Top 20 richest NBA owners: Steve Ballmer tops the list in 2022

Top 20 richest NBA owners: Steve Ballmer tops the list in 2022

Kenneth Mwenda, Cyprine Apindi
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:00 PM

Did you know the National Basketball Association (NBA) was established in June 1946? It is the premier men's basketball league in the world. The teams in the league have the best players and are owned by wealthy people. The richest NBA owners often compete for the top players.

Top 20 richest NBA owners
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Source: UGC

Owning an elite basketball team is not a mean feat. It requires a significant amount of cash to start and run. The richest NBA owners have invested cash in players, coaches, managers, and other staff needed to run their teams effectively.

Richest NBA owners in 2022

Below is a compilation of the richest NBA owners in 2022. They are worth billions of dollars. Besides running elite basketball teams, many of them also have other businesses.

20. Michael Jordan | Charlotte Hornets | $1.7B

richest NBA owners
Michael Jordan listens as President Barack Obama speaks during a Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. Photo: @Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Michael Jeffrey Jordan
  • Date of birth: 17th February 1963
  • Age: 59 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Charlotte Hornets
  • Net worth: $1.7 billion

Michael Jordan is considered one of NBA's greatest all time players. He played for the Chicago Bulls and won six titles in his career. He made about $90 million from his career.

The retired basketballer owns the Charlotte Hornets. He is also a special advisor at DraftKings, a sports-betting firm, and co-owns the NASCAR team. Today, he is among the richest owners in the NBA. Michael Jordan's net worth is $1.7 billion.

19. Jerry Reinsdorf | Chicago Bulls | $1.8B

Who is the best NBA owner?
Jerry Reinsdorf attends Allen & Company's Sun Valley Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho. Photo: @Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Jerry Michael Reinsdorf
  • Date of birth: 25th February 1936
  • Age: 86 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: New York, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Chicago Bulls
  • Net worth: $1.8 billion

Jerry Reinsdorf owns the Chicago Bulls and MLB's Chicago White Sox. He is one of NBA's richest owners, having purchased the Chicago teams in the 1980s. Jerry Reinsdorf's net worth is $1.8 billion.

His teams' value has since increased. Before investing in sports teams, he co-founded Balcor Company, a real estate. He sold Balcor Company to American Express.

18. Marc Lasry | Milwaukee Bucks | $1.8B

Who is the richest sports franchise owner?
Marc Lasry speaks during the Skybridge Alternatives (SALT) conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Photo: @David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Marc Lasry
  • Date of birth: 23rd September 1959
  • Age: 63 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Essaouira, Morocco
  • Nationality: Moroccan-American
  • Team: Milwaukee Bucks
  • Net worth: $1.8 billion

Marc Lasry is a businessman and hedge fund manager. In 1995, he co-founded Avenue Capital Management with his sister Sonia. His firm manages approximately $10 billion in assets.

He also has a stake in the Milwaukee Bucks. Jamie Dinan and Wesley Edens are the team's co-owners. Marc Lasry's net worth is $1.8 billion as of 2022.

17. James Dolan | New York Knicks | $2B

Who is the richest sports franchise owner?
James L. Dolan attends The Robin Hood Foundation's 2014 Benefit at Jacob Javitz Centre in New York City. Photo: @Brad Barket/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: James Lawrence Dolan
  • Date of birth: 11th May 1955
  • Age: 67 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: New York, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: New York Knicks
  • Net worth: $2 billion

James Dolan's net worth is $2 billion. The business executive is best known for being the chief executive officer of The Madison Square Garden Company. Through the firm, he owns the New York Knicks.

He also owns the New York Rangers NHL franchise and the Madison Square Garden arena. His dad, Charles Dolan, founded Cablevision.

16. Glen Taylor | Minnesota Timberwolves | $2.2B

richest nba owners in 2022
Minnesota Lynx owner Glen Taylor and his wife Becky Mulvihill watch the action during a game against the Phoenix Mercury in Minneapolis. Photo: @Jeffrey Thompson
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Glen Allen Taylor
  • Date of birth: 20th April 1941
  • Age: 81 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Comfrey, Minnesota, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Net worth: $2.2 billion

In 1975, Glen Taylor purchased a wedding service business for $2 million. He later converted it into a printing company called Taylor Corp. He chairs the firm to date.

