How Vast is the Empire of Arsenal’s Owner, the World’s Richest Sports Billionaire?

Stanley Kroenke, the owner of Arsenal Football Club, holds the title of the richest individual in the sports industry, with a staggering net worth of $16.9 billion, according to Forbes’ real-time data. Born in 1947, the American entrepreneur oversees a vast sports empire under Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which includes: Arsenal (English Premier League), Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Rapids (MLS)

The Kroenke family became Arsenal’s major shareholders in 2011, acquiring 62% of the club. In 2018, Kroenke cemented his control by purchasing a 30% stake from Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov for over $750 million, making him the club’s sole owner.

From Humble Beginnings to Billionaire

Kroenke’s journey is one of determination and strategic alliances. Raised in a modest family that owned a lumberyard, Kroenke’s life took a turn when he met Ann Walton, daughter of Walmart founder James Walton, in 1971. The two married in 1974, and after James Walton’s passing in 1995, the couple inherited a fortune exceeding $15.5 billion. Ann Walton herself is a billionaire, with a personal net worth of over $11 billion. Combined, the Kroenkes boast a joint fortune of $28 billion.

A Real Estate and Ranching Mogul

Beyond sports, Kroenke has built a powerful reputation in real estate and ranching. According to Forbes, he owns over 1.6 million acres of ranches across the U.S. and Canada.

In 2016, the Kroenkes made headlines with their $500 million acquisition of a 535,000-acre ranch in Texas, a property so vast it could fit New York City and Los Angeles combined.

Their luxurious real estate portfolio also includes: A £11 million penthouse in Beverly Hills, A seaside mansion in Malibu, Multiple other opulent estates and retreats in some of the world’s most exclusive locations

Next-Generation Leadership

Stanley Kroenke has entrusted much of the family’s business operations to his son, Josh Kroenke, who serves as chairman of both the Denver Nuggets (NBA) and the Colorado Avalanche (NHL).

With interests spanning football, basketball, hockey, and American football, Stanley Kroenke’s empire is unparalleled. Combined with his expertise in real estate and a partnership with the Walton family, he stands as a symbol of wealth and influence in both sports and business.