The Michigan Panthers have been the little weekend spark that kept Ford Field humming through the spring. A big reason for Detroit fans to dust off their jerseys before the Lions kicked back into gear. For the past few years, they’ve given downtown a pulse on Saturdays that would’ve otherwise sat quiet. But that’s coming to an end, and that’s not exactly great news for Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp.

The Panthers dropped a hammer this week: it’s officially pulling out of the Michigan market. Why? Because Ford Field and the rest of Detroit’s big-time venues “don’t align with our new vision.” Translation: the league wants cozier, more affordable places to play. So, no more Panthers at Ford Field next spring. And yes, that means one less stream of cash flowing into Sheila Ford’s and the Tigers’ accounts.

The UFL made it clear in their statement, too. It wants “smaller, more intimate settings that elevate the fan experience.” Co-owner Mike Repole, who swears he’s ”a big fan of Michigan,” basically confirmed the high costs of playing in an NFL-level stadium being a factor, saying Ford Field was “the biggest obstacle” for keeping the team in Detroit.

That’s a tough break for both sides. The Panthers now have to find a new home, and Sheila Ford just lost a steady offseason tenant that helped keep her building busy.

The Panthers were actually one of the few bright spots for the UFL. While the league’s attendance dropped about 5% overall this season and TV numbers dipped too, Michigan’s fan base grew. The Panthers were drawing around 11,000 fans a game, which, for spring football, is basically a win.

As for Sheila Ford and the Ford Field, it’s not the end of the world.

Ford Field is a money-making machine

It’s a downtown Detroit event machine. The 65,000-seat dome comes loaded with 129 luxury suites, multiple club lounges, and a long list of corporate partners who keep the money flowing year-round.

It’s not just football filling the calendar. The stadium hosts everything from Taylor Swift and Beyonce concerts to college bowl games, NCAA tournaments, high school championships, and more. Every weekend Ford Field isn’t hosting football, it’s probably hosting something that sells out faster than you’d think.

At the end of the day, this is why stadium economics matter. NFL owners and their teams don’t just live off league revenue; they live off everything else their stadiums can squeeze out: tickets, luxury boxes, concessions, parking, sponsorships, and event rentals. Every concert and bowl game is another line item to cash in on.

So yes, losing the Panthers stings a little. But let’s be real. Ford Field is still one of the most profitable buildings in the city, and it’ll keep printing money long after the Panthers find a smaller stage to call home.