Top 10 world’s richest sports team owners in 2026
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By Enitan Abdultawab
One of the most exclusive ventures in international business is owning a professional sports team, which is often only accessible to billionaires who have amassed wealth in sectors like technology, retail, luxury goods, and banking. The wealth behind many teams has increased dramatically as franchise valuations continue to rise across various leagues.
In 2026, the wealthiest sports owners in the world held hundreds of billions of dollars, according to Forbes. The list is as follows:
1. Bernard Arnault
Net Worth: $171 billion
Team: Paris FC (Football)
After purchasing a majority share in Paris FC in 2024 through his family investment firm, Arnault stands at the top of the list. At the time of purchase, the club was worth about $100 million, a small portion of his massive wealth. Despite Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance in Paris, Arnault has big intentions to turn the squad into a formidable force in Ligue 1.
2. Rob Walton
Net Worth: $146 billion
Team: Denver Broncos (American Football)
In one of the most costly franchise sales in NFL history, Walton, the son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, bought the Broncos in 2022. The squad has been more competitive and a strong contender for the postseason since the acquisition. In order to increase his influence in American professional sports, Walton reportedly acquired a minority ownership in the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024, expanding his sports portfolio beyond football.
3. Steve Ballmer
Net Worth: $126 billion
Team: Los Angeles Clippers (Basketball)
During his time as CEO of Microsoft, Ballmer amassed a fortune that made him the richest sports club owner in the world. In 2014, he paid $2 billion to acquire the Clippers, a deal that was considered costly at the time but has subsequently shown to be a wise investment as NBA team prices have soared.
4. Miriam Adelson
Net Worth: $37.5 billion
Team: Dallas Mavericks (Basketball)
Adelson’s late husband, casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson, left her a large portion of his fortune. Now, she and her son-in-law Patrick Dumont are in charge of the Mavericks. After the controversial trade of superstar Luka Dončić in 2025, the team went through a rocky era. However, hopes were restored when the squad selected rising prodigy Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 choice in the draft.
5. Idan Ofer
Net Worth: $34.6 billion
Team: FC Famalicão
Through his business, Eastern Pacific Shipping, which manages hundreds of ships across the globe, Ofer amassed a fortune in international shipping. He holds a majority share in the Portuguese team FC Famalicão through his investment company Quantum Pacific. Additionally, he has influence in several European football competitions as a minority shareholder in Spanish powerhouse Atlético Madrid.
6. Robert Pera
Net Worth: $31.7 billion
Team: Memphis Grizzlies (Basketball)
Following the quick expansion of networking technology company Ubiquiti, in which he has a sizable ownership share, Pera’s wealth skyrocketed. His wealth was greatly increased in recent years by the company’s robust revenue development. He is still among the NBA’s youngest owners, having acquired the Grizzlies in 2012.
7. Henry Samueli
Net Worth: $30.8 billion
Team: Anaheim Ducks (Hockey)
As chairman of Broadcom, which has profited immensely from the worldwide surge in artificial intelligence technologies, Samueli amassed wealth in the semiconductor sector. Since acquiring the Anaheim Ducks in 2005, he has managed significant expenditures in the team’s home arena, the Honda Center, including a multibillion-dollar renovation project surrounding the stadium.
8. François Pinault
Net Worth: $29.5 billion
Team: Stade Rennais FC (Football)
The luxury fashion firm Kering, which includes international names like Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, helped Pinault amass his wealth. He has long supported and owned Stade Rennais, a team that has developed youthful talent while remaining competitive in France’s top level.
9. Dan Gilbert
Net Worth: $27.9 billion
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers (Basketball)
Gilbert has owned the Cavaliers since 2005 and built the massive home lending company Rocket Companies. In 2016, the team won their first NBA title when he was the owner. Cleveland is still one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference and has made a comeback to postseason contention in recent years.
10. David Tepper
Net Worth: $23.7 billion
Teams: Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC (Football)
Before becoming a sports owner, Tepper amassed wealth through the hedge fund company Appaloosa Management. After acquiring the Panthers in 2018, he started Charlotte FC as part of Major League Soccer’s growth. The Panthers just made a comeback to the NFL playoffs after a number of rebuilding seasons, giving fans hope that the team may finally be making progress.
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