To own a pro-sports team is to be in a very exclusive club. In fact, it's a club open exclusively to billionaires. That’s true in the NFL, NBA, and the NHL. The 15-richest NHL team owners have a combined net worth near $115 billion. The richest of them all is David Thomson, owner of the Winnipeg Jets. He has a net worth of $33 billion, thanks to his family’s media empire. The Boston Bruins, a storied franchise, has been owned by the same man since 1975. Let’s look at the 15-richest NHL team owners, their net worth, and how they made their money.
In the world of professional sports, team ownership signifies more than just financial standing; it represents a unique blend of passion, influence, and legacy. Each of these billionaires has carved out a path not just in sports but in various industries, using their wealth to shape the franchises they lead. From media empires to private equity firms, their routes to power and success are as varied as the teams they own.
This article delves into the personal backgrounds and financial achievements of the NHL’s wealthiest owners. From Brian Roberts, who inherited a media giant, to Philip Anschutz, a titan in the entertainment world, we explore the stories behind the numbers. By understanding their journeys, we gain insight into what it takes to not only own a sports team but to thrive in the competitive landscape of professional sports.
Table of Contents
- David Thomson — Winnipeg Jets
- Hasso Plattner — San Jose Sharks
- Philip Anschutz — Los Angeles Kings
- Ann Walton Kroenke — Colorado Avalanche
- Terrence Pegula — Buffalo Sabres
- Marian Ilitch — Detroit Red Wings
- Edward P. Roski — Los Angeles Kings
- Henry Samueli — Anaheim Ducks
- Daryl Katz — Edmonton Oilers
- Jeremy Jacobs — Boston Bruins
- Vincent Viola — Florida Panthers
- Joshua Harris — New Jersey Devils
- David Bonderman — Seattle NHL Team
- Ronald Burkle — Pittsburgh Penguins
- Brian Roberts — Philadelphia Flyers
David Thomson — Winnipeg Jets
David Thomson is not only the owner of the Winnipeg Jets but also a central figure in the Canadian media landscape. His family's company, Thomson Reuters, is renowned for its extensive portfolio in news and information services. David's net worth is estimated at a staggering $33 billion, making him the richest NHL owner. His journey began with his grandfather's acquisition of the Timmins Daily Press in 1934. Under David's leadership, the company expanded significantly, acquiring major assets like Reuters.
| Name | Net Worth | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Thomson | $33 billion | 62 | Canadian/British |
Hasso Plattner — San Jose Sharks
Hasso Plattner made his fortune primarily through his role as the CEO of SAP AG, a software company he co-founded in 1972. With a net worth of $13.5 billion, he is a key player in the tech industry and sports ownership. Plattner’s vision and innovation in software have brought significant revenue, allowing him to invest in the San Jose Sharks. He is known for his strategic thinking and commitment to excellence, which he applies both in business and sports.
| Name | Net Worth | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hasso Plattner | $13.5 billion | 75 | German |
Philip Anschutz — Los Angeles Kings
Philip Anschutz, with a net worth of $11 billion, is the chairman of Anschutz Entertainment Group and has made significant contributions to both sports and entertainment. His investments range from oil and telecommunications to real estate and live entertainment. Anschutz owns the Los Angeles Kings and has been instrumental in shaping the sports landscape in Los Angeles, including the development of the Staples Center.
| Name | Net Worth | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Anschutz | $11 billion | 79 | American |
Ann Walton Kroenke — Colorado Avalanche
As the daughter of Walmart founder Bud Walton, Ann Walton Kroenke inherited a substantial fortune and is actively involved in sports ownership. With a net worth of $5.5 billion, she co-owns the Colorado Avalanche and several other franchises with her husband, Stan Kroenke. Her business acumen and deep understanding of the retail sector have been vital in her ventures.
| Name | Net Worth | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Walton Kroenke | $5.5 billion | 70 | American |
Terrence Pegula — Buffalo Sabres
Terrence Pegula is a self-made billionaire with a net worth of $4.6 billion, primarily from his successful ventures in oil and gas. After selling his company, East Resources, to Royal Dutch Shell for $4.7 billion, he expanded into sports ownership, acquiring the Buffalo Sabres. Pegula is known for his commitment to improving both the Sabres and the local community.
| Name | Net Worth | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrence Pegula | $4.6 billion | 68 | American |
Marian Ilitch — Detroit Red Wings
Marian Ilitch is a prominent figure in the pizza industry, having co-founded Little Caesars Pizza with her late husband, Mike. With a net worth of $4 billion, she is not only the owner of the Detroit Red Wings but also the Detroit Tigers. Her journey from opening a single pizza shop to running a billion-dollar enterprise showcases her entrepreneurial spirit.
| Name | Net Worth | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marian Ilitch | $4 billion | 86 | American |
Edward P. Roski — Los Angeles Kings
Edward P. Roski, Jr. is the owner of Majestic Realty Co., the largest private holder of industrial real estate in the U.S. With a net worth of $3.7 billion, he has played a significant role in shaping Los Angeles’ real estate landscape. His ownership of the Los Angeles Kings ties him to both sports and real estate, demonstrating his diverse business interests.
| Name | Net Worth | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edward P. Roski | $3.7 billion | 80 | American |
