The Billionaire Families Behind the NFL’s Most Lucrative Teams

by FON Staff

Ever wonder who’s really calling the shots in the NFL? Behind the scenes, a handful of billionaire families are quietly shaping America’s favorite sport. These ultra-wealthy clans aren’t just cheering from luxury boxes – they’re building dynasties both on and off the field. As the 2024 season kicks off, let’s peek behind the curtain at the power players who own the league’s most valuable franchises. From the Krafts in New England to the Joneses in Dallas, these families are redefining what it means to have skin in the game. For those managing serious wealth, there may be no better playbook than the NFL owner’s box.

The NFL’s Most Valuable Teams in 2024

The Dallas Cowboys reign supreme as the NFL’s most valuable franchise, becoming the first to surpass the $10 billion mark with a staggering $10.32 billion valuation. Jerry Jones’ innovative approach to sponsorships and licensing has set a new standard. Following closely are the New England Patriots ($7 billion) and Los Angeles Rams ($6.9 billion). The league’s economic model, with revenue sharing and salary caps, has propelled the average franchise value to $5.93 billion, up 15.4% from last year.

The Jones Family’s Dallas Cowboys – The Richest NFL Franchise

The Dallas Cowboys, owned by Jerry Jones since 1989, have become the most valuable sports franchise in the world, currently valued at a staggering $9 billion. Jones’ savvy business decisions, including lucrative media and sponsorship deals, have propelled the Cowboys to unprecedented financial heights. Under his leadership, the team has achieved great success both on and off the field, winning three Super Bowls in the 1990s and solidifying its status as “America’s Team.”

The Benson Family’s New Orleans Saints – A Small Market Success Story

The New Orleans Saints, owned by the Benson family since 1985, have become a small market success story. Despite facing personal tragedies, Tom Benson built the Saints into a source of pride for the city. Under Gayle Benson’s ownership since 2018, the team has continued to thrive, making multiple playoff appearances and winning a Super Bowl in 2009. The Bensons’ commitment to the community through philanthropy has further cemented the Saints’ place in New Orleans’ heart.

 

The Rooney Family’s Pittsburgh Steelers – The Oldest NFL Franchise

The Rooney family has owned the Pittsburgh Steelers since Art Rooney founded the team in 1933, making it one of the NFL’s oldest franchises. Known for their stability and success, the Steelers have won six Super Bowls under Rooney leadership. The family’s impact extends beyond football, with Dan Rooney’s creation of the “Rooney Rule” promoting diversity in coaching hires. Today, Art Rooney II leads the team, continuing the family’s legacy of excellence in the NFL.

The Glazer Family’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Recent Success and Value Growth

The Glazer family’s ownership of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been marked by impressive growth and success. Since acquiring the team in 1995 for $192 million, the franchise’s value has skyrocketed to an estimated $4 billion. Under their leadership, the Bucs have clinched two Super Bowl victories, most recently in 2021. The family’s commitment to the team was evident when they rejected a record-setting $6.05 billion offer, signaling their dedication to building on recent triumphs.

The Kraft Family’s New England Patriots – Dominant in the 21st Century

Robert Kraft’s acquisition of the New England Patriots in 1994 marked the beginning of an unprecedented era of success. Under Kraft’s leadership, the Patriots have clinched 6 Super Bowl titles, 11 AFC Championships, and 22 division titles. The team’s remarkable turnaround from struggling franchise to NFL powerhouse is a testament to Kraft’s vision and investment. With 353 wins since 1994, including playoffs, the Patriots average an impressive 12 victories per season, solidifying their status as one of the most dominant teams in NFL history.

Wrapping Up – The Importance of Ownership in the NFL

NFL ownership structures play a crucial role in shaping the league’s future. Recent discussions about allowing private equity investments highlight the evolving landscape of team ownership. While this could provide liquidity and expand the pool of potential owners, it also raises questions about control and decision-making power. Ultimately, the success of any ownership reforms depends on current owners’ willingness to embrace change. As team valuations continue to rise, the NFL must balance tradition with innovation to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for America’s most popular sport.

Conclusion

As the NFL continues to dominate American sports, these billionaire families are sitting pretty atop their football empires. With franchise values skyrocketing, don’t expect many owners to cash out anytime soon. The upcoming NFL draft in April will only fuel more excitement and investment. For those family offices looking to get in on the action, opportunities still exist with minority stakes occasionally hitting the market. Just be prepared to pony up some serious cash. In the meantime, the rest of us can keep dreaming about owning our own team while cheering from the cheap seats. At least we can say we knew these families back when they were merely multi-millionaires.

 

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