NFL team owners, from richer to richest

Every year, Forbes tracks the richest NFL team owners and their individual net worth. These are the 15 richest football owners who, individually, own a majority stake in their respective franchises.

15. Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles: $2.7 billion

Born in 1951 into the General Cinema movie theater family, Jeffrey Lurie purchased the Philadelphia Eagles in 1994 for $185 million.

15 (continued). Jeffrey Lurie

According to Forbes, the Eagles are the tenth most-valuable NFL franchise in the NFL, with an estimated worth of $3.05 billion.

14. Jimmy Haslam, Cleveland Browns: $2.9 billion

Jimmy Haslam is the CEO of the Pilot Flying J truck stop and gas station chain, a position he inherited from his father, Jim Haslam. The younger Haslam purchased the Browns in 2012 for $987 million.

14 (continued). Jimmy Haslam, Cleveland Browns: $2.9 billion

Forbes values the Browns at $2.18 billion, making Cleveland the 28th most-valuable franchise in the league.

13. Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts: $3 billion

Jim Irsay is the son of former Colts owner Robert Irsay. Jim was named vice president and general manager of the Colts at 25, just as the franchise relocated to Indianapolis from its previous home in Baltimore.

13 (continued). Jim Irsay

Irsay's Colts are the 20th most-valuable franchise in the league, with an estimated value of $2.65 billion.

12. Gayle Benson, New Orleans Saints: $3.1 billion

Following the death of her husband, Tom Benson, in 2018, Gayle Benson took over as owner of the New Orleans Saints in the NFL, along with the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans. She is one of 10 female NFL owners.

12 (continued). Gayle Benson

The Saints are valued at $2.28 billion, making New Orleans the 25th most-valuable NFL franchise.

11. Denise DeBartolo York, San Francisco 49ers: $3.2 billion

Back in 2000, Denise DeBartolo York — along with her husband — took control of the 49ers from her brother, Edward DeBartolo Jr.  Her son, Jed, is the current CEO of the Niners.

11 (continued). Denise DeBartolo York

As of September 2019, Forbes lists the 49ers franchise as the fifth most-valuable team in the NFL, at $3.5 billion. 

10. Janice McNair, Houston Texans: $4 billion

In 2018, Houston Texans owner Cal McNair died, and ownership was transferred to his wife, Janice. Their son, Cal McNair, is currently the operating chairman and CEO of the Texans.

10 (continued). Janice McNair

Forbes lists the Texans as the ninth most-valuable team in the NFL, at $3.1 billion.

9. Steve Bisciotti, Baltimore Ravens: $4.5 billion

Steve Bisciotti earned his billions by starting Aerotek, now part of Allegis Group, a talent management company. Bisciotti and cousin Jim Davis logged more than $1 million in sales in their first year. Bisciotti purchased the Ravens for $600 million in 2004.

9 (continued). Steve Bisciotti

The 18th most-valuable team in the NFL, the Ravens have an estimated value of $2.75 billion.

8. Terrence Pegula, Buffalo Bills: $4.9 billion

Oil and real estate baron Terrence Pegula also owns the NHL's Buffalo Sabres. His wife, Kim Pegula, is a co-owner of the Bills. The Pegulas purchased the Bills in 2014 for $1.4 billion.

8 (continued). Terrence Pegula

The Bills are the lowest-valued franchise in the league, at $1.9 billion, per Forbes.

7. Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons: $5.5 billion

Arthur Blank is a co-founder of Home Depot. He purchased the Falcons for $545 million in 2002.

7 (continued). Arthur Blank

Blank's Falcons are now worth an estimated $2.76 billion, the 17th most-valuable franchise in the NFL.

6. Robert Kraft, New England Patriots: $6.9 billion

Robert Kraft earned his fortune in the paper and packing industries. He purchased the Patriots for a then-record $172 million. Kraft is seen here on a visit to the White House in 2015.

6 (continued). Robert Kraft

Kraft's Patriots are the second most-valuable NFL team in the league, worth more than $4 billion, according to Forbes.

5. Stephen M. Ross, Miami Dolphins: $7.6 billion

Real estate developer Stephen Ross kickstarted his professional career as a tax attorney. Ross purchased a 50% share of the Miami Dolphins in 2008 and an additional 45% share the following year.

5 (continued). Stephen Ross

According to Forbes, the Dolphins are worth an estimated $2.76 billion, which makes Miami the 16th most-valuable franchise.

4. Shahid Khan, Jacksonville Jaguars: $7.8 billion

Shahid Khan purchased 100% of the Jaguars in 2011 for an estimated $760 million. His company, Flex-N-Gate, manufactures bumpers for Toyota pickup trucks.

4 (continued). Shahid Khan

Forbes projects the Jaguars value at $2.33 billion, good for 23rd best in the league.

3. Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys: $8.6 billion

Jerry Jones founded an oil and gas prospecting business in Arkansas in the 1970s. By 1989, he was able to purchase the Dallas Cowboys for $140 million. 

3 (continued). Jerry Jones

Jones owns the most valuable franchise in the league. The Dallas Cowboys are worth an estimated $5.5 billion, the only NFL team to be valued at more than $5 billion.

2. Stan Kroenke, Los Angeles Rams: $9.7 billion

Stan Kroenke became independently wealthy through real estate ventures. In 1974, he married WalMart heiress Ann Walton, and in 1995 he began his career as a sports mogul.

Kroenke Sports Enterprises owns the Denver Nuggets (NBA), the Colorado Avalanche (NHL) and other sports properties, in addition to the Los Angeles Rams.

2 (continued). Stan Kroenke

Since moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles, the Rams' value has skyrocketed to $3.8 billion.

1. David Tepper, Carolina Panthers: $12 billion

The newest owner in the NFL is also the richest. David Tepper, who purchased the Panthers in 2018 for $2.3 billion, made his fortune as the founder and president of Appaloosa Management, a global hedge fund.

1 (continued). David Tepper

The Panthers are the 22nd most-valuable franchise in the NFL, at $2.4 billion.