• Loading stock data...
Sunday, February 1, 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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

World Cup Going Primetime: Fox to Air Record 40 Matches at Night

More matches than ever will be shown in primetime and on broadcast TV.
Dec 8, 2019; San Jose, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal goalkeeper Katie Meyer (19) dives for a penalty kick by North Carolina Tar Heels forward/Midfielder Rachel Jones (10) in the College Cup championship match at Avaya Stadium.

Stanford Settles Wrongful Death Suit With Soccer Player Katie Meyer’s Family

Meyer’s family alleged the school mishandled a disciplinary process.
Jan 24, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd motions to his team during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center.

Jason Kidd Takes Board Role, Equity Stake in Youth Sports Company

The Mavericks coach is an equity holder and member of the board.
Dec 6, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Brian White (24) controls the ball defended by Inter Miami defender Maximiliano Falcon (37) in the first half during the 2025 MLS Cup at Chase Stadium.

MLS Jumps Into Prediction Markets With Polymarket Deal

It joins the NHL in embracing the controversial prediction-market industry.

Featured Today

University of Southern California

College Athletic Departments Are Wooing Recruits With Content Studios

Schools are creating content studios to win recruits and donor dollars.
Dec 25, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Ball Arena
January 30, 2026

Spencer Jones Is Having a Moment in the NBA—and on LinkedIn

The Nuggets forward and Stanford grad is a prolific poster and investor.
Tim Jenkins
January 24, 2026

How One NFL Pass Turned Into a Career on YouTube

Tim Jenkins missed the NFL. He took his football IQ to YouTube.
January 17, 2026

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
opinion

Is It Time You Stopped Hating the Patriots?

This New England team is less detestable than last time. Right?
Jan 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles beside Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena.
January 29, 2026

Luka’s Injury Scare Opens Debate About Safety of Cavs’ Elevated Court

Elevated courts are seen more in college basketball.
January 31, 2026

Giants Co-Owner Steve Tisch Under Fire Over Epstein Emails

Tisch acknowledged a “brief association,” which he says he regrets.
Sponsored

From Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady: Mike Repole’s Billion-Dollar Playbook

Mike Repole shares an inside look into building brands & working with star athletes.
January 26, 2026

Steelers Owner Says Mike McCarthy Hire Is About Wins, Not Optics

The western Pennsylvania native is just the team’s fourth head coach since 1969.
January 25, 2026

Winter Storm Forces Widespread Pro, College Game Postponements

Game postponements and cancellations continue to grow.
Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field
January 25, 2026

NFC Championship Puts Spotlight on Darnold, Stafford Contracts

The matchup marks the latest chapter in Seattle’s $100 million offseason gamble.
Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) warms up before an AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadiuum
January 24, 2026

Pats-Broncos Reignites an NFL Rivalry for New Generation of QBs

Young stars lead a revival of the once-classic AFC rivalry.