Ranking of the World's Most Wealthy NBA Team Owners in 2025

Ranking of the World's Most Wealthy NBA Team Owners in 2025

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In the dynamic world of professional sports, the ownership landscape of the National Basketball Association (NBA) is as diverse and impressive as the players on the court. Here's a rundown of the top 10 richest NBA team owners in 2025 and their business backgrounds, based on available data.

Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, tops the list with an estimated net worth of $143 billion. Ballmer's fortune stems from his decades-long leadership at Microsoft, and he now channels that wealth into NBA ownership and team development, owning the Los Angeles Clippers and investing heavily in team facilities like the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

Dan Gilbert, the co-founder and primary owner of Rocket Mortgage, the largest mortgage lender in the US, ranks second. Gilbert has had a significant influence since acquiring the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005, leading the team to an NBA championship.

Jody Allen, trustee of her late brother Paul Allen's estate, comes in third. Allen maintains the legacy of Paul Allen by managing a diverse asset portfolio rooted in technology and sports franchises, essentially continuing Paul Allen's vision for sports team ownership.

Stan Kroenke, a billionaire with wide sports ownership interests including the NBA's Denver Nuggets, ranks fourth. Kroenke's ownership of the Nuggets has led to the team's rise to fame and potential NBA title.

Joseph Tsai, co-founder of Alibaba Group and former executive vice chairman, ranks fifth. Tsai's ownership of the Brooklyn Nets has converted the team into a global brand, resulting in the acquisition of elite players and a strong presence in New York City.

Jimmy Haslam & Family, owners of the Cleveland Browns (NFL) as well, with business interests in various ventures, rank sixth. Haslam has bought a large share in the Milwaukee Bucks and his wealth primarily comes from the Pilot Flying J truck stop network.

The remaining positions 7-10 were not fully detailed in the available data.

Other notable owners like David Blitzer and Josh Harris, co-founders of Apollo Global Management, own the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and a small part of Crystal Palace. Glen Taylor, owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves, is passing control of the team to a group led by Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez. Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, is a CEO of Landry's, Inc., which owns hotels, restaurants, and casinos.

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) is a powerful ownership organization principally controlled by Rogers Communications and Larry Tanenbaum.

This ranking focuses strictly on NBA team owners, not players or other sports figures, distinguishing it from lists of richest NBA players such as Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Hence, owners with vast external business empires dominate the NBA team ownership wealth rankings in 2025.

[1] Further information about the remaining owners on the list (MLSE, David Blitzer and Josh Harris, Tilman Fertitta, Glen Taylor, Marc Lore, and Alex Rodriguez) was not provided in the given text.

[2] Joseph Tsai's wealth and ownership details were not provided in the given text.

[3] As of 2023, Haslam's personal net worth is approximately $4.8 billion. As of 2025, Josh Harris's net worth is over $10.4 billion.

[4] Wes Edens, co-founder of Fortress Investment Group, is a co-owner of the Bucks, and their combined financial strength has contributed to the team's success, including winning the National Basketball Association championship.

[5] The Cavaliers, under Gilbert's ownership, have had success, including winning an NBA title.

[6] Paul Allen's diversified interests and enthusiasm for sports franchises form a legacy through Jody Allen's management of his estate.

[7] The ownership of the Brooklyn Nets has transformed the team into a global brand, resulting in the acquisition of elite players and a strong presence in New York City.

[8] Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) is a powerful ownership organization principally controlled by Rogers Communications and Larry Tanenbaum.

[9] Ballmer's ambitious approach to the Clippers includes building the Intuit Dome in Inglewood and investing in top players and state-of-the-art facilities.

[10] Jody Allen, trustee of Paul Allen's estate, manages a wide portfolio of assets that includes the Seattle Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers.

1. The co-founder of Fortress Investment Group, Wes Edens, is a co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks and their combined financial strength has contributed to the team's success, including winning the National Basketball Association championship.
2. Tilman Fertitta, CEO of Landry's, Inc., which owns hotels, restaurants, and casinos, is the owner of the Houston Rockets.
3. Glen Taylor, the owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves, is passing control of the team to a group led by Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez.
4. Jonathan Davies, the managing partner of Raine Group, co-owns the Philadelphia 76ers.
5. E-commerce entrepreneur and former executive vice chairman of Alibaba Group, Joseph Tsai, owns the Brooklyn Nets and his ownership has transformed the team into a global brand, resulting in the acquisition of elite players and a strong presence in New York City.
6. Business magnate Larry Tanenbaum, through Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), is a principal owner controlling organization that owns several sports franchises including Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), and Toronto FC (MLS).
7. Michael Dell, the founder, and CEO of Dell Technologies have substantial interests in sports finance, including investments in stocks of multiple teams like the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and professional golf events, as well as serving on the board of the Central Texas Sports Commission.
8. Mark Cuban, the billionaire investor and the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has ventured into technology and e-commerce businesses, with significant investments in companies like Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Ace Metrix.
9. Technology entrepreneur and co-founder of the software company Autodesk, Carl Bass, is a part-owner of the Golden State Warriors, one of the most successful franchises in NBA history.
10. Mark Davis, the majority owner of the National Football League (NFL) team Oakland Raiders, also has interests in real-estate development and wealth-management ventures.

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