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NFL’s Richest Owners Ranked From 32 to 1 (Updated 2024)
Who are the richest owners in the NFL, and how did they amass their fortunes? How do they stack up against each other in terms of net worth?
Published on
August 14, 2024 | 5:21 PM EDT
It’s no secret that to own an NFL team, you need to have deep pockets. Based on net worth, who are the NFL’s richest owners? Who’s on the opposite end of the spectrum?
Let’s examine how the NFL’s 32 owners stack up against one another in terms of net worth.
Richest NFL Owners Ranked by Net Worth
We’ll be using Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List to rank the NFL owners. If an owner is not listed, we have used other sources to estimate their net worth.
32) Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are the only team that doesn’t have a traditional owner. They have been a publicly-owned, non-profit corporation since Aug. 18, 1923. The corporation currently has around 537,460 stockholders who collectively own an estimated 5.2 million shares of stock.
These days, the NFL does not allow corporate ownership of clubs. Every franchise must be owned by either a single owner or a small group of owners — at least one of whom must hold a 1/3 stake in the team. The Packers were grandfathered in.
Net worth: N/A
31) Mike Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Brown’s father, Paul Brown, was the original coach of the Cleveland Browns and the founder of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968. Mike took control of the Bengals after his father passed away in August 1991.
Brown has spent most of his adult life working within the organization. He’s not currently listed on the Real-Time Billionaires List. However, in 2015, Forbes estimated that his net worth is $925 million.
Net worth: $925 million
30) Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers
Art Rooney II’s grandfather, Art Rooney Sr., founded the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933. The Rooneys have made the majority of their wealth from their ownership of the team rather than other business ventures.
Art Rooney II took over as the team’s owner in 2017 after his father, Dan Rooney, passed away. The Rooney family is one of the most well-respected families in the NFL.
Net worth: $1.2 billion
T-28 Virginia Halas McCaskey, Chicago Bears
Much like the Rooneys, the Halas/McCaskey family’s wealth comes from owning and running their NFL team, which they’ve done for a very long time.
Virginia’s late father, George Halas, bought the Chicago Bears three years before she was born in 1920. McCaskey, 101, is the oldest owner in the league.
Net worth: $1.3 billion
T-28 Zygi Wilf, Minnesota Vikings
The Wilf family business is Garden Homes, a nationwide leader in retail, commercial, and private residential development. Zygi began working as an attorney before joining the family business and becoming head of one of its affiliates, Garden Commercial Properties.
The Wilfs’ companies own more than 100 shopping centers and 90,000 apartment units around the country. They have an impressive portfolio, with the Vikings being the crown jewel.
Net worth: $1.3 billion
27) Michael Bidwill, Arizona Cardinals
Similar to the Steelers and Bears, the Arizona Cardinals are a family-run business. Michael Bidwill’s grandfather, Charles Bidwill, bought the team in 1932. Michael was a federal prosecutor before he joined the Cardinals in 1996. He took over as the team’s owner in October 2019 after his father, Bill, passed away.
Net worth: $1.4 billion
T-25) Amy Adams Strunk, Tennessee Titans
Amy Adams Strunk’s father, Bud, was one of the founders of the AFL and the Houston Oilers, which became the Tennessee Titans. Bud Adams made his money in the petroleum business before delving into football. Adams Strunk also founded Kenada Farms and the Little River Oil and Gas Company.
Net worth: $2 billion
T-25) Sheila Ford Hamp, Detroit Lions
A descendant of Henry Ford, Sheila Ford Hamp’s family runs the massive car powerhouse, Ford Motor Company, headquartered in Michigan.
Hamp took over as principal owner of the Detroit Lions in June 2020 after her mother, Martha Firestone Ford, stepped down after leading the organization. Hamp is the matriarch of the Ford family is worth $2 billion, according to Forbes.
Net worth: $2 billion
24) John Mara and Steve Tisch, New York Giants
The Giants’ ownership situation is a bit unique. The team is co-owned by John Mara and Steve Tisch with a 50-50 share. Mara is a former labor lawyer and the grandson of original team investor Timothy Mara, as well as the oldest son of Wellington Mara. John isn’t the most famous person in his family, as his nieces are actors Kate Mara and Rooney Mara.
Tisch is a movie producer and the son of Bob Tisch, co-founder of the Loews Corporation, which bought a 50% stake in the team in 1991 and has maintained the split since.
Combined, Mara and Tisch are worth at least $2.1 billion.
