As sports franchises become increasingly valuable assets, the largest ownership groups around the world are consolidating power—and wealth—at an astonishing pace. Following the Boston Celtics’ record-setting $6.1 billion sale, the collective value of the 20 most valuable sports ownership empires has now reached $225 billion, according to the latest industry estimates.
These sports conglomerates operate much like tech firms—built around intellectual property, driven by scale, and designed to generate exponential returns. Their centralized business models allow them to spread operational costs like HR and finance across multiple properties, increasing efficiency and margins.
But how do these sports empires stack up—and what are the most prized assets in their portfolios?
Top of the Table: Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
With a commanding lead, Stanley Kroenke’s portfolio tops the list at $21.2 billion. His empire includes:
- NFL’s Los Angeles Rams
- NBA’s Denver Nuggets
- NHL’s Colorado Avalanche
- Premier League’s Arsenal
The Kroenke model spans leagues, continents, and fan bases, offering a blueprint for the diversified sports empire.
Big Movers: Harris Blitzer and Fenway Sports Group
Close behind is Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) at $14.6 billion. Co-founders Josh Harris and David Blitzer hold significant stakes in:
- NFL’s Washington Commanders
- NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers
- NHL’s New Jersey Devils
- Premier League’s Crystal Palace (minority)
Fenway Sports Group, valued at $14.2 billion, maintains a multi-sport portfolio including:
- MLB’s Boston Red Sox
- NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins
- Premier League’s Liverpool FC
- Regional network NESN
- Interests in PGA Tour Enterprises and NASCAR
Beyond the Teams: AEG and Venue Dominance
AEG Worldwide demonstrates that owning the stadium can be just as powerful as owning the team. Valued at $12 billion, its portfolio includes:
- NHL’s Los Angeles Kings
- MLS’ LA Galaxy
- Iconic venues like Crypto.com Arena, The O2 (London), Barclays Arena (Hamburg), and a share in T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas)
AEG also operates AXS, a major ticketing platform.
The Regional Strategists
Some empires stay local and win big. Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), worth $7.8 billion, has built its foundation on Washington, D.C.–based teams:
- NBA’s Washington Wizards
- NHL’s Washington Capitals
- WNBA’s Washington Mystics
- Media platform Monumental Sports Network
Global Footprint: City Football Group
Soccer-centric and international, City Football Group (valued at $7.7 billion) is home to:
- Premier League’s Manchester City
- MLS’ New York City FC
- Clubs in Australia, Japan, Brazil, India, and China
Owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, CFG reflects the globalization of sports empires.
More Deals Coming
The sports M&A scene shows no signs of cooling. In mid-2024:
- Mark Walter agreed to acquire a controlling interest in the LA Lakers, with a reported $10 billion price tag.
- Woody Johnson of the New York Jets agreed to purchase a 43% stake in Crystal Palace.
Snapshot: The Top 5 Empires by Valuation
| Rank | Ownership Group | Valuation | Flagship Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kroenke Sports & Entertainment | $21.2B | Rams, Nuggets, Avalanche, Arsenal |
| 2 | Jones Family | $15.5B | Dallas Cowboys, Legends |
| 3 | Harris Blitzer Sports & Ent. | $14.6B | Commanders, 76ers, Devils |
| 4 | Fenway Sports Group | $14.2B | Red Sox, Penguins, Liverpool |
| 5 | MSG Sports Corp. | $12.7B | Knicks, Rangers |
Why This Matters
These sprawling ownership models are redefining the business of sports—from league participation to media rights to entertainment venues. With valuations soaring and cross-border investments increasing, the future of sport looks more corporate—and more global—than ever.
Stay tuned as more names join the race to build the next multibillion-dollar sports empire.
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