- Team Name: San Antonio Spurs
- Estimated Net Worth: $200 million
Peter J. Holt is a prominent businessman who has amassed much of his $200 million fortune through his leadership and ownership of Holt Cat, the largest Caterpillar equipment dealer in the United States. In addition to his success in the construction and heavy machinery industry, Peter J. Holt has been the owner of the San Antonio Spurs since 2019, further diversifying his portfolio.
- Team Name: Charlotte Hornets
- Estimated Net Worth: $400 million
Gabe Plotkin is best known for his role as the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Melvin Capital Management, a prominent investment management firm. His expertise in finance and investment strategies has earned him an estimated net worth of $400 million. Plotkin has been the owner of the Charlotte Hornets since 2023 when he acquired a majority stake in the franchise.
- Team Name: Boston Celtics
- Estimated Net Worth: $400 million
Wyc Grousbeck is a venture capitalist who has amassed $400 million through his successful career in private equity and investments. He is best known for his role as the CEO and Governor of the Boston Celtics, an NBA team he has owned since 2002. Under his leadership, the Celtics have experienced considerable success, including winning the NBA Championship in 2024. The Boston Celtics have won the most NBA championships of any franchise: 18.
- Team Name: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Estimated Net Worth: $400 million
Clay Bennett has amassed a $400 million net worth primarily through his ventures in real estate and investments. He is the chairman of Dorchester Capital, a private investment firm. He has been involved in various successful business endeavors over the years. Bennett's most notable achievement in the sports world is his ownership of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has been the owner of the Thunder since 2006 when his ownership group, the Professional Basketball Club, purchased the Seattle SuperSonics. They subsequently relocated the team to Oklahoma City in 2008.
- Team Name: Los Angeles Lakers
- Estimated Net Worth: $600 million
Jeanie Buss is a prominent sports executive who has amassed $600 million through her role as the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. Her career in sports management began under the tutelage of her father, Jerry Buss, who purchased the Lakers in 1979. Jeanie has been involved with the team in various capacities for decades, but she officially became the controlling owner in 2013 following her father's passing.
- Team Name: Sacramento Kings
- Estimated Net Worth: $700 million
Vivek Ranadivé is a successful entrepreneur and technology executive who has amassed a net worth of $700 million. He is the founder and former CEO of TIBCO Software, a company specializing in real-time computing for business operations. In addition to his achievements in technology, Ranadivé has been the owner of the Sacramento Kings since 2013.
- Team Name: New York Knicks
- Estimated Net Worth: $2 billion
James Dolan is the Executive Chairman and CEO of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. and Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. He oversees a vast array of sports and entertainment assets, including the New York Knicks of the NBA and the New York Rangers of the NHL. Dolan's wealth is largely attributed to his leadership in these high-profile organizations and his involvement in the media and telecommunications industry through his family's company, Cablevision Systems Corporation, which was sold in 2016. Dolan has been the owner of the New York Knicks since 1999 when his family acquired the team as part of their purchase of Madison Square Garden.
- Team Name: Chicago Bulls
- Estimated Net Worth: $2.1 billion
Jerry Reinsdorf initially made his fortune in the real estate industry, founding the Balcor Company, which he later sold to American Express for a substantial profit. Reinsdorf is best known for his ownership of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago White Sox, two major sports franchises. His tenure as the owner of the Chicago Bulls since 1985 has been particularly notable, as the team achieved immense success during the 1990s. They won six NBA championships under his ownership.
- Team Name: Golden State Warriors
- Estimated Net Worth: $2.1 billion
Joe Lacob is a venture capitalist who has amassed $2.1 billion through his work in the investment industry, particularly as a partner at Kleiner Perkins. This is a leading venture capital firm where Lacob uses his expertise in identifying and nurturing high-potential startups. In addition to his accomplishments in venture capital, Lacob has been the owner of the Golden State Warriors since 2010. Under his ownership, the Warriors have experienced a remarkable period of success, including multiple NBA championships and a new venue in San Francisco.
- Team Name: Utah Jazz
- Estimated Net Worth: $2.2 billion
Ryan Smith is a successful co-founder of Qualtrics, a leading experience management company that he helped build into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. In addition to his achievements in the tech industry, Ryan Smith has been the owner of the Utah Jazz since October 2020, when he purchased the franchise from the Miller family.
- Team Name: Toronto Raptors
- Estimated Net Worth: $2.5 billion
Larry Tanenbaum is a Canadian businessman and investor, best known for his role as the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). The organization owns several major sports franchises, including the Toronto Raptors of the NBA, the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL, and Toronto FC of Major League Soccer. His substantial net worth has been amassed through his successful ventures in construction, infrastructure, and sports management. Tanenbaum has been the owner of the Toronto Raptors since 1998, when he became a part-owner of MLSE, and he has played a significant role in the team's development and success over the years.
