Quick Links
The NBA symbolizes great talent, competition, and massive fortune in professional basketball. Aside from displaying athletic prowess, the NBA provides another avenue for its franchise owners to profit. In 2023, the league has various billionaire team owners who are instrumental in shaping their individual teams and the NBA as a whole.
The owners range from tech moguls like Steve Ballmer to self-made billionaires like Mark Cuban, who all have some familiar mix of business smarts and a love for basketball. Besides lifting the game status, their investments also help build them an increasing amount of wealth. Join us as we explore the magnificent fortunes and various backgrounds of the team owners who ensure that the NBA showcases athletic genius and demonstrates economic power.
RelatedThe Highest Paid NBA Coaches As Of 2022, Ranked
Some of the most successful NBA coaches often take home big paychecks season after season.10 Mark Cuban - $5.9 Billion
NBA Team: Dallas Mavericks
Cuban is a highly charismatic owner of the Dallas Mavericks, an NBA team he purchased in 2000. Cuban is one of the wealthiest people in the world, with a net worth of $5.9 billion at the beginning of 2023. He became famous because he sold his first company that offered Internet radio and other services over the Internet for $5.7 billion.
He is also one of the most famous public investors in the United States, and one of the long-time hosts of the incredibly popular TV show Shark Tank, where the show's hosts invest in different startups using their own money. He is famous for his unique way of commanding his teams and dealing with fans. He has revolutionized the NBA by constantly going beyond the box regarding technology and statistical analysis.
9 Robert Pera - $6.1 Billion
NBA Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Robert Pera is among the wealthiest team owners in the NBA and owns the Memphis Grizzlies. Pera was born on March 10, 1978, and is an American businessperson and founder of Ubiquiti Networks, a leading wireless equipment manufacturer. Pera, a business person with a net worth of $6.1 billion, has invested in technology and sports.
He has made several developments and investments under his ownership into the Memphis Grizzlies, thus showing his dedication to the team and the city. His business interests, diversified beyond basketball, illustrate his entrepreneurial abilities.
8 Micky Arison - $6.5 Billion
NBA Team: Miami Heat
Micky Arison is the majority owner of the Miami Heat and is Chair of the world's largest cruise operator — Carnival Corporation. Arison had a net worth of $6.5 billion after inheriting a carnival corporation from his late father, Ted Arison, who transformed it into an empire. While owning the Miami Heat, he managed to secure several championships.
Arison's financial knowledge goes beyond basketball and cruises and Arison is well-known in various business sectors. He is one of the wealthiest NBA team owners as of 2023 due to his innovative leadership style focused on strategic growth.
RelatedLeBron James Becomes First NBA Player To Earn $1 Billion
The star of Space Jam has a net worth that is truly astronomical. James may be the first $1 Billion player, but more are definitely coming...7 Joshua Harris - $6.7 Billion
NBA Team: Philadelphia 76ers
One of the world's most famous private equity firms is Apollo Global Management, whose co-founder is Joshua Harris. He owns the NBA team the Philadelphia 76ers, and has a net worth of $6.7 billion. Harris plays an immense role in the team's development, both on and off the court.
Due to his business savvy and wise financial decisions he has managed to more than quadrupled the team's value since he bought it with a consortium for $290 million in 2011.
Harris also owns stakes in other sports franchises, specifically the New Jersey Devils, the Crystal Palace Football Club, and the Washington Commanders.
6 Tilman Fertitta - $7.7 Billion
NBA Team: Houston Rockets
Tilman Fertitta owns the Houston Rockets and has a net worth of $7.7 billion. He is a significant investor who owns Golden Nugget Casinos and Landry's Inc., a Texas-based dining, hospitality, entertainment, and gaming company.
The sale price for the Rockets was $2.2 billion, which was among the top purchase prices in NBA history. His ownership has been defined by a desire to assemble a competitive team, and to improve the fan experience.
5 Tom Gores - $8.1 Billion
NBA Team: Detroit Pistons
Tom Gores owns the Detroit Pistons and has a net worth of $8.1 billion. Gores acquired the Pistons in 2011, greatly regenerating the team and its operations.
He was at the forefront of leading the team back to downtown Detroit to play in a brand-new stadium, Little Caesars Arena. With these in mind, he has been working towards creating a competitive team and reviving the Pistons' legacy in the NBA.
4 Ann Walton Kroenke - $9.3 Billion
NBA Team: Denver Nuggets
Ann Walton Kroenke owns the Denver Nuggets, and her fortunes amount to $9.3 billion. She is a Walmart heiress married to Stan Kroenke, who owns other sports teams including the LA Rams and Arsenal FC.
Ann Walton Kroenke received her shares in the Walmart stock from her dad, Bud Walton, who was Sam Walton's brother and business partner. She owns the Denver Nuggets as part of a more comprehensive sports investment portfolio, making her a substantial personality in the sports industry.
3 Daniel Gilbert -$17.1 Billion
NBA Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers
As of 2023, Daniel Gilbert, the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is said to be worth $17.1 billion. His wealth is partly attributed to his co-founding of Quicken Loans, which is currently America's biggest mortgage lender.
Gilbert bought the Cavaliers in 2005, and under his leadership, the team recorded a championship victory in 2016. His ownership goes far beyond basketball, as he is a major real estate investor in Detroit and many other businesses. Gilbert's influence is evident on and off the court, making him one of the most influential owners in the NBA.
RelatedBecoming Chef Curry: How Stephen Curry Became An NBA Star
Stephen Curry is often deemed as one of the best players of his generation and for good reason.2 Jody Allen - $20.3 Billion
NBA Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Jody Allen, who is known all over the world as a billionaire sports owner, owns the Portland Trail Blazers. She was born on February 5, 1953, and is not just a team owner but a blogger, philanthropist, and the sister to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
Her blog, typically about what it's like being a team owner and her love of sports, provides an exciting window into the world of professional sports ownership.
1 Steve Ballmer - $103 Billion
NBA Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Steve Ballmer, one of the most renowned personalities in the tech business, owns the LA Clippers team. Ballmer was born in March 1956 and served as the CEO of Microsoft for 14 years, witnessing rapid growth in the company. He is among the wealthiest sports team owners, with a net worth of $103 billion.
The purchase of Clippers for $2 billion by Baller in 2014 exemplified his investment in sports ownership. He has led the team by investing heavily, including an investment in the construction of an advanced basketball arena. Ballmer's love for basketball and revolutionary approach to sports management have made him a global phenomenon in sports ownership.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEq6CcoJWowW%2BvzqZmq6GTnbK0wIyboKWkmaS7orXRnmSnmpFiwaatzGamsKaVp8Bw