Who Are the Richest NFL Owners? A Comprehensive Ranking of All 32
Ever wondered who holds the title of the wealthiest NFL owner? The National Football League remains a financial powerhouse, driven by the immense wealth of team owners like Rob Walton, David Tepper, and Jody Allen. According to sport finance expert Roger G. Noll, for these billionaires, an NFL team is more than just a business—it is a prestige asset and a long-term wealth preserver that appreciates far beyond yearly profits, thanks to the rising value of the teams themselves.
Top Five Richest NFL Owners Today
The NFL is not only about touchdowns and game-winning plays; it is also a playground for some of the wealthiest individuals globally. These owners often have diverse business interests and substantial fortunes, contributing significantly to the league's overall success. Here is a detailed look at the top five richest NFL owners based on net worth as of February 20, 2026.
- Rob Walton ($143.2 billion) – Owner of the Denver Broncos, Rob Walton is the eldest son of Sam Walton, founder of Walmart. He leads the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, which acquired the Broncos in 2022 for $4.65 billion.
- David Tepper ($23.7 billion) – Founder of Appaloosa Management, Tepper owns the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, with his wealth stemming from his global hedge fund.
- Stan Kroenke ($21.3 billion) – A renowned businessman, Kroenke owns Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which includes the Los Angeles Rams and Colorado Rapids.
- Jerry Jones ($20.4 billion) – Owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, Jones is famous for leading his team to three Super Bowl championships in his first seven years.
- Jody Allen ($20.3 billion) – Sister of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, Jody inherited ownership of the Seattle Seahawks and other assets, making her one of the richest NFL owners.
Complete List of All 32 NFL Owners' Net Worths
Below is a comprehensive ranking of all 32 NFL owners, showcasing the extraordinary range of financial achievements and backgrounds within the league. Data is sourced from Forbes, Celebrity Net Worth, and Pro Football Network as of February 2026.
- Rob Walton – Denver Broncos – $143.2 billion
- David Tepper – Carolina Panthers – $23.7 billion
- Stan Kroenke – Los Angeles Rams – $21.3 billion
- Jerry Jones – Dallas Cowboys – $20.4 billion
- Jody Allen – Seattle Seahawks – $20.3 billion
- Stephen Ross – Miami Dolphins – $16.9 billion
- Shahid Khan – Jacksonville Jaguars – $15.4 billion
- Robert Kraft – New England Patriots – $13.8 billion
- Arthur Blank – Atlanta Falcons – $11.1 billion
- Josh Harris – Washington Commanders – $10.4 billion
- Glazer family – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $10 billion
- Terry Pegula – Buffalo Bills – $9.3 billion
- Jimmy Haslam – Cleveland Browns – $8.7 billion
- Stephen Bisciotti – Baltimore Ravens – $8.5 billion
- Denise DeBartolo York and John York – San Francisco 49ers – $8.5 billion
- Gayle Benson – New Orleans Saints – $7.9 billion
- Jeffrey Lurie – Philadelphia Eagles – $7.6 billion
- Cal McNair – Houston Texans – $7.3 billion
- Mike Brown – Cincinnati Bengals – $5 billion
- Jim Irsay – Indianapolis Colts – $4.8 billion
- Woody Johnson – New York Jets – $4.2 billion
- Amy Adams Strunk and Family – Tennessee Titans – $2.8 billion
- Mark Davis – Las Vegas Raiders – $2.5 billion
- Sheila Ford Hamp – Detroit Lions – $2 billion
- Clark Hunt and family – Kansas City Chiefs – $2 billion
- Steve Tisch – New York Giants – $1.6 billion
- Michael Bidwill and Family – Arizona Cardinals – $1.4 billion
- Zygi Wilf and Family – Minnesota Vikings – $1.3 billion
- George McCaskey – Chicago Bears – $1.3 billion
- Art Rooney II – Pittsburgh Steelers – $1.2 billion
- Dean Spanos – Los Angeles Chargers – $1 billion
- Ed Policy – Green Bay Packers – N/A (community-owned)
Key Insights into NFL Ownership
Is Owning an NFL Team Primarily a Wealth Generator? According to Professor Roger G. Noll, the true financial benefit of owning an NFL team lies not in daily profits but in the skyrocketing value of the franchise itself. Factors such as rising franchise values, steady profit increases, low downside risk, celebrity status, and boosted business ventures contribute to this wealth preservation.
NFL Owners and the Rising Value of Teams Historically, NFL teams were family-owned businesses, but as revenues exploded, ownership often changed hands upon the death of patriarchs, leading to sales to wealthier individuals. Today, most NFL owners are billionaires who built their fortunes outside of football, with only a few having most of their net worth tied to their franchise.
NFL Ownership vs. Other Leagues Compared to leagues like the NHL, MLS, or WNBA, owning an NFL team requires significantly more wealth. However, the economic structure is similar across professional sports, with limited franchises in leagues like the NFL, MLB, and NBA keeping demand high and prices climbing.
Power in the Room: Who Really Runs the NFL? Despite their enormous wealth, NFL owners do not always control day-to-day decisions. The NFL Commissioner's Office remains the true centre of management, with new owners expected to defer to seniority and the commissioner's staff unless a crisis arises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest NFL owner in the world? As of 2026, Rob Walton, owner of the Denver Broncos, holds the title with a net worth of $143.2 billion, largely from the Walmart fortune.
What NFL team is the richest franchise? The Dallas Cowboys, owned by Jerry Jones, are consistently ranked as the most valuable NFL franchise, with an estimated value of $13 billion and high operating income.
What makes the Green Bay Packers unique? The Green Bay Packers are the only publicly owned team in the NFL, with no single billionaire owner, highlighting a community-based model in a league dominated by individual wealth.
In summary, the list of the richest NFL owners showcases an extraordinary range of financial achievements and backgrounds. While the top owners wield significant influence, each brings unique strengths and resources that contribute to the NFL's enduring success and global appeal.
