Baseball has always been known for its larger-than-life personalities.
But behind every great team is an owner with deep pockets, and the MLB is no exception.
In fact, some of the league’s owners have amassed such vast fortunes that they could field their own All-Star team.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the richest MLB owners and explore the sources of their wealth, their team affiliations, and the impact they’ve had on the world of baseball.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the business side of America’s favorite pastime, you won’t want to miss this list of power players.
Table of Contents
Richest Team Owners in Major League Baseball
| Owner name | Team | Net Worth |
| Steven A. Cohen | New York Mets | $17.5 Billion |
| Edward S. Rogers III | Toronto Blue Jays | $11.4 Billion |
| John C. Malone | Atlanta Braves | $9.2 Billion |
| Mark Lerner | Washington Nationals | $6.4 Billion |
| Charles Johnson | San Francisco Giants | $5 Billion |
| Lawrence J. Dolan | Cleveland Guardians | $4.6 Billion |
| Arte Moreno | Los Angeles Angels | $4.1 Billion |
| William O. DeWitt Jr. | St. Louis Cardinals | $4 Billion |
| John W. Henry | Boston Red Sox | $4 Billion |
| Michael Ilitch Sr. | Detroit Tigers | $4 Billion |
| Hal Steinbrenner | New York Yankees | $3.8 Billion |
| Jim Pohlad | Minnesota Twins | $3.6 Billion |
| Mark Walter | Los Angeles Dodgers | $3.4 Billion |
| John Middleton | Philadelphia Phillies | $3.4 Billion |
| Peter Seidler | San Diego Padres | $3 Billion |
| Ray C. Davis | Texas Rangers | $2.6 Billion |
| John J. Fisher | Oakland Athletics | $2.2 Billion |
| Jerry Reinsdorf | Chicago White Sox | $2.2 Billion |
| Peter G. Angelos | Baltimore Orioles | $2 Billion |
| Jim Crane | Houston Astros | $1.6 Billion |
| Thomas S. Ricketts | Chicago Cubs | $900 Million |
MLB is a sport with a storied history, with fans who are passionate about their teams and the players that make them great.
But while the players are the ones who take the field and put on the show, it’s the owners who run the show and make the big decisions.
These are the people who own the teams, make the decisions, and have the power to shape the course of the game itself.
Let’s talk about the 21 richest MLB owners and their impact on the world of baseball.
We’ll explore their backgrounds, their business ventures, and the impact they’ve had on their respective teams.
1. Steven A. Cohen (New York Mets) – $17.5 Billion
Steven Cohen is the owner of the New York Mets and the founder of the hedge fund Point72 Asset Management.
According to Forbes, Cohen has an estimated net worth of $17.5 billion, making him the richest owner in Major League Baseball.
Cohen became the majority owner of the New York Mets in 2020 after purchasing the team for $2.4 billion.
Since taking over, he has made several big moves to try to turn the franchise around, including hiring a new general manager and investing heavily in the team’s roster.
In addition to owning the Mets, Cohen is also a passionate art collector and philanthropist.
He has donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations, including the Robin Hood Foundation, which fights poverty in New York City.
2. Edward S. Rogers III (Toronto Blue Jays) – $11.4 Billion
Edward S. Rogers III is a Canadian businessman and media executive with a net worth estimated at $11.4 billion.
He’s the chairman of Rogers Communications, a major telecommunications and media company in Canada, and he’s also the owner of the Toronto Blue Jays baseball club.
He became the owner of the Blue Jays in 2000.
As an owner, Rogers has been known for his willingness to invest in the team and its infrastructure.
He’s overseen major renovations to the team’s stadium, Rogers Centre, and he’s invested heavily in the team’s analytics and scouting departments.
He’s also been a vocal advocate for increased diversity and inclusion in baseball.
In addition to his ownership of the Blue Jays, Rogers is also a major philanthropist. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including healthcare and education initiatives.
3. John C. Malone (Atlanta Braves) – $9.2 Billion
John Malone is the owner of the Atlanta Braves and the chairman of Liberty Media, a media and entertainment company.
