Thursday, October 1, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Big Donors

Woody Johnson Stephen Ross
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Athletes, teams and leagues have been more outspoken this year about racial and social justice issues than ever before, especially heading into a contentious election cycle. But while team owners have supported the athletes’ beliefs, many are also donating to politicians who are at odds with those messages.

The investigation looked at political contributions of 183 owners from 161 teams and found $14.6 million donated to federal candidates in this election cycle — 86% to Republican candidates. Fifty-five of the 183 owners haven’t donated this election cycle.

Pro sports owners have donated $3.7 million to political action committees aligned with President Donald Trump, while $344,000 have gone to presidential nominee Joe Biden.

Top 5 Team Owner Donors (Since Jan. 1, 2019)

$3.3 million — San Francisco Giants Owner Charles Johnson (Republican, Democratic, Independent.)

$2 million — New York Jets owner Woody Johnson (Republican)

$1.2 million — Orlando Magic owner Dan DeVos (Republican and Independent)

$715,600 — New York Knicks owner James Dolan (Republican)

$527,100 — Atlanta Dream owner Kelly Loeffler (Republican and Independent)

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

Philadelphia Flyers center Trevor Zegras (46) looks on during the warmups before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center

NHL Says Players in ‘Hot for Hockey’ Campaign Approved Content

The romance novel–inspired marketing effort has received mixed reviews.

Napheesa Collier: ‘Haven’t Even Thought About’ Free Agency

Collier signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Lynx in April.
Sep 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) talks to a referee after she went into the stands to confront a fan during game two of the first round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

A’ja Wilson Avoids Further Penalty After Incident With Fever Fan

The Aces and Fever play a do-or-die Game 3 on Thursday night.
Atlanta, GA - March 7, 2026 - Turner Studios: Shaquille O'Neal , Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley during the 2026 NBA marketing campaign featuring Inside the NBA on ESPN.

Barkley Gets His Wish: More ‘Inside the NBA’ on ESPN This Season

Charles Barkley publicly complained about the show’s previous ESPN schedule.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Senator Ted Cruz about the Protect College Sports Act

0:00

Featured Today

Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
patrick_mahomes

Less Than Super TV Viewership

CBS Sports’ telecast of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 31-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs averaged 91.629 million viewers, down 8%.
person_playing_cricket
December 23, 2020

Prominent Tech Execs Line Up to Back Cricket Growth In the U.S.

More than 20 investors have now bought into American Cricket Enterprise, parent company oMajor League Cricket.
man_riding_stationary_bike
December 28, 2020

Connected Fitness Company Echelon Lands $65 Million Investment

The funding came from Goldman Sachs and North Castle Partners, who now own controlling interests in the company.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
woman_holding_hockey_stick
December 23, 2020

NBC to Air NWHL Finals, Adds to Banner Year for Women’s Sports

It will be the first time professional women’s hockey games are shown live on a major national cable network in the U.S.
antetokounmpo_dribbling_basketball
December 23, 2020

‘Giannis Effect’ Felt by Bucks Following Record-Breaking Extension

Since he was drafted in 2013, the Bucks’ valuation has jumped from No. 30 in the league at $312 million to No. 19 at $1.58 billion.
December 22, 2020

Adam Silver Says NBA Expansion is ‘Manifest Destiny of the League’

“It’s sort of the manifest destiny of the league that you expand at some point,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Monday.
December 22, 2020

Adidas Partners With Jerry Lorenzo, Fear of God Brand

Lorenzo will lead creative and business strategy for Adidas basketball globally, and launch a Fear of God athletics sub-brand.