Microsoft co-founder, Steve Ballmer remains the richest sports team owner in the United States, with a fortune estimated at $156 billion.

His Los Angeles Clippers are now valued at $7.5 billion, nearly four times what he paid for the team in 2014.

Forbes’ 2026 ranking of the 20 wealthiest American sports owners shows that every individual on the list is worth at least $12.2 billion. Walmart heir Rob Walton follows in second place with $132 billion as owner of the Denver Broncos, while semiconductor billionaire Henry Samueli ranks third at $33.8 billion with the Anaheim Ducks.

Other notable names include Miriam Adelson of the Dallas Mavericks at $33.5 billion, Robert Pera of the Memphis Grizzlies at $29.6 billion, and hedge fund manager David Tepper, who owns the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, at $28.5 billion. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is valued at $23.5 billion.

Several owners control multiple teams across different sports. Stan Kroenke, worth $27.6 billion, has stakes in the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and Arsenal FC, among others. The list also features owners of NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS and European football clubs.

The ranking highlights the growing wealth concentrated among sports franchise owners, driven largely by technology, retail, finance and real estate fortunes. All 20 individuals on the list maintain significant influence in both business and professional sports.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper