Who are the richest NFL owners right now? Check out the billionaire NFL team owners, as revealed in 2022.
In the National Football League (NFL), when teams assume a remarkable success level, the players and the coach receive all the adulation, which they rightfully deserve.
But the success the team has accomplished will not be possible without the financial support of the super-rich owners of the franchise.
Often, these owners, who are mostly unknown to fans, have been thrust into the limelight due to their team’s success.
A shred of clear evidence to this is New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, who, along with the powerful combination of coach Bill Belichick and the ingenuity of former Patriots QB, led the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships, which made the franchise one of the most valuable in the league.
While Kraft became known to NFL fans, thanks to the Patriot’s success, several NFL franchise owners still remain unknown.
SportyTell unmasks these NFL franchise owners’ identities as we rank the top 20 richest NFL franchise owners based on their current net worths.
Other highlights include how they made their money.
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Table of Contents
The Richest NFL Owners
20. Martha Firestone Ford
Net Worth: $1.4 Billion
Franchise: Detroit Lions
One of the “Fab Four,” the four female NFL franchise owners, Martha Firestone Ford, inherited the Detroit Lions after her husband, William Clay Ford, a grandson of automobile mogul Henry Ford passed on in 2014.
William Clay Ford became a minority owner of the Detroit Lions in 1961; he soon became the franchise owner after he bought out all the other shareholders for $4.5 million.
Since then, the franchise has been within the control of the Ford family.
Martha Firestone Ford, the grandchild of the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder, passed on ownership of the Detroit Lions franchise to her daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp.
As of 2022, Martha Firestone Ford’s net worth is approximately $1.4 billion, making her the 20th richest NFL franchise owner right now.
19. Jeffrey Lurie
Net Worth: $3.5 Billion
Franchise: Philadelphia Eagles
In the world of motion pictures, the name Jeffrey Lurie stands out.
Lurie made his fortune through Harcourt General Inc., a conglomerate, which was founded by his grandfather as the General Cinema movie theater chain.
Lurie, who has great interest in sports, made multiple attempts to acquire an NFL franchise, but they all failed.
He once tried to purchase the New England Patriots and was considered a potential buyer of the Los Angeles Rams.
Lurie finally had his wish of being an NFL franchise owner in 1994, when he and his mother borrowed $190 million from the Bank of Boston to buy the Philadelphia Eagles.
As of 2022, Jeffrey Lurie’s net worth is valued at $3.5 billion.
The Philadelphia Eagles, which he bought for $195 million, is the ninth most valuable franchise in the NFL with a value of $4.9 billion.
18. Jim Irsay
Net Worth: $3.5 Billion
Franchise: Indianapolis Colts
A second-generation NFL franchise owner, Jim Irsay, has his father to thank for his ownership of the Indianapolis Colts.
His father, Robert Irsay, built his fortune through successful air conditioning and heating companies.
The financial success he enjoyed gave him the impetus to buy the Baltimore Colts, who later relocated to Indianapolis.
Following his father’s death in 1997, he was involved in an acrimonious legal battle with his stepmother over ownership of the franchise.
Irsay soon became the youngest owner of an NFL franchise at the age of 37.
As of 2022, Jim Irsay’s net worth is approximately $3.5 billion.
His NFL franchise, the Indianapolis Colts, is currently the 22nd most valuable team in the NFL, with a value of $3.8 billion.
17. Jimmy & Dee Haslam
Net Worth: $4 Billion
Franchise: Cleveland Browns
Best known for being the Chief Executive Officer of the Pilot Flying J truck stop chain, Jimmy Haslam made his fortune through the Pilot Company, which was founded by Haslam’s father, Jim Haslam.
The Pilot Company, a petroleum corporation, owns the Pilot Flying J truck stop chain, the largest of its kind in America.
Before he became the owner of the Browns, he was a minority shareholder in the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In 2012, when he and his wife wanted to buy the Browns, Haslam sold his stake in the Steelers, in line with NFL rules, and purchased the Browns for $987 million.
Though the Cleveland Browns only played in the playoffs twice, Jimmy and Dee Haslam have made the franchise value rise to $2.35 billion.
Jimmy Haslam and Dee Haslam’s net worth is estimated at $4 billion.
16. Glazer Family
Net Worth: $4 Billion
Franchise: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
When Malcolm Glazer, the patriarch of the Glazer family, died in 2004, he left his family fortune, which extends to business and sports.
Malcolm Glazer acquired his immense fortune through real estate investments, food packaging and food supplies, natural gas, and many more.
The acquisition of sports clubs and franchises is one of the most valuable ventures he left his family.
He purchased the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995 for $192 million.
Aside from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he bought EPL club Manchester United for £790 million after paying shareholders between 2003 and 2005.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the 24th most valuable team in the NFL with a value of $3.6 billion.
As of 2022, the Glazer Family’s net worth is estimated to be $4 billion.
15. Janice McNair
Net Worth: $4.2 Billion
Franchise: Houston Texans
Janice McNair became a member of the prominent female NFL franchise owners in 2018, after the death of her husband, Bob McNair.
Bob McNair, who had battled business failure in his 30’s found success with his company, Cogen Technologies.
He sold his company to Enron and went on to pay $600 million for the founding of the 32nd NFL franchise, the Houston Texans.
As of 2022, Janice McNair’s net worth is valued at a massive $4.2 billion. She owns 80% of the Houston Texans.
The Houston Texans are the #11 most valuable team in the NFL with a value of $4.7 billion.
14. Gayle Benson
Net Worth: $4.7 Billion
Franchise: New Orleans Saints
The first woman to own an NFL and NBA franchise, Gayle Benson became the owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans after the passing of her husband, Tom Benson.
Tom Benson acquired the New Orleans Saints in 1978 for $70.2 million.
Gayle Benson, the third wife of Tom Benson, is currently embroiled in a legal battle with her late husband’s children and grandchildren, who insist their father was mentally incompetent when he split his fortune.
Gayle Benson’s net worth as of 2022 is valued at $4.7 billion, making her the richest female NFL franchise owner right now.
The New Orleans Saints are the 26th most valuable team in the NFL with a value of $3.5 billion.
13. Daniel Snyder
Net Worth: $4.9 Billion
Franchise: Washington Commanders
American businessman Daniel Snyder has a reputation for being the owner of the NFL franchise, Washington Commanders.
Prior to his acquisition of the Commanders, Snyder built his financial empire through the Snyder Communications form, which he founded along with his sister.
Snyder, who dropped out of college to set up the firm, successfully led the firm to the point where it had its IPO in the New York Stock Exchange in 1996.
The firm eventually sold for $2 billion to french marketing group Havas in 2000.
As of 2022, Daniel Snyder’s net worth is a massive $4.9 billion.
In 1999, he acquired the Washington Commanders as well as their stadium, now known as the FedExField, for $800 million.
Snyder purchased the franchise and stadium through borrowed money, which he paid back after selling stakes in the franchise, which left him with 65% controlling interest.
The franchise is now worth $5.6 billion.
12. Denise DeBartolo York & Family
Net Worth: $5.1 Billion
Franchise: San Francisco 49ers
Denise York stands as one of the most prominent females who lay claim to an NFL franchise’s ownership.
York, the daughter of construction magnate and real estate developer Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., became the 49ers owner after taking over from her brother, who ran into legal troubles.
The San Francisco 49ers were purchased in 1977 for $13 million by Edward J. DeBartolo Sr.
As of 2022, Denis DeBartolo York’s net worth is a massive $5.1 billion. She has given her son, Jed York, a controlling interest in the 49ers.
The San Francisco 49ers are currently the #8 most valuable team in the NFL with a $5.2 billion value.
11. Woody Johnson
Net Worth: $5.7 Billion
Franchise: New York Jets
Woody Johnson made his money from the famous company Johnson & Johnson. Needles to say this is one of the most popular companies for consumer goods.
He was also the owner of American Video Corp which was a cable provider in the 70s.
He purchased the New York Jets in 2000 for $635 Million.
Presently, the Jets are on #7 of the most valuable teams in the NFL, with a value of $5.4 billion.
10. Terrence & Kim Pegula
Net Worth: $5.8 Billion
Franchise: Buffalo Bills
Terrence Pegula has fracking to thank for his fortune, which has seen him diversified into entertainment and sports.
He founded his natural gas grill company, East Resources, with $7,500, which he loaned from family and friends.
The business proved to be a success as he sold various business sections for billions of dollars.
He also is involved in real estate and owns an independent country music label.
As of 2022, Terrence Pegula’s net worth is estimated to be $5.8 billion, closing the top-10 cut of the richest NFL owners.
His sports empire consists of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.
He and his wife bought the Buffalo Bills in 2014 for $1.4 billion.
Presently, the Bills are one of the least valuable teams in the NFL, with a value of $3.4 billion.
9. Steve Bisciotti
Net Worth: $5.9 Billion
Franchise: Baltimore Ravens
Bisciotti gained the bulk of his fortune through Aerotek, a staffing and recruitment company, the largest in the country.
He also co-founded Allegis Group, a talent management company, which has several subsidiaries.
In 2000, Bisciotti bought a 49% stake in the Baltimore Ravens and purchased the majority stake in 2004.
He spent $600 million to buy the franchise.
Steve Bisciotti’s net worth is valued at 5.9 billion.
His NFL franchise, Baltimore Ravens, has a value of $3.9 billion, the 19th highest in the NFL.
8. Arthur Blank
Net Worth: $7.1 Billion
Franchise: Atlanta Falcons
Billionaire businessman, Arthur Blank, is one of the few men who built his fortune by turning disappointment into opportunity.
After getting fired from his job, Blank and three other associates founded The Home Depot, a home improvement retailer, which became the largest of its kind in the country.
The rise of the company made Blank a billionaire.
After departing the company in 2001, Blank focused on investing in sports.
As a result, he bought the Atlanta Falcons for $545 million.
As of 2022, Arthur Blank’s net worth is an estimated $7.1 billion.
His franchise, Atlanta Falcons, has proven to be very valuable as its value has risen to $4 billion, making it the 16th most valuable team in the NFL.