- Team Name: Minnesota Timberwolves
- Estimated Net Worth: $2.9 billion
Glen Taylor is the primary owner of Taylor Corporation, a multinational printing and electronics company that he founded. His business acumen and leadership have propelled the company to significant success. In addition to his achievements in the business world, Glen Taylor has been the owner of the NBA team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, since 1994, a tenure that has spanned nearly three decades. However, he is currently in the process of finalizing a sale of the team. One interest party is Alex Rodriguez of Yankee fame.
- Team Name: Washington Wizards
- Estimated Net Worth: $3.1 billion
Ted Leonsis is an investor who has amassed over $3 billion through his ventures in the technology and sports industries. He is best known for his role as a former executive at AOL, where he played a crucial part in the company's growth and success during the internet boom. Leonsis is also the founder and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, a company that owns and operates several professional sports teams and venues. He has been the owner of the Washington Wizards since 2010, when he acquired the franchise as part of his broader investment in Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
- Team Name: Indiana Pacers
- Estimated Net Worth: $4.7 billion
Herb Simon is a real estate magnate who co-founded the Simon Property Group, one of the largest real estate investment trusts in the world. The company specializes in shopping malls and retail properties. In addition to his achievements in real estate, Herb Simon has been the owner of the Indiana Pacers, since 1983, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to the sports franchise.
- Team Name: Orlando Magic
- Estimated Net Worth: $5 billion (the DeVos family)
Dan DeVos is most prominently known as the Chairman and CEO of DP Fox Ventures, a diversified management enterprise with interests in real estate, transportation, and sports. He is also a key figure in the Amway Corporation, a global leader in direct-selling which was co-founded by his father, Rich DeVos. Dan DeVos has been the owner of the Orlando Magic since 1991 when his family purchased the franchise. The Magic are one of 10 teams who have never won an NBA Championship, though they have made it to the finals twice.
- Team Name: Dallas Mavericks
- Estimated Net Worth: $5.4 billion
Mark Cuban is a highly successful entrepreneur and investor. He may be best known for his appearances on the television show Shark Tank, which have significantly contributed to his substantial net worth. Cuban initially amassed his wealth through the sale of his internet company, Broadcast.com, to Yahoo in 1999 for $5.7 billion in stock. He has been the owner of the Dallas Mavericks since 2000. His business acumen and investments in various tech companies, as well as Cuban's dynamic leadership and innovative approach have not only transformed the Mavericks into a competitive team but also solidified his reputation as a savvy and influential figure in both the sports and business worlds.
- Team Name: New Orleans Pelicans
- Estimated Net Worth: $6.1 billion
Gayle Benson amassed her significant net worth through her diverse ventures in real estate, automotive dealerships, and professional sports. She is best known for her role as the owner of the New Orleans Saints, an NFL team, and the New Orleans Pelicans, an NBA team. Gayle Benson became the owner of the New Orleans Pelicans in 2018 following the passing of her husband, Tom Benson, who previously owned the team.
- Team Name: Memphis Grizzlies
- Estimated Net Worth: $7.7 billion
Robert Pera is the founder of Ubiquiti Networks, a global communications technology company. His innovative approach to wireless networking technology has revolutionized the industry, leading to the widespread adoption of Ubiquiti's products. It also led to a personal windfall, swelling his net worth to $7.7 billion. In addition to his achievements in the tech sector, Pera has been the owner of the Memphis Grizzlies since 2012.
- Team Name: Miami Heat
- Estimated Net Worth: $7.9 billion
Micky Arison is a prominent businessman who has amassed a significant net worth primarily through his role as the chairman of Carnival Corporation. They are the world's largest cruise line operator. Under his leadership, Carnival has grown exponentially, solidifying its position in the global market. In addition to his success in the cruise industry, Arison has been the owner of the Miami Heat since 1995. His tenure with the team has seen multiple championships and a substantial increase in the franchise's value.
- Team Name: Philadelphia 76ers
- Estimated Net Worth: $8.6 billion & $3.1 billion, respectively
Joshua Harris and David Blitzer are prominent figures in the world of finance and private equity. Harris is a co-founder of Apollo Global Management, one of the largest alternative investment firms globally. Blitzer is a senior executive at Blackstone Group, another leading investment firm. Their expertise in managing large-scale investments and their strategic acumen have contributed to their substantial net worths of over a $1 billion each. Together, they have been the majority owners of the Philadelphia 76ers since 2011.
- Team Name: Atlanta Hawks
- Estimated Net Worth: $7.5 billion
Tony Ressler is a highly successful businessman and private equity investor, best known as the co-founder of Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, two of the largest investment firms in the world. Ressler has been the owner of the Atlanta Hawks, since 2015, when he led a group to purchase the franchise. Outside the sports world, Ressler has donated millions to organizations like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, even serving on their boards.