Malone has an estimated net worth of $9.2 billion.
Malone became the majority owner of the Braves in 2007 after Liberty Media purchased the team from Time Warner. Since then, he has overseen the team’s move to a new stadium and has invested heavily in the team’s roster.
As an owner, Malone has been known for his hands-off approach to team management, preferring to delegate decision-making to the team’s executives and coaches.
In addition to his ownership of the Braves, Malone is also a major player in the media and entertainment industry.
He has been involved in several high-profile mergers and acquisitions, including the merger of Time Warner and AOL.
4. Mark Lerner (Washington Nationals) – $6.4 Billion
Mark Lerner is one of the wealthiest owners in Major League Baseball (MLB). He currently serves as the managing principal owner of the Washington Nationals, a team he co-owns with his family.
The Lerner family has an estimated net worth of $6.4 billion, according to Forbes, making them a top contender on the MLB owners list.
Lerner’s family has a long history in the Washington D.C. area, where they have been involved in real estate development for many years.
In 2006, the family won a bid to purchase the Washington Nationals for $450 million, and Lerner became the managing principal owner of the team.
Under Lerner’s ownership, the Nationals have seen a great deal of success on the field.
The team won its first World Series championship in 2019, and has made several playoff appearances in recent years.
Lerner has also overseen the construction of a new stadium for the Nationals, Nationals Park, which opened in 2008.
Lerner is known for being a relatively hands-off owner, allowing his baseball operations team to make decisions about the team’s roster and coaching staff.
However, he is also known for being a loyal and supportive owner, who is willing to invest in the team when necessary.
In addition to his ownership of the Nationals, Lerner is also involved in several philanthropic endeavors.
Overall, Mark Lerner is one of the most successful and wealthy owners in Major League Baseball.
His ownership of the Nationals has been marked by both financial success and on-field success, and he is widely respected throughout the league for his dedication to the game and his community.
5. Charles Johnson (San Francisco Giants) – $5 Billion
Charles Johnson is the principal owner of the San Francisco Giants, one of baseball’s most successful and storied franchises.
According to Forbes, Johnson’s net worth is currently estimated at $5 billion, making him one of the richest owners in MLB.
He purchased the Giants for $100 million in 1993.
Under his ownership, the Giants have won three World Series championships and become one of the most valuable franchises in all sports.
Johnson is known for being a relatively private individual, and he is not as hands-on with the Giants as some other owners.
However, he has been active in philanthropy, donating millions of dollars to various charitable causes.
6. Lawrence J. Dolan ( Cleveland Guardians ) – $4.6 Billion
Lawrence J. Dolan owns the Cleveland Guardians, a team he purchased in 2000 for $323 million.
Since then, the team has experienced both highs and lows, but Dolan has remained committed to the team’s success.
He is known for being a principal owner who is actively involved in the team’s day-to-day operations.
According to Statista, Dolan’s net worth is currently estimated at $4.6 billion.
7. Arte Moreno (Los Angeles Angels) – $4.1 Billion
Arte Moreno, a self-made billionaire, made history in 2003 when he became the first Mexican-American to own a major sports team in the United States.
Moreno purchased the Los Angeles Angels in 2003 for $183.5 million, and under his leadership, the team’s value has increased to an estimated $2.7 billion.
Moreno’s net worth stands at around $4.1 billion, much of which comes from his ownership stake in the Angels and his previous ventures in the billboard advertising industry.
Moreno is known for his hands-on approach to team management and his willingness to invest in top talent.
While the Angels have yet to capture a World Series title under Moreno’s ownership, they have seen a significant increase in fan support and attendance, making them one of the most popular franchises in MLB.
8. William O. DeWitt Jr. (St. Louis Cardinals) – $4 Billion
William O. DeWitt Jr. is the owner of the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the most successful teams in MLB history.
DeWitt purchased the team in 1995 for $150 million, and under his ownership, the Cardinals have won two World Series championships (2006, 2011).
