30 Richest NFL Owners in 2023


 

The National Football League is a lucrative business, and its team owners reflect that. As of 2023, the average NFL franchise is worth over $3.5 billion. The league continues to increase in popularity and profitability each year through lucrative broadcasting contracts and strategic business partnerships.

This translates into hefty gains for those privileged enough to own one of the coveted franchises. While the team owners’ ranks include self-made billionaires and multi-generational wealth, they all enjoy the prestige and income that comes from this exclusive club.

The individuals at the top of the list have masterfully leveraged their teams and the league’s success to claim a spot among the wealthiest people in sports worldwide. Their journeys and financial empires are as fascinating as the games their teams play every Sunday. Here are 30 of the richest NFL owners in 2023.

1. Rob Walton, Denver Broncos 鈥 $67.8 billion

S. Robson Walton in 2011

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Samuel Robson 鈥淩ob鈥 Walton is an American billionaire who inherits a substantial fortune from Walmart, the world鈥檚 largest retail company. He is the eldest son of Helen and Sam Walton patrons of one of the richest families in the world and served as the chairman of Walmart from 1992 to 2015.

As of October 2023, Walton is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $66.3 billion, placing him as the 18th wealthiest individual worldwide. Additionally, he holds the primary ownership of the Denver Broncos. 

2. David Tepper, Carolina Panthers 鈥 $20.6 billion

Image of David Tepper of Appaloosa Management

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David Alan Tepper is a wealthy American hedge fund manager who owns the Carolina Panthers in the NFL and Charlotte FC in the MLS. He is also the founder and president of the global hedge fund, Appaloosa Management, located in Miami Beach, Florida. As of November 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $20.6 billion.

3. The Hunt Family, Kansas City Chiefs 鈥 $20.5 billion

Lamar Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs founder, poses for a picture in Arrowhead Stadium in 1972.

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Kansas City Chiefs have been owned by the Hunt family since the franchise was founded in 1959 by Lamar Hunt. Lamar’s son Clark took over as chairman of the Chiefs in 2005. After Lamar passed away in 2006, ownership of the team was divided among his second wife Norma and his children Sharron, Lamar Jr., Daniel, and Clark.

Although the siblings all own part of the franchise, Clark serves as the face of the family’s ownership, representing the Chiefs at NFL meetings. Currently, the total net worth of the Hunt family is around $20.5 billion, making them one of the wealthiest ownership groups in the league.

4. Jody Allen, Seattle Seahawks 鈥 $20.3 billion

Jody Allen is the sister of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. She worked as CEO of her brother’s investment company Vulcan Inc. from 1986 to 2015. After Paul Allen passed away in October 2018, Jody became the executor of his estate per his wishes. With Microsoft being one of the most famous companies, she got a bigger role in running the business.

This gave her control of his assets including the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, the super-yacht Octopus, the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, and a minority stake in Seattle Sounders FC of MLS. As executor, Jody oversees carrying out Paul’s will and handles tax issues and matters involving his projects.

She is now responsible for the sports teams, yacht, and other holdings that were part of her brother’s estate. She is estimated to be worth $20.3 billion as of November 2023.

5. Stanley Kroenke, Los Angeles Rams 鈥 $15.7 billion

Stanley

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Stanley Kroenke is an American billionaire who owns the sports and entertainment holding company Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. Through this company, Kroenke owns several major professional sports teams across different leagues including the Premier League’s Arsenal Football Club, the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and MLS’s Colorado Rapids.

He also owns esports teams like the Overwatch League’s LA Gladiators. Kroenke’s net worth is estimated to be around $15.7 billion as of 2023 according to Forbes. He has invested in owning numerous sports franchises across various leagues and competitions.

6. Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys 鈥 $14.5 billion

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones

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Jerral Wayne Jones Sr. is an American businessman who has been the owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League since February 1989. His estimated net worth as of November 2023 is $14.5 billion.

7. Shahid Khan, Jacksonville Jaguars 鈥 $11.4 billion

Shahid Khan 2015

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Shahid Khan also known as Shad Khan, is a Pakistani-American billionaire and business tycoon. He is the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL), the English Football League Championship team Fulham F.C.

He also owns an automobile parts manufacturer Flex-N-Gate in Urbana, Illinois, His route to success demonstrates that it doesn鈥檛 matter where you start.

Both his parents were educated. His mother was a math teacher and his father was a lawyer. He graduated from the UIUC College of Engineering with a BSc in Industrial Engineering.

Khan married his college fellow, Ann Carlson Khan, he is the richest person of Pakistani origin with an estimated net worth of $11.4 billion.

8. Robert Kraft, New England Patriots 鈥 $11.1 billion

Robert Kraft - New England Patriots

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Robert Kraft is an American business executive who is the CEO and chairman of the diversified Kraft Group conglomerate. Through his company, Kraft owns multiple sports teams including the NFL’s New England Patriots which he has owned since 1994

He also founded and owns Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution in 1996 and the esports team Boston Uprising in 2017. In addition to his sports holdings, Kraft’s business interests span paper, packaging, real estate and private equity investing.

He has been the Patriots owner since the 1990s and also holds ownership stakes in other professional sports teams. He is estimated to be worth US$11.1 billion as of November 2023.

He is one of the most inspiring people to emulate if you wish to succeed in life.

9. Woody and Christopher Johnson, New York Jets – $10.7 billion

Photograph of ambassador Woody Johnson in front of a US flag

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Robert Wood Johnson IV is an American businessman and former U.S. ambassador to the U.K. He is a descendant of the founders of Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical company.

In 2000, Johnson purchased ownership of the NFL’s New York Jets along with his brother Christopher Johnson. Together they currently co-own the Jets franchise and have an estimated combined net worth of around $10.7 billion.

Johnson comes from the family that established the Johnson & Johnson company and bought the Jets in the early 2000s, sharing ownership of the team with his brother.

10. Stephen Ross, Miami Dolphins 鈥 $10.1 billion

Stephen Ross is a billionaire American real estate developer and sports team owner. He is the chairman and majority stakeholder of his real estate firm The Related Companies which he founded in 1972.

Ross is best known for developing major projects like the Deutsche Bank Center and Hudson Yards. In addition to his real estate career, Ross also owns the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and their home stadium in Miami.

He has amassed a net worth estimated at around $10.1 billion as of November 2023 through his real estate projects and sports team ownership. Ross controls and owns the Dolphins franchise while also leading a successful global real estate development company.

11. Jimmy and Dee Haslam, Cleveland Browns 鈥 $8.7 billion

Jimmy Haslam at 2014 Browns training camp.

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James Arthur Haslam is a successful American entrepreneur who has built a business empire in the energy and sports industries. He serves as chairman of Pilot Flying J, the prominent truck stop and travel centre chain founded by his father Jim Haslam in 1958.

Along with his wife Dee, Haslam owns several major professional sports franchises including the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, MLS’s Columbus Crew, and a share of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. Leveraging the fortune amassed from Pilot Flying J, valued at around $8.7 billion, Haslam has become a powerful figure in both the corporate and sports worlds.

His ownership of the Browns and Crew in particular gives him high visibility in Ohio’s professional sports landscape. Though initially focused on the energy sector, Haslam has expanded his family’s influence into sports team ownership and management.

12. Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons 鈥 $7.4 billion

Arthur Blank in 2016

, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Arthur Blank has attained great success and wealth as an American entrepreneur and sports team owner. He co-founded The Home Depot, the largest home improvement retail chain, which became the foundation of his billionaire status.

Leveraging that fortune, estimated at $7.4 billion, Blank has also become an influential owner of professional sports franchises. He currently owns the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United FC, the latter winning the MLS Cup championship in 2018. Blank’s ownership of Atlanta’s most prominent professional soccer and football organizations has made him a major figure in the city’s sports landscape.

Though Blank earned his initial fortune in retail with Home Depot, he has since expanded his sports investments, bringing Major League Soccer to Atlanta and fostering the success of the city’s MLS team.

13. Josh Harris, Washington Commanders 鈥 $7.4 billion

Josh and Marjorie Harris

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Joshua Harris has leveraged his success as an investor and entrepreneur into high-profile sports team ownership. He co-founded the private equity powerhouse Apollo Global Management, which helped him amass a personal net worth surpassing $7.4 billion.

Harris has used that wealth to become a leading sports executive, serving as managing partner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, NHL’s New Jersey Devils and NFL’s Washington Commanders based in Washington D.C. His investment group also holds ownership stakes in prominent foreign sports teams like the English soccer club Crystal Palace.

Beyond sports business, Harris is an active philanthropist. His journey from private equity magnate to multi-league sports mogul makes Harris an influential figure across the realms of finance, philanthropy and professional athletics.

Harris exemplifies how modern sports owners are billionaires with diverse business portfolios, of which sports franchises represent their highest-visibility assets.

14. Steve Bisciotti, Baltimore Ravens 鈥 $7.0 billion

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti

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Stephen Bisciotti leveraged his success in founding staffing and workforce companies into ownership of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. He started Aerotek, which grew into the largest privately-held staffing firm in the U.S. Bisciotti also co-founded Allegis Group, a global talent management giant overseeing firms like Aerotek and TEKsystems.

