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)
![[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/USATSI_26465842_168416386_lowres-scaled.jpg?quality=100&w=1024)
![[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/USATSI_26636703-scaled-e1770932227605.jpg?quality=100&w=1024)
