Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Ambani and Ballmer Are Richest Sports Owners in Soccer-Dominated List

  • Mukesh Ambani dethroned Steve Ballmer as the world’s richest sports owner.
  • Soccer team owners accounted for eight of the 20 richest owners.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer celebrates a victory with guard Eric Gordon (10) after defeating the New York Knicks 106-95 at Crypto.com Arena.
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

A dip in Microsoft’s stock knocked Steve Ballmer off his perch as the world’s richest sports owner.

Mukesh Ambani, owner of the cricket team the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, is the world’s richest team owner, according to Forbes. 

Ambani (net worth $83.4 billion) is chairman of Reliance Industries, a conglomerate with interests in energy, retail, telecommunications, and more. Reliance has also been growing its cricket empire with teams in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and the new Women’s Indian Premier League.

Ballmer ($80.7 billion), who can often be spotted courtside at home games of his Los Angeles Clippers, is funding the construction of the team’s future home: the $2 billion Intuit Dome slated to open in 2024.

New York Knicks owner James Dolan sitting courtside at a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.

Knicks Owner Settles Lawsuits Related to MSG Sphere

Investors in MSG Networks alleged that Dolan purposely misled them.
April 3, 2023

Of the top 20 richest owners, eight own soccer teams. Of those, Stade Rennais owner François Pinault has the highest net worth at $40.1 billion.

He’s sandwiched between Walmart heir Rob Walton ($57.6 billion), who bought the Denver Broncos last year, and Mark Mateschitz ($34.7 billion), who inherited 49% of Red Bull, along with stakes in Red Bull Racing, the New York Red Bulls, and RB Leipzig from his late father, Dietrich Mateschitz.

The sixth name on the list, OGC Nice owner James Ratcliffe ($22.9 billion), is working to acquire Manchester United, one of the most valuable teams in the world.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Peter Schmeichel
exclusive

Danish Legend Peter Schmeichel Joins Fox World Cup Coverage

Schmeichel played goalie for Denmark in four World Cups.

Europe’s Soccer Giants Keep Winning—and Are Cashing In

The Big Five leagues of European soccer are again led by financial giants.

USL Announces Tentative New CBA After Player Protests

Players protested by stopping play during matches this season.

Canada Says Barring Iran From FIFA Congress ‘Unintentional’

Gianni Infantino said Thursday the team would play at the World Cup.

Featured Today

Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
May 3, 2026

Valkyries Cut the Player They Acquired in Flau’jae Johnson Deal

The Golden State Valkyries acquired Marta Suárez and a future second-round pick on draft night for Flau’jae Johnson.
Apr 15, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Reilly (44) blocks a shot as he battles with Ottawa Senators center Nick Cousions (21) in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre.
May 4, 2026

As Parent Company Pares Back, Maple Leafs Retool Front Office

The team has not advanced to the conference finals since 2002.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
May 3, 2026

Indiana Fever Accused of Using AI Again After Caitlin Clark Remark

It’s not the first time the organization’s been accused of using AI.
Sep 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots the ball against Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center.
May 1, 2026

Ariel Investments Sees a $1B Women’s Sports Team in the Next 5 Years

Like small-cap stocks, women’s sports teams have room to run.
May 1, 2026

Dundon Pours Money Into Pickleball As He Cuts Blazers Spending

NBA fans have nicknamed the Blazers owner “El Cheapo.”
May 1, 2026

Caitlin Clark Calls Out Indiana Fever Graphic Made With AI Tools

The NHL’s Jets and Blues also use AI in their content.