Net worth: Mara – $500 million, Tisch – $1.6 billion
23) Mark Davis, Las Vegas Raiders
Mark and his mother, Carol Davis, inherited the Las Vegas Raiders after Al Davis passed away in October 2011.
Mark has worked exclusively for the Raiders throughout his adult life, including stints in the equipment department and retail sales. Now, he finds himself at the top of the organization, which has experienced significant growth with him at the helm.
Net worth: $2.3 billion
22) Dean Spanos, Los Angeles Chargers
In 1960, Dean’s father, Alex, founded A.G. Spanos Companies, one of the country’s most prominent apartment developers. The company is among America’s largest family-owned businesses.
After failing to secure a new stadium in San Diego, Dean Spanos moved the Chargers to Los Angeles, where they are currently situated. The team is owned by the family, which, as a whole, is worth $2.4 billion.
Net worth: $2.4 billion
21) Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts
Jim Irsay’s father, Robert, was a Chicago-based industrialist who built his fortune mostly on various heating and air conditioning businesses. Jim, the current owner of the Indianapolis Colts, inherited the team and his father’s wealth when the latter passed away in 1997.
Robert initially bought the Los Angeles Rams in 1972 for $19 million. That same year, he traded the team to Carroll Rosenbloom in exchange for the Baltimore Colts. The two owners swapped all assets and liabilities, including rosters.
Net worth: $4.4 billion
20) Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles
In 1983, Jeffrey Lurie joined General Cinema Corporation, a major film company founded by his grandfather, Philip Smith, and headed by his uncle, Richard A. Smith. He then founded Chestnut Hill Productions in 1985, which produced a string of Hollywood movies and TV shows.
Lurie initially tried to purchase the New England Patriots in 1993, but it didn’t work out. Instead, he purchased the Philadelphia Eagles in May 1994 for $195 million, and he’s been in control of the franchise ever since.
Net worth: $4.6 billion
19) Janice McNair, Houston Texans
Janice McNair, the widow of Robert (Bob) McNair, inherited her late husband’s 80% stake in the Houston Texans following his passing in 2018.
In 1999, Bob sold Cogen Technologies — the largest privately owned energy cogeneration company in the world at the time — to Enron for $1.5 billion. After amassing his fortune, McNair was determined to bring an NFL team back to Houston after the Oilers left for Tennessee, and he did just that in 2002.
Net worth: $5.6 billion
1 Denise DeBartolo York and Jed York, San Francisco 49ers
Denise is the granddaughter of Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., an Ohio-based construction mogul and commercial real estate developer who purchased the San Francisco 49ers in 1977.
Denise also presided over the Pittsburgh Penguins during their 1990-1991 championship season, making her the third woman to serve as president of a Stanley Cup-winning team, adding to her impressive business résumé.
Net worth: $5.8 billion
17) Gayle Benson, New Orleans Saints
In 2004, Gayle married Tom Benson. Tom was a businessman and owner of multiple car dealerships. He eventually purchased several small banks and formed Benson Financial, which he sold to Norwest Corporation in 1996.
Tom passed away in 2018, so Gayle inherited the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans.
Net worth: $6.1 billion
16) Kim and Terry Pegula, Buffalo Bills
Terry Pegula made his fortune in the fracking industry. In 2010, he sold the bulk of the assets of his company, East Resources, to Royal Dutch Shell for $4.7 billion. Terry and his wife Kim married in 1993 and have been in business dealings together ever since.
In 2011, they purchased the Buffalo Sabres for $189 million. In 2014, they bought the Buffalo Bills for $1.4 billion, outbidding a group led by former President Donald Trump and one led by musician Bon Jovi.
Net worth: $6.8 billion
15) Steve Bisciotti, Baltimore Ravens
Steve and his cousin, fellow billionaire Jim Davis, started what is now called Allegis Group in 1983 and turned it into the largest staffing firm in the U.S. In 2000, Bisciotti purchased 49% of the Baltimore Ravens following the approval of NFL owners.
In the deal, he had the option to purchase the remaining 51% for $325 million in 2004 from Art Modell, which he exercised, setting up the power dynamic that Bisciotti currently oversees.
Net worth: $7.1 billion
14) Jimmy and Dee Haslam, Cleveland Browns
Haslam is the CEO of Pilot Flying J, a company his father Jim founded in 1958. Haslam purchased a small stake in the Steelers in 2008 before purchasing the Cleveland Browns for $990 million in 2012. His brother, Bill, was the governor of Tennessee from 2011 to 2019.
