Sat Sep 28 10:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Billionaires’ Sports Teams: A Golden Ticket to Riches

**Billionaire ownership in major sports leagues continues to be a booming investment, as teams become increasingly valuable assets, driving a wealth surge for the elite club of owners.**

The latest Forbes 400 list, set to publish soon, reveals 54 billionaires controlling major sports teams, with 14 in the NBA alone. These 20 richest owners, collectively worth a staggering $504 billion, have seen their fortunes rise by 32% in the past year.

**High Returns and a High Bar to Entry:**

NBA teams, in particular, have experienced a remarkable 2,200% average appreciation since 1998, fueled by factors like the NBA’s recent $76 billion media rights deal. This remarkable return, seen across major leagues, has made team ownership an increasingly popular investment for the ultra-wealthy.

The entry cost for this exclusive club is higher than ever. It now takes at least $9.3 billion to rank among the top 20 richest sports owners, pushing some off the list. The rising value of teams makes it difficult for even the most successful businesspeople to join the ranks.

**Notable Names:**

* **Steve Ballmer,** former Microsoft CEO, tops the list with an estimated $123 billion fortune, largely driven by his Microsoft stock. He’s seen the value of his Los Angeles Clippers more than double since 2014.
* **Rob Walton,** Walmart heir, is the second richest sports owner with an estimated $94.3 billion net worth. He owns the Denver Broncos, which have become one of the most profitable sports teams in the world.
* **Mat Ishbia,** the youngest member of the list, saw his net worth nearly double to $13.1 billion due to the surging stock of United Wholesale Mortgage, the business he runs as CEO. He’s the owner of the Phoenix Suns.

**Beyond the Teams:**

While sports teams are a significant investment, many of these billionaires have their wealth tied to publicly traded companies, like Walmart, Rocket Companies, and Broadcom. This reinforces the close connection between business success and sports ownership.

**The Future of Sports Ownership:**

The trend of increasing team valuations and the growing popularity of billionaire ownership suggests this trend will continue. With new stadium deals, media rights agreements, and the potential for further investment from private equity firms, sports teams are becoming even more valuable, offering a unique opportunity for the wealthiest individuals to play in the big leagues.

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