- Team Name: Milwaukee Bucks
- Estimated Net Worth: $8 billion & $3.5 billion, respectively
Jimmy Haslam and Wes Edens are prominent businessmen who have amassed significant net worths through their respective ventures in the energy and finance sectors. Jimmy Haslam is the CEO of the Pilot Flying J truck stop chain, which has grown into one of the largest travel center operators in North America. Wes Edens is a co-founder of Fortress Investment Group, a global investment management firm. Together, they have been the owners of the Milwaukee Bucks since 2014, during which time they have overseen substantial improvements in the team's performance and infrastructure. This includes an NBA Championship in 2021.
- Team Name: Houston Rockets
- Estimated Net Worth: $9 billion
Tilman Fertitta is primarily known for his extensive involvement in the hospitality and entertainment industries. He is the chairman, CEO, and sole owner of Landry's, Inc., one of the largest restaurant corporations in the United States. The copmany includes a diverse portfolio of well-known dining, hospitality, entertainment, and gaming establishments. Brands include Golden Nugget casino properties, Del Frisco's, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Joe's Crab Shack, Rainforest Cafe, Saltgrass Steak House, and even the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio, Texas. Fertitta has been the owner of the Houston Rockets since October 2017, when he purchased the franchise for a then-record of $2.2 billion.
- Team Name: Brooklyn Nets
- Estimated Net Worth: $9 billion
Joseph Tsai is a billionaire businessman and co-founder of the multinational conglomerate Alibaba Group, which has significantly contributed to his substantial net worth. His involvement in the e-commerce giant, along with various other investments, has positioned him as a prominent figure in the global business landscape. Tsai has been the owner of the Brooklyn Nets since 2019 when he completed the acquisition of the team. At the time, it was a record purchase amount for an NBA franchise: $3.3 billion.
- Team Name: Detroit Pistons
- Estimated Net Worth: $9 billion
Tom Gores is best known as the founder and CEO of Platinum Equity, a global private equity firm specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and operations of companies across diverse industries. His adeptness in identifying undervalued assets and transforming them into profitable ventures has helped to balloon his estimated net worth to $9 billion. Gores has been the owner of the Detroit Pistons since June 2011 when he acquired the franchise through his investment firm.
- Team Name: Denver Nuggets
- Estimated Net Worth: $10 billion
Stan Kroenke is a real estate developer who has amassed a significant net worth through his diverse portfolio of investments, particularly in sports and entertainment. He is the founder of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, a company that owns several major sports teams, including the NBA's Denver Nuggets, the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, and the NFL's Los Angeles Rams. Kroenke's wealth is also bolstered by his extensive real estate holdings and his marriage to Ann Walton Kroenke, an heiress to the Walmart fortune. Stan Kroenke has been the owner of the Denver Nuggets since 2000. However, due to rules limiting a single individual from owning too many sports franchises, the Nuggets are legally held in his wife's name.
- Team Name: Phoenix Suns
- Estimated Net Worth: $10.5 billion & $5 billion, respectively
Mat Ishbia is a highly successful businessman who has amassed a significant net worth through his leadership of United Wholesale Mortgage, one of the largest mortgage lenders in the United States. Mat, along with his brother Josh Ishbia, became the owners of the Phoenix Suns, in 2023. Their acquisition of the team was the largest majority ownership purchase of an NBA team in history: $4 billion.
- Team Name: Portland Trail Blazers
- Estimated Net Worth: $20 billion
Jody Allen is a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist who is most notable as the co-founder and CEO of Vulcan Inc. They are a private company that manages a diverse portfolio of investments, including real estate, technology, and media. Additionally, she has played a crucial role in the management of her late brother Paul Allen's estate (who co-founded Microsoft with childhood friend Bill Gates). Jody Allen has been the owner of the Portland Trail Blazers since October 2018 following the passing of Paul Allen.
- Team Name: Cleveland Cavaliers
- Estimated Net Worth: $28.3 billion
Dan Gilbert is a highly successful entrepreneur and businessman, best known as the founder and chairman of Quicken Loans. Quicken is the largest mortgage lender in the United States. His ventures in the financial services industry have helped him amass an estimated net worth of over $28 billion. Additionally, Gilbert has been the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers since 2005. Under his ownership, the Cavaliers have experienced notable success, including winning the NBA Championship in 2016.
- Team Name: Los Angeles Clippers
- Estimated Net Worth: $124 billion
Steve Ballmer is a highly successful businessman who amassed his substantial net worth primarily through his long tenure at Microsoft, where he served as CEO from 2000 to 2014. Under his leadership, Microsoft expanded its product range and significantly increased its revenue, solidifying its position as a tech giant. In addition to his achievements in the tech industry, Ballmer has been the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers since August 2014 when he purchased the franchise for $2 billion. As the wealthiest NBA owner and one of the richest people in the entire world, Ballmer seems to have unlimited funds to pour into the Clippers. That being said, however, the Clippers have never played in an NBA Championship game.