According to Forbes, DeWitt’s net worth is estimated to be $4 billion. He made his fortune through his family’s investment firm, Dewitt Inc., which has investments in various industries, including real estate, energy, and finance.
DeWitt is known for his hands-on approach to team management, and he is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the Cardinals.
He is also committed to giving back to the community and has donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations.
9. John W. Henry (Boston Red Sox) – $4 Billion
John Henry, the principal owner of the Boston Red Sox, has a net worth of around $4 billion.
Henry made his fortune in the world of finance, having founded John W. Henry & Company, a successful commodity trading firm, in 1981.
Henry’s foray into sports ownership began in 1999 when he purchased the Florida Marlins (now the Miami Marlins). However, it wasn’t until his acquisition of the Boston Red Sox in 2002 that he truly made his mark on MLB.
Under Henry’s ownership, the Red Sox have won four World Series championships (2004, 2007, 2013, and 2018), breaking the infamous “Curse of the Bambino” that had plagued the team since 1918.
Henry’s investment in analytics and player development has been a key factor in the Red Sox’s success, transforming the team into a perennial contender.
In addition to the Red Sox, John W. Henry has expanded his sports empire to include the Liverpool Football Club, the NASCAR team, and Roush Fenway Racing. His diverse interests in sports and business have helped him solidify his place among the wealthiest MLB owners.
Henry is also actively involved in philanthropy, with the Red Sox Foundation supporting numerous causes, including education, health, and social service programs throughout New England.
His commitment to giving back to the community is another example of how successful MLB owners use their wealth and influence to create a lasting impact.
10. Michael Ilitch Sr. (Detroit Tigers) – $4 Billion
Michael Ilitch Sr. was the owner of the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings until his death in 2017.
Ilitch purchased the Tigers in 1992 for $85 million and the Red Wings in 1982 for $8 million.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Ilitch’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be $4 billion.
Ilitch made his fortune through his ownership of Little Caesars, a global pizza chain that he founded with his wife, Marian Ilitch.
He was known for his commitment to winning and invested heavily in both the Tigers and the Red Wings.
Ilitch was also known for his philanthropy and donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations.
11. Hal Steinbrenner (New York Yankees) – $3.8 Billion
Hal Steinbrenner, the managing general partner and co-chairman of the New York Yankees, inherited his wealth and position in the organization from his father, the late George Steinbrenner.
George, known as “The Boss,” was a larger-than-life figure in the world of baseball, purchasing the Yankees in 1973 for $10.3 million. Under his leadership, the team won seven World Series titles and became the most valuable franchise in the sport.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Hal Steinbrenner has maintained the Yankees’ status as a powerhouse in MLB.
While his net worth is estimated at around $3.8 billion, much of his wealth is tied to the Yankees organization, which is now valued at over $7 billion.
In addition to the team’s success on the field, Steinbrenner has also overseen the opening of the new Yankee Stadium and the launch of the YES Network, which has become one of the most successful regional sports networks in the United States.
12. Jim Pohlad (Minnesota Twins) – $3.6 Billion
Jim Pohlad is the owner of the Minnesota Twins, a team that has enjoyed moderate success under his leadership.
Pohlad inherited the team from his father, Carl Pohlad, who purchased the Twins in 1984.
He manages team operations on behalf of his family, which controls the entire franchise.
According to Forbes, Pohlad’s family net worth is estimated to be $3.6 billion.
Pohlad made his fortune through his family’s holdings in banking, real estate, and other businesses.
Pohlad is known for his low-key approach to team management and has largely delegated day-to-day operations to his staff.
However, he has been involved in key decisions, such as the team’s move to a new stadium in 2010.
13. Mark Walter (Los Angeles Dodgers) – $3.4 Billion
Mark Walter, the founder, and CEO of Guggenheim Partners, an investment firm with over $310 billion in assets under management, is the chairman and part–owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Walter, along with a group of investors including Magic Johnson and Peter Guber, purchased the Dodgers in 2012 for a record-breaking $2.15 billion.