7. Shahid Khan
Net Worth: $7.6 Billion
Franchise: Jacksonville Jaguars
A university-educated engineer, Shahid Khan made his fortune through Flex-N-Gate, which he bought from his former employer.
When he assumed ownership of Flex-N-Gate, he became a supplier of bumpers to the “Big Three” automakers.
In 1989, the company was the sole supplier of bumpers to Toyota throughout the United States.
That ultimately made him a billionaire.
In 2011, he purchased the Jacksonville Jaguars for $770 million.
Shahid Khan’s net worth is an estimated $7.6 billion, making him the 7th richest NFL owner.
His franchise, Jacksonville Jaguars, is currently worth $3.4 billion.
6. Stephen Ross
Net Worth: $8.2 Billion
Franchise: Miami Dolphins
Few people have mastered the real estate game as much as Stephen Ross, the founder of The Related Companies.
Ross, a former tax attorney, made his fortune through real estate developments in cities in Asia and North America.
His company has dealt with as much as $60 billion worth of properties.
Ross first bought a 50% stake in the Miami Dolphins for $550 million in February 2008 and went on to buy an additional 45% stake in 2009.
He spent a total of $1.1 billion in acquiring a majority stake in the Miami Dolphins.
As of 2022, Stephen Ross’ net worth is valued at $8.2 billion.
His franchise, Miami Dolphins, is worth $4.6 billion, making the team the 13th most valuable team in the NFL according to Forbes
5. Robert Kraft
Net Worth: $8.3 Billion
Franchise: New England Patriots
Kraft is arguably the most popular NFL team owner, thanks to the New England Patriots’ success since he assumed ownership of the franchise.
He made his fortune by investing in paper and packaging.
His company soon became the most extensive paper and packaging company in America.
He thus diversified into real estate and private equity.
A longtime fan of the New England Patriots, Robert Kraft became the franchise owner in 1994 after buying the franchise for $172 million.
Since then, the franchise has prospered.
Robert Kraft’s net worth is an estimated $8.3 billion in 2022.
His franchise, The New England Patriots, won six Super Bowls and is the second most valuable team in the NFL with a value of $6.4 billion.
4. Stanley Kroenke
Net Worth: $10.7 Billion
Franchise: Los Angeles Rams
Few businesspeople boast of a sports empire as extensive as Stanley Kroenke’s.
The business mogul earned his fortune through Kroenke Group, a real estate development company, builds apartment buildings and shopping centers.
Most of Kroenke Group’s holdings are within proximity of Walmart stores.
He also owns multiple ranches and is one of the largest landowners in America.
Kroenke first purchased 30% shares in the St. Louis Rams in 1995 and went on to become a full owner in 2010.
He spent a total of $750 million to become the owner of the franchise.
Stanley Kroenke’s net worth is approximately $10.7 billion in 2022.
Through his Kroenke Sports and Entertainment company, he owns multiple sports teams, such as NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, EPL’s Arsenal FC, and many more.
The Los Angeles Rams are currently the third most valuable team in the NFL with a value of $6.2 billion.
3. Jerry Jones
Net Worth: $12.4 Billion
Franchise: Dallas Cowboys
Jones’ success in business can be credited to his persistence and determination to succeed.
The billionaire business mogul first tried a pizza parlor business, which failed, before going on to oil exploration.
He found success in oil and gas exploration before going on to invest in retail and residential real estate.
In February 1989, Jerry Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys for $140 million.
Now the franchise is not just the most valuable team in the NFL but in all sports.
The Dallas Cowboys has a value of $8 billion.
As of 2022, Jerry Jones’ net worth is an estimated $12.4 billion, making him the 3rd wealthiest NFL team owner right now.
2. Hunt Family
Net Worth: $15.3 Billion
Franchise: Kansas City Chiefs
The Hunt family received renewed attention in 2020 after the Kansas City Chiefs won their first Super Bowl title in half a century.
The Hunt family’s late patriarch, H. L. Hunt, built the family’s fortune by securing the East Texas Oil Field title, one of the world’s biggest oil deposits.
A renowned gambler, at the time of his death, no one in the world had as much fortune as him.
The Hunt Family’s net worth is estimated to be $15.3 billion, becoming the second wealthiest NFL franchise owner in 2022 after losing the first place to David Tepper.
H. L. Hunt heir, Lamar Hunt, took over his father’s legacy by extending the family’s business into sports.
He owned multiple sports teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL and MLS’ FC Dallas.
His heirs own various stakes in the teams, with son Clark Hunt, acting as CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs and FC Dallas.
The Chiefs are the 23rd most valuable team in the NFL with a value of $3.7 billion.
1. David Tepper
Net Worth: $16.7 Billion
Franchise: Carolina Panthers
A seasoned hedge fund manager, David Tepper, is one of the best hedge fund managers of his time.
He made his fortune by buying multiple distressed bonds.
David Tepper’s net worth is an estimated $17 billion.
In 2009, he made $7 billion in buying distressed stocks.
Tepper, who previously owned 5% of the Pittsburgh Steelers, bought the Carolina Panthers in 2018 for $2.3 billion.
The franchise is currently worth $3.6 billion.
Source: Forbes
