Fri Jan 16 23:30:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Sports Mogul Stan Kroenke Becomes Largest Private Landowner in the U.S. After Massive Land Acquisition

The Story:
Billionaire Stan Kroenke, owner of several major sports teams including the Los Angeles Rams and Denver Nuggets, has become the largest private landowner in the United States, according to The Land Report. This follows a December 2025 purchase of 937,000 acres of noncontiguous land in New Mexico, the largest single land purchase in the U.S. since 2011. This acquisition brings his total holdings to over 2.7 million acres across the American West and Canada, exceeding the landmass of Delaware, which is 1.2 million acres, by more than double.

Kroenke’s newly acquired ranch land was formerly owned by the heirs of Henry Singleton, founder of the tech company Teledyne. The purchase adds to his already significant portfolio, which includes the 535,000-acre Waggoner Ranch in Texas acquired in 2016, the 124,000-acre Broken O Ranch in Montana purchased in 2012, and the Winecup Gamble Ranch in Nevada, bought in 2019.

Key Points:

  • Stan Kroenke now holds over 2.7 million acres, making him the largest private landowner in the U.S.
  • The key acquisition was 937,000 acres of land in New Mexico purchased in December 2025.
  • The land was previously owned by the heirs of Henry Singleton, founder of Teledyne.
  • Kroenke’s holdings are more than double the size of Delaware.
  • The Land Report highlights a trend of increasing land acquisition by the ultra-rich.

Critical Analysis:
The related historical context gives us some insight on Kroenke’s ownership of the Rams football team. It is notable that the related news article referencing the Broncos and Rams as likely future championship teams.

Key Takeaways:

  • Land continues to be an attractive investment for the wealthy, offering a “proven return on investment” through appreciation.
  • Stan Kroenke’s significant land holdings solidify his position as a major player in the American West.
  • The trend of increasing land accumulation by billionaires underscores growing wealth inequality.
  • The secrecy surrounding the New Mexico land deal suggests a potential strategy to avoid public scrutiny.
  • Kroenke’s diverse holdings, spanning sports, real estate, and land, reflect a diversified investment strategy.

Impact Analysis:
Kroenke’s massive land ownership could have several long-term implications:

  • Environmental Impact: The management of such large tracts of land will have considerable impact on local ecosystems, water resources, and wildlife habitats.
  • Economic Influence: Kroenke’s land ownership gives him significant economic influence in the regions where he owns property, potentially affecting local economies, property values, and access to resources.
  • Conservation vs. Development: The future use of these lands will be closely watched. Will they be used for conservation, resource extraction, or development?
  • Policy Implications: The concentration of land ownership in the hands of a few individuals could lead to calls for policy changes regarding land ownership limits or taxation.
  • Social Equity: As land becomes increasingly concentrated, the access to land and its benefits for average citizens decreases, potentially exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities.

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