Since then, the team’s value has skyrocketed to an estimated $4.075 billion.
Under Walter’s leadership, the Dodgers have found success both on and off the field. They won the 2020 World Series and have consistently been contenders in the National League.
Walter’s wealth is estimated at around $3.4 billion, and he has used his financial expertise to not only improve the team but also to make a difference in the local community.
The Dodgers Foundation, which he actively supports, focuses on promoting education, health, and sports for children in need throughout Los Angeles.
14. John Middleton (Philadelphia Phillies) – $3.4 Billion
John Middleton is the majority owner of the Philadelphia Phillies, and with a net worth of approximately $3.4 billion.
Middleton made his fortune in the tobacco industry, as his family’s business, John Middleton Inc, was sold to Altria Group in 2007 for a whopping $2.9 billion.
Middleton has been involved with the Phillies since the early 1990s, initially as a minority partner. In 2015, he became the team’s principal owner and has since made his presence felt by investing heavily in player salaries and stadium improvements.
His passion for baseball and the city of Philadelphia is evident through his philanthropic efforts, as well.
Middleton has donated millions to various causes in the city, including the construction of the Philadelphia School District and Philadelphia Youth Network.
15. Peter Seidler (San Diego Padres) – $3 Billion
Peter Seidler is the chairman and majority owner of the San Diego Padres, with a net worth of around $3 billion.
Seidler’s wealth can be traced back to his family’s investments in professional sports, including MLB and the National Football League (NFL).
The Seidler family’s involvement in sports dates back to 1950, when Peter’s grandfather, Walter O’Malley, purchased the Brooklyn Dodgers. O’Malley later moved the team to Los Angeles, where they became the L.A. Dodgers. Peter’s uncle, Peter O’Malley, took over the Dodgers’ ownership in the 1970s, and the family sold the team in 1998.
In 2012, Peter Seidler led a group that purchased the San Diego Padres for $800 million.
Since then, he has been focused on improving the team’s performance and building a winning culture in San Diego. Under his leadership, the Padres have invested in player development, scouting, and analytics to drive the team’s success.
Seidler is also committed to the San Diego community and has been involved in numerous charitable endeavors, including efforts to combat homelessness and support local youth sports programs.
16. Ray C. Davis (Texas Rangers) – $2.6 Billion
Ray C. Davis is the co-owner of the Texas Rangers.
Davis went on to work for various oil and gas companies before starting his own business, Energy Transfer Partners. The company is now one of the largest pipeline operators in the United States.
Davis purchased Texas Rangers in 2010 along with business partner Bob Simpson for about $600 million.
The Rangers had been struggling at the time of the purchase, but under Davis’ ownership, the team has seen significant success, including two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.
Davis’ estimated net worth is $2.6 billion, according to Forbes.
17. John J. Fisher (Oakland Athletics) – $2.2 Billion
John Fisher is the owner of the Oakland Athletics, one of the most successful teams in MLB history.
Fisher was born into wealth, as his father was the co-founder of The Gap, a popular clothing retailer.
He attended Princeton University and then went on to receive an MBA from Stanford University. After graduation, Fisher worked in finance before starting his own investment firm, Pisces, Inc.
In 2005, Fisher and a group of investors purchased the Oakland Athletics for $180 million.
Today, the team is worth over $1 billion, making it one of the least valuable teams in the league.
Despite his wealth, Fisher has faced criticism from some fans and observers for not spending more money on player salaries.
Fisher is known for being a hands-off owner, allowing his front office to make most of the team’s decisions. Despite this, the Athletics have made the playoffs several times under Fisher’s ownership.
Fisher’s estimated net worth is $2.2 billion, according to Forbes.
He is also a philanthropist, having donated millions of dollars to various charities and educational institutions.
18. Jerry Reinsdorf (Chicago White Sox) – $2.2 Billion
Jerry Reinsdorf is the owner of both the Chicago White Sox and the NBA’s Chicago Bulls.
According to Forbes, he has a net worth of 2.2 Billion.