The investor owns stakes in the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lynx, the WNBA team, and the United FC soccer team. Glen Taylor's net worth is $2.2 billion.

15. Herb Simon | Indiana Pacers | $3.3B

richest nba owners in 2022
Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon speaks following the announcement in Indianapolis. Photo: @Michael Conroy
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Herbert Simon
  • Date of birth: 23rd October 1934
  • Age: 88 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: New York City, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Indiana Pacers
  • Net worth: $3.3 billion

Herb Simon co-founded Simon Property Group with his brother in 1960. Today, the firm is among the leading real estate investment trusts.

The investor also owns the Indiana Pacers. He purchased the team with his brother. Today, Herb Simon's net worth is $3.3 billion.

14. Mark Cuban | Dallas Mavericks | $4.6B

richest owners in the nba
Mark Cuban participates in a panel discussion at the South By Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, USA. Photo: @Matthew Busch/Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Mark Cuban
  • Date of birth: 31st July 1958
  • Age: 64 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Dallas Mavericks
  • Net worth: $4.6 billion

Mark Cuban's net worth is $4.6 billion. In 1995, he co-founded a video portal called Broadcast.com with Todd Wagner. In 1999, the two sold it to Yahoo for $5.7 billion. The avid businessman owns the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. He also has stakes in AXS TV, Magnolia Pictures, and many other small businesses.

13. Gayle Benson | New Orleans Pelicans| $4.7B

ichest NBA owners
Barack Obama (R) talks with New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson (C) and his wife Gayle Benson during a reception for the 2010 National Football League Super Bowl champions. Photo: @Chip Somodevilla
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson
  • Date of birth: 26th January 1947
  • Age: 75 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: New Orleans Pelicans
  • Net worth: $4.7 billion

Gayle Benson is a billionaire, businesswoman, and sports team owner. She is the widow of Tom Benson, the former owner of the NBA New Orleans Pelicans and the NFL New Orleans Saints.

Today, she owns both teams. Before becoming a sports franchise owner, she was an interior designer and ran a horse racing company. Today, Gayle Benson's net worth is $4.7 billion.

12. Richard DeVos & family | Orlando Magic | $5.4B

  • Full name: Richard Marvin DeVos Sr.
  • Date of birth: 4th March 1926
  • Date of demise: 6th September 2018
  • Age at death: 92 years
  • Place of birth: Ada Township, Michigan, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Orlando Magic
  • Net worth: $5.4 billion

Richard DeVos co-founded direct-selling giant Amway and was the firm's president until 1993. He purchased Orlando Magic in 1991.

The investor and businessman died at 92 on 6th September 2018. His family took over the management of his estate, including the NBA team. Today, Richard DeVos' net worth is $5.4 billion.

11. Micky Arison | Miami Heat | $5.5B

  • Full name: Micky Arison
  • Date of birth: 29th June 1949
  • Age: 73 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
  • Nationality: Israeli-American
  • Team: Miami Heat
  • Net worth: $5.5 billion

Micky Arison is chairman of Carnival Corp, one of the world's largest cruise ship operators. In 1995, he purchased Miami Heat, a team that has won three NBA championships since then. Micky Arison's net worth is $5.5 billion as of 2022.

10. Josh Harris | Philadelphia 76ers | $5.9B

who are the richest nba owners
Joshua Harris speaks during the annual Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, USA. Photo: @Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Joshua Harris
  • Year of birth: 1965
  • Age: 57 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Philadelphia 76ers
  • Net worth: $5.9 billion

Josh Harris is a private equity investor and philanthropist. He is best known as the co-founder of Apollo Global Management.

In 2011, the businessman bought the Philadelphia 76ers with a consortium for $290 million. The team's value has quintupled in value since then. Josh Harris' net worth is $5.9 billion as of 2022.

