Despite best intentions, sport has become a plaything for the world’s wealthiest benefactors.
Whether it is soaring transfer fees, sky high wages, or enormous stadiums which guarantee a sizeable return in their investments, money certainly talks. And this is not only the case in football as many other sports are dominated by the immense wealth of their respective owners.
However, in true capitalist fashion, there is, and always will be, someone with more money than everybody else. Informed by research collected by OLBG, Daily Mirror Sport considers the top ten wealthiest sports team owners.
10. Mohamed bin Salman - Newcastle United
In October, a jaw dropping consortium spearheaded by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) took over Newcastle United. While the Magpies are in the early stages of the historic takeover, many are tipping the northeastern giants for future Premier League and European domination.
But while the net worth of the PIF is believed to be around £320billion, Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman, who is also the chairman of the PIF, is not worth as much as Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke. Bin Salman is believed to be worth around $18bn (£13,693,733,1) and while this is still an astronomical figure, his net worth may still come as a surprise.
9. Ann and Stanley Kroenke – Arsenal
What other wealthy sports owners, past and present, can you think of? Let us know in the comments
Leading on nicely, Kroenke is believed to be the ninth wealthiest sports team owner on the planet. The American businessman bought out the remainder of the north Londoners’ shares to become the sole shareholder in the summer of 2018.
While the Arsenal fans attributed him the nickname of ‘Silent Stan’, Kroenke is far from quiet when it comes to his humongous $19.8bn (£15,063,106,4), Kroenke also owns NFL side Los Angeles Rams, NBA giants Denver Nuggets, Ice Hockey icons Colorado Avalanche, and MLS side Colorado Rapids.
8. Daniel Gilbert – Cleveland Cavaliers
Basketball fans across the pond may know Dan Gilbert best for his controversial open letter to the supporters of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010. The American businessman slammed LeBron James because he departed the Cavaliers to join Miami Heat.
Gilbert remains at the helm of the Cavaliers, which has seen six Central Division Championships under his stewardship. And their success will likely be able to be maintained, as he they are supported by his $21.58bn fortune (£16,417,264,4).
7. Sheikh Mansour – Manchester City
Sheikh Mansour’s purchasing of Manchester City in 2008 continues to cause absolute shockwaves in the Premier League. City have won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and six League Cups since the historic takeover.
Their financial might was flexed last summer when they paid £100m for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish. Fortunately for the Premier League holders, this fee is a drop in the ocean for Mansour, who is believed to be worth $22.9bn – City is not Mansour’s only sporting ventues, as he is also involved in Australian giants Melbourne City, MLS side New York City FC, and Indian Super League side Mumbai City.
6. Dietrich Mateschitz – New York Red Bulls
Very few owners are as universally loathed as Dietrich Mateschitz’ Red Bull enterprise side. The Austrian billionaire is at the helm of Red Bull’s sporting empire, which has a firm grip of the footballing and Formula 1 world.
New York Red Bulls, RB Salzburg, RB Leipzig and Red Bull racing all fall under Mateschitz’s lucrative Red Bull Umbrella. And the only way is up as his fortune is believed to be in the ball park off $28.5bn (21,681,744,0).
5. Francois Pinault and Family – Stade Rennais
Artemis owner Francois Pinault is one of the wealthiest businessmen in the sporting world. But despite having a greater wealth than any other owner in top level football, Pinault’s beloved Stade Rennais are a rather modest side when European football is concerned.
In fact, they are often perceived as the plucky underdogs who have currently fought their way into third position, despite the fact more established clubs are also competing with them. However, Pinault is anything but plucky, as he is understood to be worth a jaw-dropping $43.5bn (£33,093,188,3).
4. David Thomson – Winnipeg Jets
David Thomson is currently the wealthiest person in whole of Canada. The chairman of Thomson Corporation is also the owner of two Ice Hockey giants.
As there is no place like home, he is one of the main owners of National Hockey League side the Winnipeg Jets, as well as American giants Manitoba Moose. Fortunately, there is more than enough money to go around as he is worth $50.5billion (£38,418,528,9).
3. Carlos Slim – Real Oviedo
Pinault and family remains as the wealthiest sports owners in elite football. However, they will lose their title to Carlos Slim if Real Oviedo ever gain promotion into La Liga.
Slim was the richest person in the world when he paid £1.91m to purchase the Spanish outfit in 2012. While he has so far lost that illusive title, he is still worth a staggering $80.9bn, (£61,545,722,6).
2. Mukesh Ambani – Mumbai Indians
Those remotely aquainted with cricket will understand the staggering reach the Indian Premier League (IPL) has all over the world. So much so, Fortune 500 recognised Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani purchased the Mumbai Indians in 2008 for a staggering $111.9m (£85.68m).
His financial might remain at the heart of the Cricketing giants, who also became the first franchise to cross the $100m dollar mark in the IPL. However, $100m is only petty change to Ambani, whose wealth is a terrifying $94.7bn (72,044,251,3).
1. Steve Ballmer – Los Angeles Clippers
After acting as the CEO of Microsoft for 14 years, one would have forgiven Steve Ballmer for deciding to enjoy put his feet up and enjoy his fortune. However, Balmer did the complete opposite, purchasing NBA giants the Los Angeles Clippers Franchis in 2014 for $2bn (£1.53bn).
Ballmer’s enthusiasm for the Clippers is infectious, as he has regularly been heard for building the ‘Basketball mecca’ for his beloved side. And he may just be able to do just that as he is worth a frightening $95,7bn (£72,805,014,3).
