According to Forbes’ 2022 list of the world’s billionaires, there are several individuals who have amassed fortunes from their involvement in the sports industry. However, there are only a few who can be considered true “sports billionaires,” with the vast majority of their wealth coming from sports-related ventures. Here are three individuals who are commonly regarded as sports billionaires:
Steve Ballmer: Steve Ballmer is a former Microsoft CEO and the current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team. According to Forbes, Ballmer’s net worth is estimated at $122.7 billion as of March 2023, making him one of the wealthiest people in the world. Ballmer purchased the Clippers in 2014 for a reported $2 billion, a record price for an NBA team at the time. Since then, he has invested heavily in the team, building a new state-of-the-art arena and hiring high-profile players such as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. In addition to his ownership of the Clippers, Ballmer is also heavily involved in philanthropy, having donated billions of dollars to various causes through his charitable organization, the Ballmer Group.
Roman Abramovich: Roman Abramovich is a Russian businessman who made his fortune in the oil industry. However, he is perhaps best known as the owner of the Chelsea Football Club in the English Premier League. According to Forbes, Abramovich’s net worth is estimated at $16.7 billion as of March 2023. Abramovich purchased Chelsea in 2003 for a reported £140 million, and has since invested heavily in the team, bringing in high-profile players and managers such as Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte. Under Abramovich’s ownership, Chelsea has won numerous domestic and international titles, including multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.
Jerry Jones: Jerry Jones is the owner of the Dallas Cowboys NFL team, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American sports. According to Forbes, Jones’ net worth is estimated at $8.9 billion as of March 2023. Jones purchased the Cowboys in 1989 for a reported $140 million, and has since built the team into one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. In addition to his ownership of the Cowboys, Jones is also heavily involved in the business side of the NFL, having served as a member of the league’s finance and compensation committees.
It is important to note that while these individuals are commonly referred to as sports billionaires, their fortunes are not solely derived from their involvement in sports. Rather, they have used their wealth and business acumen to invest in sports-related ventures, such as owning sports teams or building sports facilities.