Friday, November 13, 2026

The 20 Richest American Sports Team Owners for 2023

  • For the ninth straight year, Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer tops Forbes’ list of the 20 wealthiest owners in American sports.
  • Denver Broncos owner Rob Walton and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert round out the top three.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer stands court side before the game against the Golden State Warriors Chase Center.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Regarding sports team ownership, performance on the field or court isn’t always king.

For the ninth straight year, Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer — who made his fortune as the former CEO of Microsoft — tops Forbes’ list of the 20 richest owners in American sports derived from the publication’s Forbes 400, which tracks the net worths of the richest people in the United States.

The runner-up for the second consecutive year is Walmart heir Rob Walton, who purchased the Denver Broncos for $4.65 billion in June 2022.

Coming in at third is Rocket Mortgage and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, who leapfrogged his way into the top three after finishing sixth in 2022’s list. Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera fell precipitously year-over-year from fourth to 14th.

For all the wealth on the list, few Americans crack the world’s list released last April: Ballmer was dethroned from the world’s top spot by Mukesh Ambani, owner of the Mumbai Indians in cricket’s Indian Premier League.

Here is the complete list of America’s top 20 wealthiest sports owners:

RankOwnerTeamsNet Worth
1Steve BallmerLos Angeles Clippers$101 billion
2Rob WaltonDenver Broncos$67.4 billion
3Dan GilbertCleveland Cavaliers$21.3 billion
4David TepperCarolina Panthers$20.6 billion
5Steve CohenNew York Mets$19.8 billion
6Philip AnschutzLos Angeles Kings, LA Galaxy$14.8 billion
7Stan KroenkeLos Angeles Rams, Arsenal FC, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids$14.6 billion
8Jerry JonesDallas Cowboys$14.5 billion
9Shahid KhanJacksonville Jaguars, Fulham FC$12.2 billion
10Robert KraftNew England Patriots, New England Revolution$11.1 billion
11Stephen RossMiami Dolphins$10.1 billion
12Henry SamueliAnaheim Ducks$10 billion
13Jimmy HaslamCleveland Browns, Columbus Crew, Milwaukee Bucks$8.7 billion
14Robert PeraMemphis Grizzlies$8.3 billion
15 (tie)Tom GoresDetroit Pistons$8.1 billion
15 (tie)Antony ResslerAtlanta Hawks$8.1 billion
17 (tie)Rocco CommissoACF Fiorentina$8 billion
17 (tie)Tilman FertittaHouston Rockets$8 billion
19Arthur BlankAtlanta Falcons$7.9 billion
20Stephen BisciottiBaltimore Ravens$7.2 billion

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 20, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) brings the ball up court against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden.

Josh Hart Buys Stake in Napoli Basketball

It’s Hart’s first investment in sports ownership, Napoli’s owner told FOS.

Bears Stadium Saga Draws Flurry of Unsolicited Bids

Local developers are touting a previously rejected stadium site.
Nov 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) blocks the shot of Milwaukee Bucks forward Nate Ament (15) in the first quarter at Madison Square Garden.

‘Ridiculous’: NYC Council Member Presses MSG on ‘Ban the Scan’ Bill

Hanif told FOS she remains willing to discuss her bill with MSG.
Exclusive

NBA Doubles Down on Kenny Beecham, Enjoy Basketball

Enjoy Basketball previously had a three-episode pilot deal with the league.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/13/26 – NFL Ratings Records, Softball Players Unionize, Skubal Deal Looms

0:00

Featured Today

West Wind Mahjong

Mahjong Mania Has Come for College Sports

Bespoke retailers are cashing in with officially licensed mahjong sets.
November 6, 2026

Can MLS Capitalize on Son-Mania?

Korea and Tottenham fans alike have flocked to LAFC’s away matches.
Pickering High School North
November 4, 2026

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?

Boras Sees Skubal Deal Coming Before Expected MLB Lockout

A potentially historic free agent deal runs up against economic uncertainty.
November 11, 2026

Mike Tomlin Knows Coaching Talk Is ‘Going to Come Up’ Soon

The ex-Steelers coach is “enjoying” his NBC Sports role.
November 12, 2026

Softball Players Reach Deal With Athletes Unlimited to Form Union

The league recognized the union a month after the group launched.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
Nov 10, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jaylen Brown (7) controls the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
November 11, 2026

NBC Plays Up Tatum-Brown Rivalry With Netflix-Style Open

Tatum’s Celtics and Brown’s Sixers will meet three more times this season.
Nov 8, 2026; Madrid, ESP; A general overall view of the 2026 NFL Madrid Game at an empty Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
November 11, 2026

NFL Network’s Europe Games Average a Record 6.9M in First ESPN Season

NFL Network games this season also stream on the ESPN app.
November 11, 2026

WTGL Debut Averages 97,000 Viewers on ESPN

The league has eight more regular season matches in the next month.
November 11, 2026

NBA Scores, Standings Still Lopsided Despite Tanking Reforms

The NBA approved new lottery rules in May.