The NFL is not just a showcase of athleticism and strategic genius—it’s also a billionaire’s playground, where some of the wealthiest individuals in the world own and manage football teams. With massive TV deals, sponsorships, and a global fanbase, NFL team ownership has become a pinnacle for billionaires looking to make a mark on sports and business alike.
Here’s a look at the wealthiest NFL owners and the fortunes they bring to the league:
1. Rob Walton – Denver Broncos
• Net Worth: $66.9 billion
• Source of Wealth: Walmart heir
Rob Walton, the heir to the Walmart fortune, recently acquired the Denver Broncos in 2022, making him the richest owner in the NFL—and one of the richest people in the world. His family’s wealth, built from the retail empire, far outstrips that of any other owner in the league.
2. David Tepper – Carolina Panthers
• Net Worth: $20.6 billion
• Source of Wealth: Hedge fund (Appaloosa Management)
David Tepper, founder of Appaloosa Management, is no stranger to making big plays both on and off the field. His aggressive investing strategies made him one of the wealthiest hedge fund managers, and in 2018, he added the Carolina Panthers to his portfolio of assets.
3. Stan Kroenke – Los Angeles Rams
• Net Worth: $12.9 billion
• Source of Wealth: Real estate, sports franchises
Stan Kroenke owns a sports empire, with teams across multiple leagues, including the Los Angeles Rams, Arsenal Football Club, and the Denver Nuggets. His vast wealth stems from his real estate ventures and his marriage into the Walton family, making him a powerhouse in both American and global sports.
4. Jerry Jones – Dallas Cowboys
• Net Worth: $14.6 billion
• Source of Wealth: Oil, real estate, sports
Jerry Jones is perhaps the most recognizable owner in the NFL, thanks in part to his hands-on approach with the Dallas Cowboys. Jones made his fortune in oil and real estate, but his shrewd business acumen helped turn the Cowboys into one of the most valuable franchises in sports history.
5. Shahid Khan – Jacksonville Jaguars
• Net Worth: $12.5 billion
• Source of Wealth: Auto parts (Flex-N-Gate)
Shahid Khan’s journey is a true rags-to-riches story. After immigrating to the U.S., he built his company, Flex-N-Gate, into a global automotive parts manufacturer. In 2011, Khan purchased the Jacksonville Jaguars, and since then, he’s made his mark on both the NFL and global sports.
6. Stephen M. Ross – Miami Dolphins
• Net Worth: $11.6 billion
• Source of Wealth: Real estate (Related Companies)
Stephen Ross is a real estate mogul known for developing New York’s Hudson Yards, one of the largest real estate projects in U.S. history. He purchased the Miami Dolphins in 2008 and has made significant investments in the team and the surrounding stadium infrastructure.
7. Josh Harris – Washington Commanders
• Net Worth: $7.9 billion
• Source of Wealth: Private equity (Apollo Global Management)
Josh Harris, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, added the Washington Commanders to his sports portfolio in 2023. With ownership stakes in other teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, Harris is a prominent figure in sports team investments.
8. Arthur Blank – Atlanta Falcons
• Net Worth: $7.6 billion
• Source of Wealth: Co-founder of Home Depot
Arthur Blank’s success story is tied to the home improvement giant Home Depot, which he co-founded. After selling his shares in the company, he shifted his focus to sports, purchasing the Atlanta Falcons in 2002. He’s since become a beloved figure in Atlanta sports and philanthropy.
9. Terry Pegula – Buffalo Bills
• Net Worth: $7 billion
• Source of Wealth: Oil, gas, real estate
Terry Pegula amassed his wealth through oil and gas investments before expanding into real estate. Along with his wife, Kim Pegula, they have rejuvenated the Buffalo Bills and become prominent figures in both sports and the Buffalo community.
10. Robert Kraft – New England Patriots
• Net Worth: $10.6 billion
• Source of Wealth: Paper and packaging, sports franchises
Robert Kraft has owned the New England Patriots since 1994 and turned them into one of the NFL’s most successful franchises. Known for his ties to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, Kraft made his fortune in paper and packaging, later diversifying into sports and entertainment.
11. Jody Allen – Seattle Seahawks
• Net Worth: $20.3 billion (Paul Allen’s estate)
• Source of Wealth: Microsoft co-founder (Paul Allen’s sister)
As the executor of Paul Allen’s estate, Jody Allen took over control of the Seattle Seahawks after her brother’s death in 2018. Paul Allen, a Microsoft co-founder, was one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, and the family wealth now oversees the team.
12. Glazer Family – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Net Worth: $4.7 billion
• Source of Wealth: Real estate, sports franchises
The Glazer family, who also own Manchester United, purchased the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995. Their diversified portfolio includes significant holdings in real estate, sports, and other investments.
The Power of Wealth in the NFL
Owning an NFL team is not just a business venture—it’s a statement of wealth and influence. The massive investments by these billionaires have transformed franchises, impacting everything from stadium renovations to international fan outreach. As the NFL continues to grow in value, the influence of these wealthy owners will only deepen, ensuring that football remains both a sporting and business juggernaut.
From Rob Walton’s Walmart billions to Jerry Jones’ oil fortunes, these individuals demonstrate how wealth and sports can converge to create lasting legacies in the world’s most popular sport.
These NFL owners wield more than just their checkbooks—they shape the game on and off the field. Whether through historic stadiums or eye-popping player contracts, they’re ensuring that the NFL stays at the top of the sports world, both as a business and a cultural phenomenon.
