by NFL Sundays are about touchdowns, rivalries, and passion. But behind every great team is someone even richer than you can imagine.
The league’s richest NFL owners are the quiet kings of football — billionaires who built empires off the field.
Some earned their fortunes through brilliant business moves. Others inherited generational wealth that stretches back decades.
But all of them share one thing: the resources to turn football franchises into billion-dollar brands.
Richest NFL Owners 2025
This deep dive explores the Top 10 richest NFL owners 2025, revealing how they made their money, what they’ve done for their teams, and just how big the wealth gap really is.
Spoiler: The difference between number ten and number one is absolutely mind-blowing.
The Billion-Dollar League
The NFL isn’t just America’s most popular sports league — it’s a financial juggernaut worth over $180 billion combined across all 32 franchises.
TV deals, streaming rights, merchandising, and international expansion have turned team ownership into one of the smartest investments on the planet.
Here’s the wild part: In today’s NFL, even the so-called poorest NFL owners are billionaires. That tells you everything about this league’s money machine.
Franchise values have exploded over the past decade. Teams that sold for a few hundred million in the 1990s are now worth multiple billions.
It’s not just about winning games anymore — it’s about building brands that print money year after year.
Let’s meet the people who run this show.
Top 10 Wealthiest NFL Owners in 2025
#10 Josh Harris – Washington Commanders ($10.3 Billion)
Josh Harris didn’t stumble into NFL ownership. The 60-year-old co-founder of Apollo Global Management has been collecting sports teams like trading cards for over a decade.
He started with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011, added the New Jersey Devils in 2013, and finally landed his NFL franchise when the Washington Commanders became available in 2023.
After years of scandals under Daniel Snyder, Washington fans were desperate for someone — anyone — with deep pockets and a clean reputation.
Harris delivered both. He paid $6.05 billion for the Commanders, the second-highest price ever paid for an NFL team at the time. To put that in perspective, that’s more than the GDP of some small countries.
Harris’s Sports Empire:
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
- New Jersey Devils (NHL)
- Washington Commanders (NFL)
- Minority stakes in Crystal Palace (Premier League) and Joe Gibbs Racing (NASCAR)
His fortune comes from Apollo Global Management, the investment firm he co-founded in 1990 with two fellow bankers.
The company manages hundreds of billions across private equity, credit, and real estate.
Harris’s personal net worth jumped nearly $2 billion from 2024 to 2025, pushing him into the Wealthiest NFL owners list for the first time.
Washington fans are hoping his business brilliance translates to playoff success. The talent is there — now they need wins.
#9 Robert Kraft – New England Patriots ($11.8 Billion)
Robert Kraft turned a packaging business into a football dynasty. Not many people can say that.
Kraft took over his father-in-law’s packaging company, Rand-Whitney Group, in 1968 and transformed it into an industry powerhouse.
He founded International Forest Products in 1972, expanding his reach even further. Eventually, everything consolidated into the Kraft Group, his family’s holding company.
But the genius move? Buying Foxboro Stadium out of bankruptcy in 1988. The Patriots were locked into a stadium lease until 2001, which meant nobody could relocate the team without Kraft’s permission.
When previous owners tried moving the franchise, Kraft blocked them. By 1994, he owned the team outright for $172 million.
The Return on Investment:
- Purchase price: $172 million (1994)
- Current value: $7.4 billion (2025)
- Super Bowl championships: 6
- Patriots playoff appearances under Kraft: 20+
That’s a roughly 4,200% return over three decades. Not bad for someone who just wanted to keep his hometown team in Massachusetts.
Under Kraft’s leadership, the Patriots became the NFL’s most dominant franchise. Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and six championship rings cemented New England’s place in football history.
Even after Brady’s departure, the Patriots remain one of the league’s most valuable brands.
When ranking the richest NFL owners by net worth, Kraft proves that smart business decisions beat inherited wealth — at least sometimes.
#8 Shahid Khan – Jacksonville Jaguars ($12.2 Billion)
Shahid Khan’s story reads like an American dream screenplay. He arrived in the United States in 1967 with limited resources, worked for $1.20 an hour while attending college, and eventually bought the company where he’d started as an entry-level employee.
