring a minority stake that reflected his admiration for the organization’s legacy of excellence and innovation. He often described the Niners as 

“a team built on vision, culture, and courage — values that mirror every great company.”

Authorities have not released full details regarding the accident, but tributes have poured in from NFL circles and the global business community. 49ers executives described Lebda as 

“a man whose commitment to innovation and integrity left a lasting mark on every field he entered.”

Doug Lebda’s passing leaves a profound void — in San Francisco, in 

the world of finance, and among those who admired his relentless pursuit of progress. His story stands as a lasting testament to the power of vision, resilience, and belief — the same spirit that drives the Faithful to The Bay.

Philadelphia Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie Expands LGBT Merchandise at Lincoln Financial Field

Philadelphia, PA – OCt 17, 2025

The Philadelphia Eagles, reigning Super Bowl champions, have officially joined the frontlines of the NFL’s inclusivity movement. Owner Jeffrey Lurie announced that Lincoln Financial Field will expand its LGBT-themed merchandise sections, making support for the LGBTQ+ community more visible than ever.

The decision builds on years of community outreach and aligns with the NFL’s broader commitment to diversity. Rainbow jerseys, caps, and accessories have already been popular in team shops, but now they will take center stage on game days.

In a statement that quickly went viral, Lurie emphasized the team’s values: “The Philadelphia Eagles have always stood for toughness, loyalty, and unity. That unity includes our LGBTQ+ community — because love, pride, and acceptance are what make our family stronger. Fly Eagles Fly.”

The move drew immediate praise from advocacy groups and Eagles fans, many of whom celebrated the team’s willingness to lead by example. Social media buzzed with photos of the expanded merchandise stands, and the hashtag

#FlyWithPride began trending on X (formerly Twitter).

While critics argued that football should avoid social or political messaging, the Eagles made clear that inclusivity is part of their identity. For a franchise built on passion and resilience, broadening the fan experience is seen as a natural step forward.

The NFL has consistently endorsed diversity and inclusion, but insiders say the Eagles’ initiative sets a new benchmark. Other franchises may now feel encouraged — or pressured — to follow Philadelphia’s lead.

On the field, the Eagles are soaring with a 3-0 start to the season. Off the field, they are making an equally strong statement: that their fan base is a family, united by football but strengthened by acceptance.

Whether you cheer from the stands or from home, the Eagles’ message is clear — in Philadelphia, pride and football fly together.