Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Sign Up For Our Newsletter

The Wealthiest Families in the NFL: An Overview of the Top Ten Team Owners

The National Football League (NFL) stands as one of the most prestigious and profitable sports leagues globally. For many of the wealthiest families, owning an NFL team transcends mere financial investment—it is a symbol of status, influence, and legacy. Below is an in-depth look at ten of the wealthiest families who have invested in NFL teams, highlighting their impact on the league and the paths that led them to ownership.

1. The Walton Family

Team: Denver Broncos

In 2022, the Walton family, heirs to the Walmart fortune, made headlines by purchasing the Denver Broncos for a record-breaking $4.65 billion. This acquisition, spearheaded by Rob Walton, marked the highest price ever paid for an NFL franchise. With their vast wealth and business acumen, the Walton family is poised to bring substantial resources and strategic insight to the Broncos organization, enhancing both its financial and competitive standing.

2. The Kroenke Family

Team: Los Angeles Rams

Stan Kroenke, a real estate tycoon married to Ann Walton Kroenke of the Walmart family, owns the Los Angeles Rams. The Kroenke family’s expansive sports portfolio includes teams across various leagues, but their ownership of the Rams, particularly following the team’s relocation to Los Angeles and the construction of SoFi Stadium, underscores their significant influence within the NFL.

3. The Glazer Family

Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Glazer family, led by the late Malcolm Glazer and now managed by his children, acquired the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995. The family also owns Manchester United, one of the world’s most famous soccer clubs. Under their stewardship, the Buccaneers have achieved remarkable success, most notably winning Super Bowl LV in 2021.

4. The York Family

Team: San Francisco 49ers

The York family, represented by Denise DeBartolo York and her son Jed York, controls the San Francisco 49ers. Denise inherited the team from her father, Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., and has since overseen significant developments, including the construction of Levi’s Stadium and the team’s resurgence as a competitive force in the NFL.

5. The Hunt Family

Team: Kansas City Chiefs

The Hunt family, led by Clark Hunt, inherited their wealth from H.L. Hunt, a Texas oil magnate. Lamar Hunt, Clark’s father, was instrumental in the creation of the AFL and played a pivotal role in the NFL-AFL merger. Under the Hunt family’s ownership, the Chiefs have flourished, securing Super Bowl LIV in 2020.

6. The Mara Family

Team: New York Giants

The Mara family has owned the New York Giants since the team’s founding in 1925, making them one of the NFL’s longest-standing ownership groups. John Mara, the current president and CEO, continues the family’s tradition of emphasizing stability and competitive integrity, ensuring the Giants remain a cornerstone franchise within the league.

7. The Tisch Family

Team: New York Giants

In 1991, the Tisch family, led by Preston Robert Tisch, acquired a 50% stake in the New York Giants. Today, his son Steve Tisch co-owns the team alongside the Mara family. The Tisch family’s extensive business experience, particularly through their involvement with the Loews Corporation, adds a layer of financial stability to the Giants’ ownership.

8. The Haslam Family

Team: Cleveland Browns

The Haslam family, through Jimmy and Dee Haslam, acquired the Cleveland Browns in 2012. Jimmy Haslam, the CEO of Pilot Flying J, has invested heavily in rebuilding the team and enhancing its performance on the field. Under their leadership, the Browns have made significant strides, both organizationally and competitively.

9. The Pegula Family

Team: Buffalo Bills

Terry and Kim Pegula purchased the Buffalo Bills in 2014. The Pegulas, who amassed their fortune in natural gas development, have since diversified into sports, also owning the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. Their commitment to the Buffalo community is evident through their investments in both the teams and local infrastructure, cementing their legacy in the region.

10. The Rooney Family

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Rooney family, founders and long-time owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers, are one of the most storied families in the NFL. Art Rooney established the team in 1933, and the family has maintained control ever since. The Steelers, under the Rooney family’s leadership, have achieved remarkable success, including multiple Super Bowl championships, and are known for their organizational stability and consistent competitiveness.

Conclusion

The involvement of these wealthy families in the NFL highlights the league’s dual appeal as both a financial investment and a cultural asset. From retail giants to oil magnates, these families bring a wealth of resources and diverse expertise to the table, driving success on and off the field. Andrew Schneider, CEO of Family Office Networks, notes, “Owning an NFL team is not just about financial returns; it’s about legacy, influence, and the opportunity to shape the future of one of America’s most beloved institutions.” According to a recent study, over 60% of family offices are diversifying into sports ownership, recognizing the unique blend of prestige and profit potential it offers.

These families, as stewards of their respective teams, play a crucial role in shaping the future of the NFL, ensuring its continued growth and prominence in the landscape of American sports.