That company? Flex-N-Gate, an auto parts manufacturer. Khan’s breakthrough came with a revolutionary one-piece bumper design that made Flex-N-Gate a leading supplier to major automakers. One innovation changed everything.
By 2011, Khan had enough wealth to buy the Jacksonville Jaguars for $770 million. He also owns Fulham FC in the Premier League and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), making him one of the few owners with franchises spanning multiple continents and sports.
The Jaguars haven’t been consistent contenders, but Khan has invested heavily in facilities, player development, and community engagement. The team’s value has soared to $4.6 billion under his ownership — a 500% increase in just over a decade.
Khan’s name appears on the richest NFL owners in order list because his wealth is 100% self-made. No inheritance, no family connections — just engineering brilliance and business acumen in the automotive industry.
His mustache is also legendary, which somehow feels important to mention.
#7 Jerry Jones – Dallas Cowboys ($17.6 Billion)
Jerry Jones is the most recognizable owner in American sports, and he built that reputation by turning the Dallas Cowboys into a money-printing machine.
Jones came from money — his father owned insurance companies — but Jerry took it to another level with Jones Oil and Land Lease. The oil and gas business made him rich enough to buy an NFL team.
In 1989, Jones bought the Cowboys for $150 million. People thought he overpaid. Today, that deal looks like the bargain of the century. The Cowboys are worth $10.1 billion, making them the first sports franchise ever to cross the $10 billion mark.
Jones’s Cowboys Legacy:
- Three Super Bowl wins (1992, 1993, 1995)
- Revolutionized NFL merchandising and sponsorships
- Built one of the world’s most recognizable brands
- Net worth grew from $13.9B to $17.6B in one year
Jerry Jones pioneered the modern NFL business model. He pushed for aggressive marketing, luxury suites, stadium naming rights, and massive sponsorship deals long before other owners caught on.
He proved that football teams could be more than just sports franchises — they could be entertainment empires.
Sure, the Cowboys haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1996, which drives fans crazy. But from a business perspective? Jones knocked it out of the park.
He’s comfortably in the Top 5 richest NFL owners, and his influence on league-wide revenue sharing changed football economics forever.
Love him or hate him, Jerry Jones changed the game.
#6 Stan Kroenke – Los Angeles Rams ($18 Billion)
Stan Kroenke owns so many sports teams across so many leagues that keeping track of them all feels like a full-time job.
Kroenke founded the Kroenke Group in 1983, focusing on real estate development.
But let’s be real — marrying into the Walton family (yes, the Walmart Waltons) in 1974 gave him a serious financial boost. Sometimes it’s not just what you know, it’s who you marry.
Kroenke bought into the Rams in 1995 with a 30% stake, eventually taking full control in 2010.
The controversial move from St. Louis back to Los Angeles in 2016 upset fans but proved financially brilliant.
The Rams now play in SoFi Stadium, which cost over $5 billion to build and is one of the most expensive sports venues ever constructed.
Kroenke’s Sports Empire:
- Los Angeles Rams (NFL) – $7.6 billion value
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
- Colorado Rapids (MLS)
- Arsenal FC (Premier League)
The Rams won Super Bowl LVI in their home stadium in 2022, validating Kroenke’s massive investment.
He’s one of the few owners with championship-level franchises in multiple sports across multiple continents.
When people search for the Top 20 richest NFL owners, Kroenke’s name always appears near the top.
His wealth comes from diversified revenue streams — real estate, retail, and sports — making him one of the most financially secure owners in professional athletics.
#5 Stephen Ross – Miami Dolphins ($18.4 Billion)
Stephen Ross grew up middle-class and worked his way through law school, practicing tax and corporate law before jumping into real estate development.
In 1972, he founded Related Companies, starting with affordable housing projects and eventually expanding into luxury developments.
Ross’s crowning achievement? Hudson Yards in New York City, one of the largest private real estate developments in American history.
That project alone cemented his status as one of the country’s premier developers.
He bought a 50% stake in the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium in 2008 for $550 million, increasing his ownership to 95% the following year. The team is now worth $6.2 billion.
Miami’s Modern Experience:
- Hard Rock Stadium renovations: $500+ million
- Hosts Super Bowls, Formula 1 races, and major concerts
- State-of-the-art fan amenities and technology
- Dolphins’ current value: $6.2 billion
The Dolphins have struggled with deep playoff runs under Ross’s ownership, but he’s transformed the fan experience.
