Sheila Ford Hamp, the owner of the Detroit Lions, has signed a $13.5 million deal with Netflix to produce a film about the Lions. The upcoming documentary is a tribute to the iconic Detroit Lions football team, which has defined the sport…

Netflix and the Gridiron: Sheila Ford Hamp Inks $13.5M Deal for Definitive Detroit Lions Film

In a groundbreaking move that merges entertainment with NFL legacy, Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp has signed a $13.5 million deal with Netflix to produce a film about the Detroit Lions—one that promises to be far more than just a traditional sports documentary. What’s coming is a sweeping, cinematic tribute to a football franchise that has risen from decades of adversity to become one of the NFL’s most compelling modern stories.

The project, set to begin production later this year, will chronicle the evolution of the Detroit Lions from their early struggles to their modern-day renaissance. Sources close to the project describe it as “a celebration, a reckoning, and a love letter to Detroit football.”

Sheila Ford Hamp, who took over team ownership from her mother Martha Firestone Ford in 2020, has been a pivotal figure in reshaping the team’s culture and reputation. Under her stewardship, the Lions have gone from perennial underachievers to legitimate playoff contenders, capturing the hearts of both diehard fans and casual observers alike.

“I wanted to tell a story that goes beyond the field,” Hamp said in a statement. “This film is about grit, loyalty, and believing in something bigger than yourself. It’s about Detroit. It’s about the fans. And yes—it’s about the Lions finally roaring.”

The Netflix project is being co-produced with NFL Films, guaranteeing high production quality, rare archival footage, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. The film will cover every era of Lions history—from the golden days of Bobby Layne to the heartbreaks of the 2000s, and the recent revival under head coach Dan Campbell.

Unlike typical NFL documentaries, this film is expected to include dramatic reenactments, interviews with cultural figures connected to Detroit, and even segments narrated by celebrities with Lions roots, adding a unique emotional and narrative layer to the storytelling.

Early reports suggest that Oscar-nominated director Ava DuVernay has been approached to direct or consult on the project, given her previous work capturing deeply personal and historically significant narratives. If she signs on, it would elevate the project from documentary to major cultural moment.

Fans can expect a deep dive into key moments, such as the drafting of Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, the 0–16 season of 2008, and the rebirth of the franchise in the 2020s. The journey of quarterback Jared Goff, Dan Campbell’s passionate leadership, and the construction of a blue-collar football identity will all be front and center.

The timing of the film couldn’t be better. With Detroit coming off one of its best seasons in decades and widely seen as a contender in the NFC, the Lions are no longer a punchline—they’re a powerhouse. That upward trajectory makes the film’s narrative arc both timely and emotionally satisfying.

“This isn’t just a sports story. It’s a redemption story,” said Lions GM Brad Holmes. “We’ve rebuilt this team from the ground up with integrity and heart. This film will show the world who we are.”

Netflix executives are banking on the film’s wide appeal—not just to football fans, but to anyone drawn to stories of resilience, regional pride, and transformation. “The Detroit Lions represent something far beyond football,” said a Netflix spokesperson. “They symbolize a city’s strength and a fanbase’s undying loyalty.”

Detroit residents and Lions faithful across the country have already taken to social media to express excitement. “This is our time,” one fan posted. “We’ve waited our whole lives for this kind of recognition. And we’re just getting started.”

The production is expected to shoot scenes in iconic Detroit landmarks, including Ford Field, the Spirit of Detroit statue, and neighborhoods that embody the city’s tough-but-hopeful spirit. Community involvement is also a focus, with plans for open casting calls and fan interviews.

Merchandising and promotional tie-ins are also in development, including a companion book, a limited-edition apparel line, and potentially even a premiere event at Ford Field. Netflix plans a wide release across its global platform, making the Lions’ story accessible to millions.

Though a final release date hasn’t been announced, insiders suggest a late 2026 premiere, possibly aligning with the Lions’ centennial season. If all goes as planned, it could be the crowning achievement of a new era in Detroit football history.

The $13.5 million deal marks one of the largest Netflix has signed for a sports film that isn’t centered on a global figure like Michael Jordan or Cristiano Ronaldo—showing the faith the streaming giant has in the Lions’ magnetic story.

For Sheila Ford Hamp, this film is more than just a business venture—it’s a personal mission. “I grew up with this team in my blood,” she said. “This film will show the world what it means to believe through decades of doubt and finally see the sun rise. This is the Detroit Lions’ story—and it’s only the beginning.”