It must be nice to be a billionaire. You could literally have anything you want. For many billionaires, that means a professional sports franchise. What would you buy? An NFL team? An NBA team? An NHL or MLB team? How about a major league soccer team? The allure of owning a sports team is not just the wealth but the prestige and passion that comes with it. From Indian cricket teams and English football teams to American basketball teams and everything in between, this article delves into the world of the richest sports team owners.
The 20 richest controlling owners of professional sports teams have a combined net worth of around $426 billion. This staggering figure showcases not only their financial success but also the influence they wield within the sports realm. In this article, we will explore the 8 wealthiest individuals who have taken ownership of these franchises, examining what makes them tick and the teams they have chosen to invest in.
As we highlight these billionaires, we will also uncover their backgrounds, how they amassed their fortunes, and what motivated them to enter the world of sports. Whether it's for love of the game, community support, or simply as a business venture, these owners represent a unique blend of passion and power. Let’s dive into the profiles of these iconic figures and their extraordinary sports empires!
Table of Contents
- Joseph Tsai - Brooklyn Nets
- David Tepper - Carolina Panthers
- Steven Cohen - New York Mets
- Roman Abramovich - Chelsea FC
- Dan Gilbert - Cleveland Cavaliers
- Francois Pinault - Stade Rennais FC
- Mukesh Ambani - Mumbai Indians
- Steve Ballmer - Los Angeles Clippers
Joseph Tsai - Brooklyn Nets
Joseph Tsai is a prominent billionaire with a net worth of $10.5 billion. He is a co-founder of Alibaba, one of the world's largest e-commerce companies. In September 2019, he became the owner of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets. Tsai's investment in sports extends beyond basketball, as he also owns the MLS franchise Los Angeles FC, highlighting his deep commitment to the sports community.
David Tepper - Carolina Panthers
With a net worth of $12 billion, David Tepper made his fortune as the founder of Appaloosa Management, a successful hedge fund. Tepper acquired the NFL's Carolina Panthers in 2018. His journey is marked by perseverance, having transitioned from Goldman Sachs to building his own financial empire. Tepper is known for his unique approach to ownership, blending business acumen with a passion for sports.
Steven Cohen - New York Mets
Steven Cohen, boasting a net worth of $14 billion, is the owner of MLB's New York Mets. He purchased a significant stake in the team in 2012 and increased his ownership to 95% in 2020 for $2.35 billion. Known for his background in hedge funds, Cohen's investment in the Mets reflects his dedication to reviving the team's fortunes, even amidst financial challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Roman Abramovich - Chelsea FC
Roman Abramovich, with a net worth of $18 billion, is best known for his ownership of Chelsea FC, a top club in the English Premier League. His wealth stems from investments in steel and other industries. Abramovich's influence in sports is significant, and he has made substantial contributions to the team's success, making Chelsea a formidable force in international football.
Dan Gilbert - Cleveland Cavaliers
Dan Gilbert has a remarkable net worth of $40 billion, earned primarily through Quicken Loans, which he founded and led as CEO. He is the owner of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers and has played an instrumental role in the team's rise, including their historic 2016 NBA Championship win. Gilbert's investments extend to other sports franchises, showcasing his dedication to sports and community engagement.
Francois Pinault - Stade Rennais FC
Francois Pinault, with a net worth of $47 billion, is the founder and majority shareholder of the luxury goods conglomerate Kering. He owns Stade Rennais FC, reflecting his passion for football. Pinault's investments in fashion and sports illustrate his diverse interests and his ability to leverage his wealth across different industries.
Mukesh Ambani - Mumbai Indians
Mukesh Ambani stands tall with a net worth of $75 billion, primarily from his leadership of Reliance Industries. He purchased the Mumbai Indians, an Indian Premier League cricket team, in 2008, earning the title of "The World’s Richest Sports Team Owner." His influence in the sports sector extends to founding the Indian Super League, showcasing his commitment to enhancing sports in India.
Steve Ballmer - Los Angeles Clippers
Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, is the wealthiest sports team owner with a net worth of $91 billion. He acquired the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers in 2014 for $2 billion. Ballmer's business savvy and passion for basketball have transformed the Clippers into a competitive franchise, making his ownership one of the most talked-about in recent years.