His entrepreneurial accomplishments in the staffing and recruiting industry formed the basis of his wealth, which he used to purchase the Ravens in 2004. As the majority owner of the successful NFL franchise, Bisciotti represents a class of pro sports owners who originally made their fortunes in non-sports business sectors like staffing, finance, and technology.

His Maryland-based companies and ownership of the Ravens make him an influential figure in the state’s business and sports communities. As of 2023, he has an estimated net worth of $7.0 billion.

15. Kim and Terry Pegula, Buffalo Bills – $7.0 billion

Washington Football Team at. Buffalo Bills from Highmark Stadium, Buffalo, NY September 26th, 2021

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Terrence Pegula has attained billionaire status and sports team ownership through his vast investments in energy and real estate. Pegula built his fortune of over $7 billion primarily through fracking and natural gas companies.

He then leveraged this wealth to purchase major professional franchises in his native Western New York region, acquiring the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres in 2011 and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills with his wife Kim in 2014. As president of both teams, Pegula has become an influential figure in Buffalo sports.

His journey from petroleum engineer to sports executive exemplifies how modern sports franchise owners are increasingly self-made billionaires like Pegula who acquired teams as an asset to complement their business portfolios.

His energy sector investments formed the basis of a wealth that allowed Pegula to become a prominent owner in Buffalo’s major league sports scene.

16. Gayle Benson, New Orleans Saints 鈥 6.1 billion

Mrs. Gayle Benson at a New Orleans Saints football game

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Gayle Benson has become an influential billionaire sports executive who owns major league franchises in New Orleans. Following the 2018 death of her husband Tom Benson, she assumed control of both the NFL’s Saints and NBA’s Pelicans as principal owner.

This makes Benson the only woman currently holding majority control of both an NFL and NBA team. Her journey from spouse and heir to hands-on owner exemplifies the modern sports mogul following in a family legacy.

Though initially gaining ownership through her marriage, Benson has established herself as a powerbroker steering the future of New Orleans’ premier professional sports organizations. She represents a steadily increasing contingent of female sports franchise owners in the male-dominated pro sports world.

Benson’s $6.1 billion net worth and stewardship of the Saints and Pelicans make her one of the most prominent women in US professional sports ownership and management.

17. Denise DeBartolo York and Jed York, San Francisco 49ers 鈥 $5.8 billion

Jed York Web Summit

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Denise DeBartolo York has attained billionaire status and ownership of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers through her family legacy. She is the daughter of construction mogul Edward DeBartolo Sr., who previously owned the 49ers.

Along with her son Jed York, Denise now serves as co-chair and controlling owner of the storied NFL franchise, solidifying her place as one of the most prominent women in pro football ownership. Leveraging the family’s wealth, estimated at $5.8 billion, the Yorks have also acquired European soccer club Leeds United.

Denise represents a new generation of women sports owners carrying on a family tradition, though still a rarity in the male-dominated professional sports world. Her stewardship of the 49ers and Leeds United makes her an influential figure in football on both sides of the Atlantic.

18. Janice McNair, Houston Texans 鈥 $5.6 billion

Janice McNair has become the owner of the NFL’s Houston Texans following the 2018 passing of her husband and team co-founder, Bob McNair from Florida. Though initially taking a background role, Janice has now assumed full control of the Texans as principal owner and chair.

Her journey exemplifies a common pathway for women sports owners, inheriting control of teams from spouses. Janice represents a steadily growing contingent of female billionaires and inheritors stepping into commanding roles with NFL franchises.

With an estimated net worth of $5.6 billion derived largely from the Texans as well as other business holdings, she wields substantial wealth and influence as the decision-maker guiding the Texans.

19. Glazer Family, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 鈥 $4.7 billion 

Washington Football Team vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedEx Field

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Malcolm Glazer from New York established himself as a sports ownership titan, acquiring major international franchises in soccer and American football. As head of his family’s business empire, Glazer took control of English Premier League club Manchester United in 2005 and also owned the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Through his varied investments primarily in real estate and broadcasting, Glazer amassed a family fortune amounting to $4.7 billion as of 2023. His high-profile sports acquisitions, including the globally renowned Manchester United, made Glazer a transatlantic sports mogul.

Though coming from a business background, Glazer was an influential figure who helped drive the evolution of sports teams as billionaire-owned entertainment assets and brands. Along with his heirs, he built one of the preeminent family sports ownership groups spanning the Atlantic in both wealth and influence.

20. Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles 鈥 $4.6 billion

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie

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Jeffrey Lurie has attained billionaire status through his dual careers as an NFL team owner and film producer. He purchased the Philadelphia Eagles domiciled in Philadelphia in 1994, establishing himself as a long-term steward guiding the franchise to its first Super Bowl championship in 2018.

Lurie has also produced an array of major Hollywood films including Inside Job, Sweethearts, The Blind Side and Foxcatcher. His success across the realms of professional football ownership and cinema has yielded a personal net worth of around $4.6 billion as of 2023.

Lurie represents the modern sports owner who amasses a fortune across multiple industries, using those funds to acquire a sports team as a personal passion asset. His journey from Hollywood film financier to Philadelphia’s beloved NFL champ makes Lurie an influential figure in both the movie business and pro football worlds.

21. Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts 鈥 $4.3 billion

Jim Irsay gives a speech during the Ring of Honor ceremony

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James Irsay has attained billionaire status and ownership of the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise through inheritance from his successful family. His late father Robert Irsay purchased the Los Angeles Rams in 1972 then controversially moved them to Indianapolis as the Colts.

When Robert died in 1997, James assumed control of the franchise as principal owner. Though initially criticized, Irsay rebuilt the Colts into a winning team, culminating in victory at Super Bowl XLI.

As CEO and architect of the team’s new Lucas Oil Stadium, Irsay has become an influential figure in the Indianapolis community. His inherited ownership represents a common pathway among current NFL owners, though Irsay has put his stamp on the legacy franchise.

With a personal net worth of $4.3 billion, Irsay exemplifies multi-generational sports owners leveraging family wealth to purchase and run teams as personal assets.

22. Dean Spanos, Los Angeles Chargers 鈥 $2.4 billion

San Diego Chargers president Dean Spanos announces that Junior Seau's #55 is officially retired

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Dean Spanos represents a new generation of sports owners carrying on a family legacy. He assumed control of the NFL’s San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers franchise in 1994 from his father Alex Spanos, who purchased the team in 1984.

Spanos took over daily operations as team president and CEO, before passing duties to his sons in 2015. After his father died in 2018, Spanos became the Chargers’ controlling owner and chairman. Though initially inheriting rather than purchasing the team, Spanos has put his stamp on the Chargers as they relocated to Los Angeles. With an estimated $2.4 billion net worth, Spanos exemplifies multi-generational sports owners leveraging family wealth to run teams as personal assets and carry on their legacy.

23. Mark Davis, Las Vegas Raiders 鈥 $2.3 billion

Mark Davis from Brooklyn, New York represents a new generation of sports franchise owners carrying on a family legacy. After his father Al Davis passed away in 2011, Mark inherited control of the NFL’s Oakland Raiders along with his mother Carol. He became the team’s operating head and controlling owner, overseeing their relocation to Las Vegas. Davis has continued his father’s influential legacy as owner of the Raiders, while also expanding into other sports like the WNBA. Though initially assuming ownership through inheritance rather than purchase, Davis has left his mark on the Raiders franchise.

With an estimated $2.3 billion net worth, Davis exemplifies multi-generational sports owners leveraging family wealth to run teams as personal assets. He balances celebrating his father’s legacy while adapting the Raiders for a new era.

24. Sheila Ford Hamp, Detroit Lions 鈥 $2 billion

The Washington Commanders fell to the Detroit Lions

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Sheila Ford Hamp represents a new generation of female sports franchise owners carrying on a family legacy. As a descendant of the billionaire Ford and Firestone families, Hamp inherited control of the NFL’s Detroit Lions from her mother Martha Firestone Ford in 2020.

Born in Michigan, she initially assumed a background role as team vice chair in 2014. However, she took over as Lions’ principal owner and chairwoman. Her journey exemplifies a common pathway for contemporary women owners – leveraging family wealth and status to purchase and run major sports teams.

With an estimated $2 billion net worth, Hamp is poised to put her stamp on the Lions franchise as she guides them into a new era. Her ascent highlights the steadily increasing prominence of female inheritors stepping into commanding roles with NFL teams.

25. John Mara and Steve Tisch, New York Giants 鈥 Mara 鈥 $500 million, Tisch 鈥 $1.5 billion

New York Giants owner, John Mara,

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

John Mara from New York and Steven Tisch a New Jersey native,  jointly lead the NFL’s storied New York Giants franchise as co-owners and top executives. Mara is team president and CEO, while Tisch is chairman and executive VP.

