Top 25 Richest Billionaires in the Sports Industry: Sports include esports, gambling, fitness, sports clubs, media rights, and sporting goods and services.
Research and Markets estimates that the global sports market will reach $629.81 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual rate of 5.6%.
Football, basketball, baseball, and boxing are the most popular sports in North America.
The North American sports team and club market is expected to generate $84 billion by 2023, according to Mordor Intelligence.
A compound annual growth rate of 6.2% is expected from 2024 to 2029.
Go straight to our list of the 5 Richest Billionaires in Sports if you want to skip our detailed analysis of the sports industry.
The 25 richest billionaires in the sports industry
25. Jerry Reinsdorf
Net Worth: $2.1 Billion
Jerry Reinsdorf purchased the Chicago White Sox for $19 million in 1981, and he still owns an estimated 19% of the team.
In 1985, Reinsdorf bought a controlling stake in the NBA’s Chicago Bulls for $9.2 million. Reinsdorf ranks 25th among the richest billionaires in sports.
24. Mark Davis
Net Worth: $2.3 Billion
Having inherited the Las Vegas Raiders from his father Al Davis, Mark Davis has a net worth of approximately $2.3 billion.
Also Read: Homeowners in Southwest Florida face insurance coverage loss ahead of hurricane season
23. Bernard Ecclestone
Net Worth: $2.4 Billion
‘Formula One’ was created by Bernard Ecclestone, who made a niche racing competition a global phenomenon.
It is estimated that Bernard Ecclestone ranks among the richest billionaires in the sports industry after selling the F1 to The Liberty SiriusXM Group (NASDAQ:LSXMA) for $4.4 billion in 2017.
22. Jim Crane
Net Worth: $2.4 Billion
In 2011, Crane’s investment group acquired the MLB’s Houston Astros for $615 million. Crane owns 40% of the Houston Astros. Crane ranks 22nd among the richest billionaires in the sports industry with a net worth of $2.4 billion.
21. Larry Tanenbaum
Net Worth: $2.5 Billion
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment is owned by Larry Tanenbaum, who owns the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, and MLS’s Toronto FC.
One of the richest people in the sports industry, Larry Tanenbaum has a net worth of around $2.5 billion.
20. Vincent McMahon
Net Worth: $2.8 Billion
The holding company for TKO Group Holdings, Inc. is TKO Group Holdings, Inc.
Vincent McMahon, the company’s executive chairman, resigned in January 2024.
19. Lorenzo Fertitta
Net Worth: $3 Billion
UFC was purchased for $2 million by Lorenzo Fertitta and his brother Frank in 2001.
In August 2017, both sold their stakes in UFC for $5 billion. Lorenzo Fertitta is estimated to be worth $3 billion.
18. Frank Fertitta
Net Worth: $3 Billion
Along with his brother, Lorenzo Fertitta, Frank Fertitta ranks 18th among the richest billionaires in the sports industry. In 2016, the Fertittas took their casino business public, Red Rock Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ:RRR).
17. Theodore Leonsis
Net Worth: $3.1 Billion
He’s the founder, majority owner, and CEO of Monumental Sports, which owns several teams and arenas in Washington, D.C.
16. David Blitzer
Net Worth: $3.1 Billion
A team named the Philadelphia 76ers has been purchased by David Blitzer and Joshua Harris of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO).
The Blitzer family later bought the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and Crystal Palace, making David Blitzer one of the richest people in the sports industry in 2024.
Also Read: Texas SNAP Benefits: May 2024 Food Stamp Deposit Schedule
15. Robert Johnson
Net Worth: $3.2 Billion
With a net worth of $3.2 billion, Robert Johnson ranks 15th among the richest billionaires in the sports industry after buying the NFL team New York Jets in 2000.
14. Michael Jordan
Net Worth: $3.2 Billion
In September 2020, Michael Jordan joined DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) as a special advisor to the board. Jordan won six championships with the Chicago Bulls.
Snyder, Dan
Net Worth: $4.4 Billion
Dan Snyder purchased the Washington Commanders in 1999 for $750 million and sold them for almost $6.05 billion in 2023.
One of the richest billionaires in sports is Dan Snyder.
12. James Irsay
Net Worth: $4.4 Billion
James Irsay inherited the Indianapolis Colts from his father, Robert Irsay, who has a net worth of $4.4 billion, ranking 12th among sports billionaires.
11. Jeffrey Lurie
Net Worth: $4.6 Billion
As the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, Jeffrey Lurie has a net worth of $4.6 billion, making him one of the richest people in sports.
Also Read: Stimulus Checks May 2024: All you need to know about Extra Payments and Rebates
10. Arturo Moreno
Net Worth: $4.9 Billion
The Los Angeles Angels baseball team is owned by Arturo Moreno, who ranks 10th among the richest billionaires in the sports industry.
9. John Henry
Net Worth: $5.1 Billion
His sports holding company, Fenway Sports Group, owns New England Sports Network and Nascar’s Roush Fenway Racing.
Among the richest billionaires in the sports industry, John Henry has a net worth of around $5.1 billion.
8. Janice McNair
Net Worth: $5.6 Billion
Following her husband’s death in 2018, Janice McNair inherited an 80% stake in the NFL’s Houston Texans.
7. Denise York
Net Worth: $5.8 Billion
York’s family owns over 90% of the NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers. She took over the team from her brother, Edward Jr., in 2000.
6. Gayle Benson
Net Worth: $6.1 Billion
Her late husband, Tom Benson, left her a stake in the NFL New Orleans Saints and NBA New Orleans Pelicans.
Gayle Benson ranks sixth among the richest billionaires in sports with a net worth of around $6.1 billion.
Also Read: $1500 Stimulus Check: When will you receive the payment in May and how to track it?
5. Stephen Bisciotti
Net Worth: $7 Billion
Owner of the Baltimore Ravens, Stephen Bisciotti has a net worth of around $7 billion
4. Arthur Blank
Net Worth: $7.9 Billion
The Atlanta Falcons were bought by Arthur Blank for $545 million in 2002. Blank has an estimated net worth of $7.9 billion.
3. Robert Kraft
Net Worth: $11.1 Billion
The New England Patriots were purchased by Kraft for $172 million in 1994, making him the third richest billionaire in the sports industry.
2. Jerry Jones
Net Worth: $14.1 Billion
A net worth of around $14.1 billion, Jerry Jones owns the NFL team Dallas Cowboys, which he bought for $150 million in 1989.
1. Stanley Kroenke
Net Worth: $16.2 Billion
Sports billionaire Stanley Kroenke owns the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, and English soccer club Arsenal.