Hard Rock Stadium is now one of the NFL’s premier venues, hosting major events year-round.
Ross’s net worth exploded from $10.1 billion in 2024 to $18.4 billion in 2025 — an increase of over $8 billion in one year.
That massive jump shows how real estate investments can skyrocket when the market heats up.
Money can’t buy championships, but it sure can buy one of the nicest stadiums in sports.
#4 Jody Allen – Seattle Seahawks ($20.3 Billion)
Jody Allen inherited one of the most valuable estates in American business history when her brother Paul Allen passed away in 2018.
Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, which alone would make him one of the richest people on Earth.
But he also invested in sports, buying the Seattle Seahawks in 1997 for $194 million and the Portland Trail Blazers years earlier.
He was beloved in Seattle for his commitment to keeping both franchises competitive.
Jody’s Inherited Empire:
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL) – $5.45 billion value
- Portland Trail Blazers (NBA)
- Vulcan Inc. (investment and project management)
- Various real estate and technology investments
The Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII in 2013 and have remained competitive throughout Jody’s ownership.
Seattle fans loved Paul Allen, and Jody has maintained his vision for both franchises.
When discussing all 32 NFL owners net worth, Jody Allen represents the upper echelon of inherited wealth.
She didn’t build Microsoft, but she’s managing one of the most valuable estates in business history with intelligence and strategic vision.
Paul Allen’s legacy lives on through Jody’s stewardship of his sports investments.
#3 David Tepper – Carolina Panthers ($21.3 Billion)
David Tepper came from a middle-class background and built his fortune through one of the riskiest financial strategies imaginable: buying distressed assets during economic collapses.
He founded Appaloosa Management in 1993 and made billions during the 2008 financial crisis by purchasing collapsed stocks and bonds, then waiting for them to recover.
That contrarian strategy requires nerves of steel and unshakable conviction. Tepper had both.
He bought the Carolina Panthers in 2018 for $2.2 billion, which was a record at the time. Since then, he’s invested heavily in infrastructure, facilities, and coaching changes to modernize the franchise.
Carolina’s Struggles:
- Best record under Tepper: 5-11 (multiple seasons)
- Current team value: $4.5 billion
- Recent investments: practice facilities, stadium upgrades, player development
- Playoff appearances: zero
The Panthers haven’t figured out Sundays yet, but Tepper’s wallet wins every other day of the week. Building a winning franchise takes time, and Tepper has the patience — and resources — to see it through.
He’s proven he knows how to identify value and wait for returns. Panthers fans are hoping that philosophy eventually translates to playoff victories.
#2 The Hunt Family – Kansas City Chiefs ($24.8 Billion)
The Hunt family name is football royalty. Lamar Hunt didn’t just buy an NFL team — he helped create the modern league.
Lamar bought the Dallas Texans in 1963 for just $25,000, moved them to Kansas City, and renamed them the Chiefs.
He was also instrumental in founding the American Football League (AFL), which eventually merged with the NFL. The Super Bowl trophy? It’s named after him.
When Lamar passed away in 2006, he left the team equally to his four children: Clark K. Hunt (CEO), Lamar Hunt Jr., Sharron L. Hunt, and Daniel L. Hunt.
Hunt Family Wealth Sources:
- H.L. Hunt’s oil fortune (Clark’s grandfather)
- Sports investments across multiple leagues
- Real estate and business holdings
- Chiefs value: $4.85 billion
Much of the family’s wealth traces back to H.L. Hunt, who struck it rich in the oil industry during the early 20th century. That generational wealth has been carefully managed and grown over decades.
Clark Hunt has overseen the Chiefs’ transformation into a modern dynasty. With Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and three Super Bowl championships since 2019, Kansas City became the NFL’s gold standard.
The Hunts prove that legacy ownership works when the family genuinely cares about winning. They’re not just collecting checks — they’re building football history.
Who Is the Second Richest NFL Owner?
If you’re wondering who is the second richest NFL owner, it’s the Hunt family, long tied to the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty. Their $24.8 billion fortune proves winning isn’t their only talent.