Their partnership in controlling one of the NFL’s most valuable franchises has yielded an estimated collective net worth of $2 billion. Though both inherited partial stakes in the Giants from their fathers, Mara and Tisch have reinvigorated the organization, guiding the team to Super Bowl championships in 2007 and 2011.

They represent a new generation of hands-on owners carrying on a family legacy. Mara and Tisch exemplify contemporary pro sports co-owners leveraging family wealth to purchase and actively manage teams as passion assets. Through their leadership and decision-making, they have left a new stamp on one of the NFL’s signature franchises.

26. Amy Adams Strunk, Tennessee Titans 鈥 $1.6 billion

Amy Adams Strunk, the principal owner of the Tennessee Titans

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Amy Adams Strunk represents a new generation of female sports franchise owners carrying on a family legacy. As the daughter of late Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams, Strunk inherited a controlling 50% stake in the Tennessee-based NFL team upon her father’s passing.

Though initially playing a background role, Strunk assumed control of the Titans in 2015 as principal owner and chairwoman. Her journey exemplifies a common pathway for contemporary women owners leveraging family ties and wealth to purchase and run major sports teams.

Strunk now steers the Titans under the family’s KSA Industries banner, which also houses other inherited business assets. With her sister Susie Adams Smith also holding a 50% share, Strunk splits ownership but has emerged as the Titans鈥 hands-on managing owner and influential figurehead.

With an estimated personal net worth of $1.6 billion as of 2023, Strunk has attained billionaire status through her inherited stake in the Titans franchise.

27. Michael Bidwill, Arizona Cardinals 鈥 $1.4 billion

Michael Bidwill speaking with attendees at the 2022 Converge Tech Summit

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Michael Bidwill represents a new generation of sports franchise owners carrying on a family legacy. He inherited control of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals based in Phoenix, Arizona from his father Bill Bidwill, who purchased the team in 1972.

Though initially a lawyer, Bidwill joined the Cardinals in 1996 as legal counsel before becoming team president. After his father passed away in 2019, Bidwill took over as principal owner and chairman.

His journey exemplifies a common pathway for contemporary owners 鈥 leveraging family wealth and status to purchase and run major sports teams. With an estimated $1.4 billion net worth derived from the Cardinals, Bidwill has put his stamp on the franchise as he guides them into a new era.

28. Zygi Wilf, Minnesota Vikings 鈥 $1.3 billion

Edward Masso, commander of Navy Personnel Command, meets Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Born in West Berlin, Germany, Zygmunt Wilf leveraged his success as a real estate developer into sports team ownership. As founder of Garden Homes, Wilf has amassed a fortune of over $1.3 billion through his vast commercial real estate ventures and investments.

He then expanded into owning professional sports franchises, purchasing the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings in 2005 and later becoming majority owner of MLS’s Orlando City SC. Wilf’s journey from real estate mogul to sports executive exemplifies how modern pro team owners are increasingly self-made billionaires who buy teams as passion assets.

Though not from a sports business background, Wilf now oversees two high-profile franchises in football and soccer. His prominence across real estate and sports makes him an influential figure in multiple industries.

29. Virginia Halas McCaskey, Chicago Bears 鈥 $1.3 billion

Virginia Halas McCaskey represents a generation of female sports owners carrying on a family legacy. As the daughter of Chicago Bears founder George Halas, McCaskey inherited control of the storied NFL franchise upon her father鈥檚 death in 1983.

Her journey exemplifies a common pathway for women owners leveraging family status and wealth to purchase and manage teams. Though initially taking a background role, McCaskey has emerged as an influential steward and matriarch guiding the Bears for over 30 years.

With an estimated $1.3 billion net worth derived from the Chicago-based team, she is now the oldest owner in American pro sports at age 100. McCaskey鈥檚 longevity and heritage embody the generational influence some families hold over sports franchises.

30. Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers 鈥 $1.2 billion

Art Rooney II at a press conference in April 2012 announcing the new Minnesota Vikings stadium

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Arthur Joseph Rooney II  from Pennsylvania possesses ownership of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a professional American football franchise in the National Football League (NFL). As of November 2023, his approximate wealth is assessed to be $1.2 billion.

The elite group of NFL team owners represents the top echelon of sports wealth and influence. As the league continues its relentless growth, so too does the prosperity of these owners.

Though their personalities and backgrounds vary, they share the rarified air that comes with owning one of the coveted NFL franchises. These owners will continue jockeying for the top positions on future iterations of the “Richest NFL Owners” list.

For now, their grand fortunes provide a captivating glimpse into the lives and wealth of some of the most powerful people in professional sports.

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