9. Antony Ressler | Atlanta Hawks | $6.2B

who are the richest owners in the nba
Tony Ressler speaks during the Bloomberg Markets Most Influential Summit in New York, USA. Photo: @Michael Nagle/Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Antony P. Ressler
  • Date of birth: 16th July 1959
  • Age: 63 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Washington, DC., United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Atlanta Hawks
  • Net worth: $6.2 billion

Antony Ressler's net worth is $6.2 billion as of 2022. In 1990, he co-founded private equity giant Apollo Global Management. In 1997, he co-founded Ares Management, a private equity firm.

The successful businessman is the majority owner of the Atlanta Hawks. He also has a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team.

8. Tom Gores | Detroit Pistons | $6.2B

  • Full name: Tom Gores
  • Date of birth: 31st July 1964
  • Age: 58 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Nazareth, Israel
  • Nationality: Israeli-American
  • Team: Detroit Pistons
  • Net worth: $6.2 billion

Tom Gores' net worth is $6.2 billion, making him one of the wealthiest sports franchise owners in 2022. He owns a Los Angeles-based private equity firm called Platinum Equity.

In 2011, Gores and Platinum Equity purchased the NBA's Detroit Pistons. In August 2015, he purchased Platinum's stake, making him the sole owner of the Detroit Pistons.

7. Joseph Tsai | Brooklyn Nets | $7.7B

who are the richest owners in the nba
Joseph Tsai speaks at the Singapore Summit in Singapore. Photo: @Nicky Loh/Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Joseph Tsai
  • Year of birth: 1964
  • Age: 58 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Taipei City, Taipei, Taiwan
  • Nationality: Chinese-Canadian
  • Team: Brooklyn Nets
  • Net worth: $7.7 billion

Did you know Joseph Tsai is the vice chairman and co-founder of Alibaba Group? He is Alibaba's second-largest individual shareholder.

The Chinese investor purchased 49% of the Brooklyn Nets NBA team in 2018. In 2019, he purchased the remaining 51%, making him the team's sole owner. Today, Joseph Tsai's net worth is $7.7 billion.

6. Tilman Fertitta | Houston Rockets | $7.9B

Who is the best NBA owner?
Tilman Fertitta listens during an interview in New York, USA. Photo: @Jin Lee/Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Tilman Joseph Fertitta
  • Date of birth: 25th June 1957
  • Age: 65 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Galveston, Texas, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Houston Rockets
  • Net worth: $7.9 billion

Tilman Fertitta purchased the Houston Rockets in October 2017 for $2.2 billion. The successful businessman also owns the Golden Nugget Casinos and Landry's, Inc. Besides running businesses, he is also a published author. Tilman Fertitta's net worth is $7.9 billion as of 2022.

5. Ann Walton Kroenke | Denver Nuggets | $8.7B

  • Full name: Ann Walton Kroenke
  • Date of birth: 18th December 1948
  • Age: 73 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Denver Nuggets
  • Net worth: $8.6 billion

Ann Walton Kroenke is the daughter of Bud Walton, who worked with his brother Sam to build Walmart into a giant retailer. Watson passed away in 1995, so she inherited his estate.

The heir's husband is billionaire Stan Kroenke. The couple owns Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Rams, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Avalanche, and Arsenal Football Club. Ann Walton Kroenke's net worth is $8.6 billion as of 2022.

4. Daniel Gilbert | Cleveland Cavaliers | $15.7B

Who is the youngest NBA owner?
Daniel Gilbert arrives for the morning sessions during the Allen & Co. Media and Technology Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, USA. Photo: @David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Daniel Gilbert
  • Date of birth: 17th January 1962
  • Age: 60 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Net worth: $15.7B

Dan Gilbert co-founded Quicken Loans, the largest mortgage lender in America. He also co-founded StockX, an online sneaker sale platform. The businessman owns the Cleveland Cavaliers. Daniel Gilbert's net worth is $15.7 billion as of 2022.

3. Robert Pera | Memphis Grizzlies | $16.1B

  • Full name: Robert J. Pera
  • Date of birth: 10th March 1978
  • Age: 44 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Memphis Grizzlies
  • Net worth: $16.1 billion

Robert Pera's net worth is $16.1 billion. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Ubiquiti Networks, a wireless equipment manufacturer. The businessman owns the Memphis Grizzlies. The team has a value of $1.65 billion.