Net worth: $8 billion
NFL’s Richest Owners Ranked From 32 to 1 (Updated 2024)
Who are the richest owners in the NFL, and how did they amass their fortunes? How do they stack up against each other in terms of net worth?
Published on
August 14, 2024 | 5:21 PM EDT
It’s no secret that to own an NFL team, you need to have deep pockets. Based on net worth, who are the NFL’s richest owners? Who’s on the opposite end of the spectrum?
Let’s examine how the NFL’s 32 owners stack up against one another in terms of net worth.
Richest NFL Owners Ranked by Net Worth
We’ll be using Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List to rank the NFL owners. If an owner is not listed, we have used other sources to estimate their net worth.
32) Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are the only team that doesn’t have a traditional owner. They have been a publicly-owned, non-profit corporation since Aug. 18, 1923. The corporation currently has around 537,460 stockholders who collectively own an estimated 5.2 million shares of stock.
These days, the NFL does not allow corporate ownership of clubs. Every franchise must be owned by either a single owner or a small group of owners — at least one of whom must hold a 1/3 stake in the team. The Packers were grandfathered in.
Net worth: N/A
31) Mike Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Brown’s father, Paul Brown, was the original coach of the Cleveland Browns and the founder of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968. Mike took control of the Bengals after his father passed away in August 1991.
Brown has spent most of his adult life working within the organization. He’s not currently listed on the Real-Time Billionaires List. However, in 2015, Forbes estimated that his net worth is $925 million.
Net worth: $925 million
30) Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers
Art Rooney II’s grandfather, Art Rooney Sr., founded the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933. The Rooneys have made the majority of their wealth from their ownership of the team rather than other business ventures.
Art Rooney II took over as the team’s owner in 2017 after his father, Dan Rooney, passed away. The Rooney family is one of the most well-respected families in the NFL.
Net worth: $1.2 billion
T-28 Virginia Halas McCaskey, Chicago Bears
Much like the Rooneys, the Halas/McCaskey family’s wealth comes from owning and running their NFL team, which they’ve done for a very long time.
Virginia’s late father, George Halas, bought the Chicago Bears three years before she was born in 1920. McCaskey, 101, is the oldest owner in the league.
Net worth: $1.3 billion
T-28 Zygi Wilf, Minnesota Vikings
The Wilf family business is Garden Homes, a nationwide leader in retail, commercial, and private residential development. Zygi began working as an attorney before joining the family business and becoming head of one of its affiliates, Garden Commercial Properties.
The Wilfs’ companies own more than 100 shopping centers and 90,000 apartment units around the country. They have an impressive portfolio, with the Vikings being the crown jewel.
Net worth: $1.3 billion
27) Michael Bidwill, Arizona Cardinals
Similar to the Steelers and Bears, the Arizona Cardinals are a family-run business. Michael Bidwill’s grandfather, Charles Bidwill, bought the team in 1932. Michael was a federal prosecutor before he joined the Cardinals in 1996. He took over as the team’s owner in October 2019 after his father, Bill, passed away.
Net worth: $1.4 billion
T-25) Amy Adams Strunk, Tennessee Titans
Amy Adams Strunk’s father, Bud, was one of the founders of the AFL and the Houston Oilers, which became the Tennessee Titans. Bud Adams made his money in the petroleum business before delving into football. Adams Strunk also founded Kenada Farms and the Little River Oil and Gas Company.
Net worth: $2 billion
T-25) Sheila Ford Hamp, Detroit Lions
A descendant of Henry Ford, Sheila Ford Hamp’s family runs the massive car powerhouse, Ford Motor Company, headquartered in Michigan.
Hamp took over as principal owner of the Detroit Lions in June 2020 after her mother, Martha Firestone Ford, stepped down after leading the organization. Hamp is the matriarch of the Ford family is worth $2 billion, according to Forbes.
Net worth: $2 billion
24) John Mara and Steve Tisch, New York Giants
The Giants’ ownership situation is a bit unique. The team is co-owned by John Mara and Steve Tisch with a 50-50 share. Mara is a former labor lawyer and the grandson of original team investor Timothy Mara, as well as the oldest son of Wellington Mara. John isn’t the most famous person in his family, as his nieces are actors Kate Mara and Rooney Mara.
Tisch is a movie producer and the son of Bob Tisch, co-founder of the Loews Corporation, which bought a 50% stake in the team in 1991 and has maintained the split since.
Combined, Mara and Tisch are worth at least $2.1 billion.
