The National Basketball Association (NBA) is home to several billionaire team owners who have amassed their wealth through various industries and investments.
These owners not only have a deep passion for the game of basketball but also use their financial resources to strengthen and support their respective franchises.
It’s worth noting that the rankings of the richest billionaire NBA team owners may change over time due to fluctuations in their net worth and changes in ownership. Here are a few notable billionaire NBA team owners as of 2023:
1. Steve Ballmer – $103 billion
Steve Ballmer, one of the most well-known figures in the IT industry, owns the Los Angeles Clippers. Ballmer was born in March 1956 and served as CEO of Microsoft for 14 years, during which time the business saw remarkable expansion. With a net worth of $103 billion, he is one of the wealthiest sports franchise owners.
Baller’s $2 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014 demonstrated his interest in sports ownership. He has guided the squad by investing substantially, notably in the development of a cutting-edge basketball stadium. Ballmer’s passion for basketball and innovative approach to sports administration have made him a global sports ownership phenomenon.
2. Jody Allen – $20.3 billion
Jody Allen, a millionaire sports owner known around the world, owns the Portland Trail Blazers. She was born on February 5, 1953, and is not only a team owner but also a blogger, philanthropist, and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s sister.
Her blog, which usually focuses on what it’s like to be a team owner and her passion of sports, offers an interesting glimpse into the world of professional sports ownership.
3. Daniel Gilbert – $17.1 billion
Daniel Gilbert, the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is estimated to be worth $17.1 billion in 2023. His fortune is due in part to his co-founding of Quicken Loans, which is now America’s largest mortgage lender.
Gilbert purchased the Cavaliers in 2005, and the team won the title under his leadership in 2016. His ownership extends far beyond basketball because he is a major real estate investor in Detroit as well as a number of other enterprises. Gilbert’s influence is felt both on and off the court, making him one of the NBA’s most powerful owners.
4. Ann Walton Kroenke – $9.3 billion
Ann Walton Kroenke controls the Denver Nuggets and is worth $9.3 billion. She is a Walmart heiress married to Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams and Arsenal FC.
Ann Walton Kroenke acquired her Walmart equity shares from her father, Bud Walton, Sam Walton’s brother and business partner. She owns the Denver Nuggets as part of a larger sports investment portfolio, making her a significant figure in the sports world.
5. Tom Gores – $8.1 billion
Tom Gores is the owner of the Detroit Pistons and has an estimated net worth of $8.1 billion.Gores bought the Pistons in 2011, revitalizing the franchise and its operations.
He was instrumental in bringing the club back to downtown Detroit to play in the brand-new Little Caesars Arena. With these goals in mind, he has been attempting to build a competitive squad and revitalize the Pistons’ NBA legacy.