Who Are the Wealthiest Owners in the League?
The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most lucrative sports leagues in the world, with billions of dollars in annual revenue. Behind the success of each franchise are wealthy owners who have amassed their fortunes through various industries, including real estate, technology, investments, and family businesses.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the net worth of NFL team owners, highlighting the richest individuals in the league and how they built their wealth.
1. Rob Walton (Denver Broncos) – $78.4 Billion
Rob Walton, an heir to the Walmart fortune, is the wealthiest owner in the NFL. He purchased the Denver Broncos in 2022 for a record-breaking $4.65 billion. Walton’s vast fortune stems from his family’s retail empire, Walmart, which remains one of the largest companies in the world.
2. David Tepper (Carolina Panthers) – $18.5 Billion
David Tepper, a hedge fund billionaire and founder of Appaloosa Management, bought the Carolina Panthers in 2018 for $2.275 billion. His investment prowess has made him one of the richest individuals in sports ownership.
3. Stan Kroenke (Los Angeles Rams) – $14.8 Billion
Stan Kroenke owns multiple sports franchises, including the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), and Arsenal FC (Premier League). His fortune comes primarily from real estate development and sports investments. He led the controversial move of the Rams from St. Louis to Los Angeles, where they now play in the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium.
4. Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys) – $13.5 Billion
Jerry Jones is one of the most well-known NFL owners, having owned the Dallas Cowboys since 1989. Under his leadership, the Cowboys have become the most valuable sports franchise in the world, worth over $9 billion. Jones made his fortune in oil and gas investments before purchasing the team for $150 million.
5. Robert Kraft (New England Patriots) – $11.1 Billion
Robert Kraft acquired the New England Patriots in 1994 for $172 million. He built his wealth through the paper and packaging industry with The Kraft Group. Under his ownership, the Patriots have become one of the most successful franchises in NFL history, winning multiple Super Bowls under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
6. Shahid Khan (Jacksonville Jaguars) – $10.8 Billion
Shahid Khan, a Pakistani-American billionaire, made his fortune in the auto parts business through Flex-N-Gate. He purchased the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011 for $770 million. Khan also owns Fulham FC in the English Premier League and has been actively involved in global sports ventures.
7. Stephen Ross (Miami Dolphins) – $10.1 Billion
Real estate mogul Stephen Ross is best known for developing Hudson Yards in New York City. He bought the Miami Dolphins in 2008 and has invested heavily in upgrading Hard Rock Stadium and the surrounding areas to improve fan experiences.
8. Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons) – $7.9 Billion
Co-founder of Home Depot, Arthur Blank purchased the Atlanta Falcons in 2002. His business acumen helped him build a fortune in retail, and he has since invested in multiple ventures, including the Atlanta United FC soccer team.
9. Jimmy and Dee Haslam (Cleveland Browns) – $6.8 Billion
The Haslam family made their wealth through Pilot Flying J, a major truck stop chain. They bought the Cleveland Browns in 2012 and have since been heavily involved in rebuilding the franchise into a playoff contender.
10. Jeffrey Lurie (Philadelphia Eagles) – $4.4 Billion
Jeffrey Lurie comes from a background in Hollywood film production and finance. He purchased the Philadelphia Eagles in 1994 for $185 million. Under his leadership, the team won its first Super Bowl in 2018.
Other Notable NFL Owners and Their Net Worth
- Glazer Family (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – $4.7 Billion
- Jim Irsay (Indianapolis Colts) – $4.2 Billion
- Mark Davis (Las Vegas Raiders) – $1.9 Billion
- Virginia Halas McCaskey (Chicago Bears) – $1.8 Billion
- Mike Brown (Cincinnati Bengals) – $925 Million
Conclusion
The NFL is home to some of the wealthiest individuals in the world, with owners coming from diverse industries ranging from real estate to finance and retail. These owners have played a significant role in shaping the league and ensuring its continued financial success. With billion-dollar valuations, record-breaking TV deals, and lucrative sponsorships, NFL ownership remains one of the most exclusive and profitable investments in the world of sports.
FAQ
Q: Who is the richest NFL owner?
A: Rob Walton, owner of the Denver Broncos, is the richest NFL owner with a net worth of $78.4 billion.
Q: How do NFL owners make their money?
A: NFL owners typically earn their wealth through various industries such as real estate, finance, retail, oil, and technology. Many also benefit from the increasing valuation of their teams.
Q: Which NFL team is the most valuable?
A: The Dallas Cowboys, owned by Jerry Jones, are the most valuable NFL team, with a valuation exceeding $9 billion.
Q: How much did the most expensive NFL team sale cost?
A: The Denver Broncos were sold for a record $4.65 billion to Rob Walton in 2022.
Q: Do all NFL owners own 100% of their teams?
A: No, many teams are owned by groups or families, with some owners holding majority stakes rather than full ownership.
Q: How much does an NFL team owner make annually?
A: NFL owners make money through ticket sales, sponsorships, TV deals, and revenue sharing. Their annual earnings vary widely based on team performance and financial structure.
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