Net worth: Mara – $500 million, Tisch – $1.6 billion
23) Mark Davis, Las Vegas Raiders
Mark and his mother, Carol Davis, inherited the Las Vegas Raiders after Al Davis passed away in October 2011.
Mark has worked exclusively for the Raiders throughout his adult life, including stints in the equipment department and retail sales. Now, he finds himself at the top of the organization, which has experienced significant growth with him at the helm.
Net worth: $2.3 billion
22) Dean Spanos, Los Angeles Chargers
In 1960, Dean’s father, Alex, founded A.G. Spanos Companies, one of the country’s most prominent apartment developers. The company is among America’s largest family-owned businesses.
After failing to secure a new stadium in San Diego, Dean Spanos moved the Chargers to Los Angeles, where they are currently situated. The team is owned by the family, which, as a whole, is worth $2.4 billion.
Net worth: $2.4 billion
21) Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts
Jim Irsay’s father, Robert, was a Chicago-based industrialist who built his fortune mostly on various heating and air conditioning businesses. Jim, the current owner of the Indianapolis Colts, inherited the team and his father’s wealth when the latter passed away in 1997.
Robert initially bought the Los Angeles Rams in 1972 for $19 million. That same year, he traded the team to Carroll Rosenbloom in exchange for the Baltimore Colts. The two owners swapped all assets and liabilities, including rosters.
Net worth: $4.4 billion
20) Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles
In 1983, Jeffrey Lurie joined General Cinema Corporation, a major film company founded by his grandfather, Philip Smith, and headed by his uncle, Richard A. Smith. He then founded Chestnut Hill Productions in 1985, which produced a string of Hollywood movies and TV shows.
Lurie initially tried to purchase the New England Patriots in 1993, but it didn’t work out. Instead, he purchased the Philadelphia Eagles in May 1994 for $195 million, and he’s been in control of the franchise ever since.
Net worth: $4.6 billion
19) Janice McNair, Houston Texans
Janice McNair, the widow of Robert (Bob) McNair, inherited her late husband’s 80% stake in the Houston Texans following his passing in 2018.
In 1999, Bob sold Cogen Technologies — the largest privately owned energy cogeneration company in the world at the time — to Enron for $1.5 billion. After amassing his fortune, McNair was determined to bring an NFL team back to Houston after the Oilers left for Tennessee, and he did just that in 2002.
Net worth: $5.6 billion
1 Denise DeBartolo York and Jed York, San Francisco 49ers
Denise is the granddaughter of Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., an Ohio-based construction mogul and commercial real estate developer who purchased the San Francisco 49ers in 1977.
Denise also presided over the Pittsburgh Penguins during their 1990-1991 championship season, making her the third woman to serve as president of a Stanley Cup-winning team, adding to her impressive business résumé.
Net worth: $5.8 billion
17) Gayle Benson, New Orleans Saints
In 2004, Gayle married Tom Benson. Tom was a businessman and owner of multiple car dealerships. He eventually purchased several small banks and formed Benson Financial, which he sold to Norwest Corporation in 1996.
Tom passed away in 2018, so Gayle inherited the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans.
Net worth: $6.1 billion
16) Kim and Terry Pegula, Buffalo Bills
Terry Pegula made his fortune in the fracking industry. In 2010, he sold the bulk of the assets of his company, East Resources, to Royal Dutch Shell for $4.7 billion. Terry and his wife Kim married in 1993 and have been in business dealings together ever since.
In 2011, they purchased the Buffalo Sabres for $189 million. In 2014, they bought the Buffalo Bills for $1.4 billion, outbidding a group led by former President Donald Trump and one led by musician Bon Jovi.
Net worth: $6.8 billion
15) Steve Bisciotti, Baltimore Ravens
Steve and his cousin, fellow billionaire Jim Davis, started what is now called Allegis Group in 1983 and turned it into the largest staffing firm in the U.S. In 2000, Bisciotti purchased 49% of the Baltimore Ravens following the approval of NFL owners.
In the deal, he had the option to purchase the remaining 51% for $325 million in 2004 from Art Modell, which he exercised, setting up the power dynamic that Bisciotti currently oversees.
Net worth: $7.1 billion
14) Jimmy and Dee Haslam, Cleveland Browns
Haslam is the CEO of Pilot Flying J, a company his father Jim founded in 1958. Haslam purchased a small stake in the Steelers in 2008 before purchasing the Cleveland Browns for $990 million in 2012. His brother, Bill, was the governor of Tennessee from 2011 to 2019.
Net worth: $8 billion
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