7 richest sports team owners: net worths, ranked – from the Mets’ Steve Cohen and ex-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer with the LA Clippers, to Kering founder François Pinault buying Stade Rennais FC

Dec 23 , 2024

Discover the seven richest sports team owners today; pictured (from left) Quicken Loans’ Dan Gilbert, Kering’s Francois Pinault and Point72 Asset Management’s Steve Cohen. Photos: @NBA_NewYork/X; Sygma via Getty Images; @NBA_NewYork/X

The Carolina Panthers’ David Tepper started on Goldman Sachs’ junk bond desk; the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Dan Gilbert founded Quicken Loans; and the Dallas Mavericks’ Miriam Adelson runs Las Vegas Sands

It’s no secret that successful sports stars are some of the industry’s wealthiest personalities. From NBA players such as Stephen Curry and NHL greats like Wayne Gretzky, to Formula One drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and boxers like Floyd Mayweather, famous athletes have made bank with big pay cheques and even bigger endorsement deals.

But, as it turns out, the real wealth in sport lies with the teams’ billionaire owners. After all, you’ve got to have some serious cash to be able to buy out or invest in a major sporting franchise.

After splashing out to take over their teams, the richest owners of 2024 have demonstrated strategic vision, leadership and commitment to the game. From expensive player acquisitions and fancy stadium developments, to mega merchandising and endorsement executions, their investments have left a significant mark on the world of sports.

Meet 2024’s wealthiest sports team owners, from the NBA to the NFL. Rankings are according to each owner’s net worth, as estimated by Forbes.

7. François Pinault and family

Sports team: Stade Rennais FC

Estimated net worth: US$20.6 billion

François Pinault’s Kering conglomerate owns Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen and Gucci; he bought his hometown football club, Stade Rennais FC, in 1998. Photo: Getty Images

The undisputed king of luxury, François Pinault made his billions as the founder of Kering, the US$22 billion French conglomerate that owns brands like Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen and Gucci. The billionaire bought his hometown football club, Stade Rennais FC, in France’s Ligue 1, in 1998.

6. David Tepper

Sports team: Carolina Panthers

Estimated net worth: US$21.3 billion

David Tepper, founder of Appaloosa Management, owns the Carolina Panthers. Photo: Bloomberg