2. Jody Allen | Portland Trail Blazers | $20.3B

  • Full name: Jo Lynn Allen
  • Year of birth: 1959
  • Age: 63 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Seattle, Washington, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Portland Trail Blazers
  • Net worth: $20.3 billion

Jody Allen's net worth is $20.3 billion. The businesswoman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist owns the Portland Trail Blazers and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. She is the sister of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

1. Steve Ballmer | Los Angeles Clippers | $74.6B

Who is the richest sports franchise owner?
Steve Ballmer visits "Your World With Neil Cavuto" at FOX Business Studios in New York, USA. Photo: @Steven Ferdman/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Steven Anthony Ballmer
  • Date of birth: 24th March 1956
  • Age: 66 years (as of 2022)
  • Place of birth: Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Team: Los Angeles Clippers
  • Net worth: $74.6 billion

Steve Ballmer's net worth is $74.6 billion as of 2022. Ballmer is a business magnate and investor who worked as the chief executive officer of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014. Immediately after retiring from Microsoft, he purchased the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion.

Summary of the richest NBA owners

Rank

Name

Team

Net worth

1

Steve Ballmer

Los Angeles Clippers

$74.6B

2

Jody Allen

Portland Trail Blazers

$20.3B

3

Robert Pera

Memphis Grizzlies

$16.1B

4

Daniel Gilbert

Cleveland Cavaliers

$15.7B

5

Ann Walton Kroenke

Denver Nuggets

$8.6B

6

Tilman Fertitta

Houston Rockets

$7.9B

7

Joseph Tsai

Brooklyn Nets

$7.7B

8

Tom Gores

Detroit Pistons

$6.2B

9

Antony Ressler

Atlanta Hawks

$6.2B

10

Josh Harris

Philadelphia 76ers

$5.9B

11

Micky Arison

Miami Heat

$5.5B

12

Richard DeVos & family

Orlando Magic

$5.4B

13

Gayle Benson

New Orleans Pelicans

$4.7B

14

Mark Cuban

Dallas Mavericks

$4.6B

15

Herb Simon

Indiana Pacers

$3.3B

16

Glen Taylor

Minnesota Timberwolves

$2.2B

17

James Dolan

New York Knicks

$2B

18

Marc Lasry

Milwaukee Bucks

$1.8B

19

Jerry Reinsdorf

Chicago Bulls

$1.8B

20

Michael Jordan

Charlotte Hornets

$1.7B

Who are the richest NBA owners?

The wealthiest NBA owners include Steve Ballmer, Jody Allen, Robert Pera, Daniel Gilbert, Ann Walton Kroenke, Tilman Fertitta, Joseph Tsai, Tom Gores, Antony Ressler, and Josh Harris.

What billionaire owns basketball team?

There are several billionaires who own basketball teams. They include Steve Ballmer, Jody Allen, Robert Pera, Daniel Gilbert, Ann Walton Kroenke, Tilman Fertitta, Joseph Tsai, Tom Gores, Antony Ressler, and Josh Harris, among others.

Who is the richest sports franchise owner?

The wealthiest sports franchise owner is Steve Ballmer. He owns the Los Angeles Clippers and has a net worth of $74.6 billion.

Who are the richest owners in the NBA?

The wealthiest owners in the NBA include Steve Ballmer, Jody Allen, Robert Pera, Daniel Gilbert, Ann Walton Kroenke, Tilman Fertitta, Joseph Tsai, Tom Gores, Antony Ressler, and Josh Harris, among others.

Who is the best NBA owner?

The best NBA owners are those with the ability to control their teams. Their players, coaches, and other staff members are well-remunerated, and the working conditions are favourable.

Who is the youngest NBA owner?

Robert Pera is the youngest NBA owner. He purchased the Memphis Grizzlies in October 2012. At the time, he was only 34 years old.

Who is the CEO of the NBA?

Adam Silver is the Commissioner of the NBA. He was appointed NBA Commissioner on 1st February 2014.

The richest NBA owners are also business people and entrepreneurs with multiple income streams. The top 20 owners are worth billions of dollars.

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Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.
Cyprine Apindi photo
Cyprine Apindi
Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and reporter with over 4 years of experience based in Kenya. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication from Kenyatta University.