When new users hear about WordPress, they often assume it’s a single company like Wix or Squarespace. Others get confused between WordPress.org and WordPress.com. The question “Who owns WordPress?” is common, especially for bloggers, developers, and business owners who want to understand what powers the world’s most popular content management system (CMS).
What Exactly Is WordPress?
WordPress is a free, open-source CMS that lets users build websites, blogs, and online stores. It powers more than 40% of all websites worldwide.
There are two main versions of WordPress:
- WordPress.org – the self-hosted version you install on your own web hosting service. It gives complete control, flexibility, and the freedom to use themes, plugins, and custom code.
- WordPress.com – a hosted service run by Automattic, where WordPress is managed for you, but customization is limited unless you’re on a paid plan.
This split often creates confusion about ownership.
Who Created WordPress?
WordPress started in 2003 as a fork of a blogging tool called b2/cafelog. Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little created it, two developers who wanted a more flexible publishing system.
Since then, WordPress has grown into the world’s most widely used open-source website platform, supported by thousands of contributors and developers.
Who Owns WordPress Today?
Here’s the simple answer: no one owns WordPress.org. It is an open-source project licensed under the GPL (General Public License). That means anyone can download, use, modify, and distribute it freely.
The WordPress Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Matt Mullenweg, manages the WordPress trademark and safeguards the open-source project.
On the other hand, WordPress.com is owned and operated by Automattic, a private company also founded by Matt Mullenweg. Automattic offers commercial services centered around WordPress, including hosting and premium upgrades.
Role of Automattic and Matt Mullenweg
Matt Mullenweg is both the co-founder of WordPress and the CEO of Automattic. Automattic is behind products like:
- WordPress.com – the hosted platform.
- WooCommerce – a popular eCommerce plugin.
- Jetpack – a security and performance plugin.
While Automattic plays a significant role in the WordPress ecosystem, it does not own WordPress.org. Instead, it contributes significantly to the open-source project, alongside many independent developers.
WordPress License and Community Ownership
WordPress is released under the GPL license, which guarantees four freedoms:
- Freedom to run the program for any purpose.
- Freedom to study and modify the source code.
- Freedom to redistribute copies.
- Freedom to share modified versions.
This makes WordPress community-owned software. Thousands of developers, translators, designers, and volunteers worldwide contribute to its code, themes, plugins, and support forums.
Misconceptions About WordPress Ownership
A common mistake is believing that Automattic owns WordPress entirely. In reality:
- WordPress.org → free, open-source, community-driven, protected by the WordPress Foundation.
- WordPress.com → owned by Automattic, offering WordPress as a paid hosting service.
This confusion comes from the shared brand name “WordPress,” but once you separate .org from .com, the ownership question becomes clear.
Conclusion: Who Really Owns WordPress?
WordPress is a unique mix of community and corporate involvement. WordPress.org is owned by everyone under its open-source GPL license and is protected by the WordPress Foundation. WordPress.com is owned by Automattic, the company founded by Matt Mullenweg.
This article was written for new WordPress users, bloggers, and business owners who want to understand the platform’s ownership structure before building their sites. Knowing the difference helps you decide whether you need the complete freedom of WordPress.org or the simplicity of WordPress.com.