Reinsdorf bought the White Sox in 1981 for $19 million. Today, the White Sox is worth an estimated $1.76 billion.
Reinsdorf is a well-respected owner who has overseen multiple championship runs for both of his teams.
The Bulls won six NBA championships in the 1990s, while the White Sox won the World Series in 2005.
Reinsdorf is known for being a shrewd negotiator and has been heavily involved in league-level negotiations, including the collective bargaining agreement between MLB owners and players.
While Reinsdorf is widely respected, he has also been criticized for his frugality when it comes to spending on players.
The White Sox have a reputation for being one of the lowest-spending teams in baseball, which has frustrated some fans who feel that the team should invest more in its roster.
19. Peter G. Angelos (Baltimore Orioles) – $2 Billion
Peter G. Angelos is the owner of the Baltimore Orioles, a team he purchased in 1993 for $173 million.
Today, the team is worth over $.5 billion.
Angelos was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and attended the University of Baltimore School of Law. He went on to become a successful trial lawyer, specializing in asbestos-related cases.
Under Angelos’ ownership, the Orioles have had some success, including several playoff appearances. However, the team has also struggled in recent years, failing to make the playoffs since 2016.
Angelos’ estimated net worth is $2 billion, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
He is also a philanthropist, having donated millions of dollars to various causes, including medical research and education.
20. Jim Crane (Houston Astros) – $1.6 Billion
Jim Crane is the owner of the Houston Astros.
Crane bought the team in 2011 for $680 million, and it is now worth an estimated $2.25 billion.
Crane is a hands-on owner who is heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of his team.
Under his leadership, the Astros have invested heavily in analytics and player development, which has led to a resurgence in the team’s on-field performance.
Crane is also the founder and CEO of Crane Capital Group, a private investment firm.
The Astros won the World Series in 2017 and made it to the American League Championship Series.
However, Crane and the Astros were embroiled in a major scandal in 2019 when it was revealed that the team had been using electronic sign-stealing tactics during the 2017 season.
The scandal led to the firing of the team’s manager and general manager and resulted in significant fines and penalties for the team. Crane apologized for the team’s actions but was criticized by many for his handling of the situation, including his initial comments, which seemed to downplay the severity of the cheating.
Despite the scandal, Crane remains one of the wealthiest and most successful owners in MLB.
According to Forbes, Jim has a net worth of 1.6 billion.
He is also known for his business acumen and has been involved in a number of successful business ventures, including Crane Worldwide Logistics and Crane Freight and Shipping.
21. Thomas S. Ricketts (Chicago Cubs) – $900 Million
Thomas S. Ricketts is the owner of the Chicago Cubs. According to the Celebrity Net Worth, he has a net worth of $900 Million.
Ricketts, along with his family, bought the Cubs in 2009 for $845 million.
Since then, the team’s value has skyrocketed, and it is now worth an estimated $4.7 billion.
Ricketts is the executive chairman of Incapital LLC, a financial services firm that specializes in underwriting and distributing fixed-income securities.
Ricketts is a hands-on owner who is heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of the Cubs.
Under his leadership, the team has invested heavily in its facilities, including a $740 million renovation of Wrigley Field, the Cubs’ historic home stadium.
Ricketts has also overseen a resurgence in the team’s on-field performance, culminating in their first World Series victory in 108 years in 2016.
Despite his success as an owner, Ricketts has not been without controversy. In 2019, emails surfaced in which he and other Cubs executives made racially insensitive comments about former President Barack Obama and his supporters.
Ricketts apologized for the comments, but the incident drew criticism from fans and players alike.
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Conclusion
So there you have it: a list of the richest MLB owners, ranked by their net worth.
The amount of money that the top MLB owners have is staggering.
They are also incredibly dedicated to their teams, as well as their fans.
These financial titans are responsible for driving the industry forward, and they have helped make baseball one of America’s most beloved sports.
Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, it’s hard not to be impressed by these guys’ dedication to the game they love!
And as MLB continues to grow in popularity and revenue, it is likely that we will see more billionaires enter the world of sports ownership in the years to come.
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