The gap between them and the number one spot is absolutely massive, though. We’re talking about a difference of nearly $90 billion, which is more than the net worth of most countries’ richest citizens.
#1 Rob Walton – Denver Broncos ($114.6 Billion) [Number 1 Richest NFL Owner in 2025-2026]
Rob Walton could buy half the NFL and still have money left to build another Walmart empire.
He’s not just the richest NFL owner in the world — he’s the richest owner in all of professional sports, and it’s not even close.
Walton is the oldest son of Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, one of the most successful retail enterprises in human history.
His wealth doesn’t come from football savvy, real estate deals, or hedge fund brilliance — it comes from being born into the right family.
Walton’s Broncos Investment:
- Purchase price: $4.65 billion (2022)
- Current team value: $5.5 billion
- Net worth 2024: $86.4 billion
- Net worth 2025: $114.6 billion
That’s a $28 billion increase in one year. At that rate, buying the Broncos was basically a rounding error in his quarterly financial statements.
The Broncos haven’t made the playoffs since 2015, which is disappointing for a franchise with three Super Bowl championships.
But Walton has taken an active role in day-to-day operations, investing in facilities and front-office personnel.
With over $114 billion in the bank, Walton has the resources to build whatever he wants in Denver.
The question is whether money can buy the organizational culture needed to win championships. So far, the answer is complicated.
But one thing is certain: nobody in the NFL — or any sports league — comes close to matching Rob Walton’s wealth. He’s in a financial category all by himself.
Business Side of Football
The NFL has become a global investment tool.
Franchise values have doubled or tripled over the past decade, driven by national TV deals worth billions annually, sports betting partnerships, stadium naming rights, streaming service competition, and international expansion into markets like London and Germany.
Forbes now values all 32 NFL teams at over $180 billion combined — and that number keeps climbing every season.
The All 32 NFL owners net worth Forbes rankings show a league where even the “poorest” owner is worth billions.
Why NFL Ownership Pays:
- Predictable costs (salary cap keeps player expenses controlled)
- Exploding revenue streams (TV, streaming, betting, merchandise)
- International growth potential
- Tax advantages and revenue sharing
The NFL salary cap keeps player costs predictable while revenue streams expand constantly. That’s the perfect recipe for increasing franchise values.
Owners who bought teams in the early 2000s have seen returns that rival the best private equity investments on Earth.
It’s not just about loving football anymore — it’s about building billion-dollar brands that appreciate faster than almost any other asset class.
Beyond the Billionaires
Even outside the top ten, NFL ownership means serious wealth. When you look at the full Top 20 Wealthiest NFL team owners list, you’ll find more self-made billionaires, real estate moguls, and investment legends.
Notable Owners Outside the Top 10:
- Jimmy Haslam (Cleveland Browns) – $7.5 billion
- Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons) – $8.2 billion
- Woody Johnson (New York Jets) – $3.8 billion
- Mark Davis (Las Vegas Raiders) – $1.9 billion
Even the bottom of the list — the so-called poorest NFL owners — are still richer than most NBA or MLB owners.
Mark Davis might have the smallest personal fortune at $1.9 billion, but he still owns a $6.7 billion franchise.
That’s the NFL for you. The barrier to entry is so high that even the “poor” owners are billionaires several times over.
Summary – Blood, Sweat, and Billions
The NFL may be about grit and glory on the field, but it’s powered by billionaires off it.
From real estate moguls to retail heirs, these owners run the show behind America’s favorite sport.
The richest NFL owners ranked list reveals a fascinating mix of self-made success stories and inherited fortunes.
David Tepper and Stephen Ross built empires from scratch.
Rob Walton and Jody Allen inherited generational wealth. Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft expanded family legacies into football dynasties.
Each approach works, but they all require the same thing: massive capital and strategic vision.
Owning an NFL team isn’t just about loving football anymore.
It’s about understanding global business, maximizing revenue streams, and building brands that transcend sports.
These owners might not throw passes or make tackles, but their financial decisions shape how we experience the game every Sunday.
And as franchise values continue climbing, the gap between owners and fans grows wider.
But that’s the modern NFL — billion-dollar businesses disguised as football teams, all controlled by some of the wealthiest people on Earth.
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