Top 10 Richest NBA Team Owners in 2026

The financial strength and leadership of an NBA owner play a major role in shaping the direction of a basketball franchise. Owners bring long-term stability, make important decisions, hire top basketball and business executives, and support the team with large investments. Their money helps build modern training centers, attract strong players, and improve the value of the franchise. In this article, we look at the 10 richest NBA team owners in 2026 while explaining how each one helped their team grow.

List of 10 Richest NBA Team Owners in 2026

10. Micky Arison - Miami Heat

Micky Arison appears in discussions about the richest NBA team owners in 2026 because of his long-term business success and impact on the Miami Heat organization. With a massive fortune built from Carnival Corporation, the world's biggest cruise company, Arison helped turn the franchise into a consistent NBA powerhouse. Since buying the Heat in 1995, he has supported the team through strong executive decisions, investments in facilities, and long-term planning. His ownership period includes NBA titles in 2006, 2012, and 2013, proving his commitment to building a winning culture.

9. Tom Gores - Detroit Pistons

Tom Gores is another strong name when talking about the richest NBA team owners in 2026 because of his success in private equity and his commitment to Detroit's development. Gores founded Platinum Equity in 1995 and built it into a multibillion-dollar investment company. After buying the Pistons in 2011, he focused not only on the team but also on uplifting the local community. His projects include modern training centers, arena upgrades, and programs that support young people in Detroit.

8. Tilman Fertitta - Houston Rockets

Tilman Fertitta is often linked with the richest NBA team owners in 2026 because of his huge success in hospitality, hotels, restaurants, and casinos. His company, Landry's Inc., transformed him into one of the most influential business leaders in America. When he bought the Rockets in 2017 for 2.2 billion dollars, it became one of the costliest purchases in NBA history. Fertitta has invested heavily in improving team operations and marketing, helping the Rockets remain a globally recognized franchise.

7. Joseph Tsai - Brooklyn Nets

Joseph Tsai has become a major name among the richest NBA team owners in 2026 thanks to his role in creating Alibaba, one of the world's largest tech companies. Tsai first bought 49 percent of the Nets in 2017 before becoming the full owner in 2019. His control of the Barclays Center and his willingness to invest in big-name players has helped increase the Nets' global popularity. Tsai also supports social causes through his foundation, making him an important figure both on and off the court.

6. Antony Ressler - Atlanta Hawks

Antony Ressler is regularly included in discussions about the richest NBA team owners in 2026 for his achievements in private equity. As the co-founder of Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, Ressler has built a huge financial portfolio. After purchasing the Hawks in 2015, he focused on improving the franchise's financial stability, facilities, and community-focused programs. His investments have helped the Hawks stay competitive while also building a strong relationship with the Atlanta community.

5. Stan Kroenke - Denver Nuggets

Stan Kroenke is one of the most famous names listed among the richest NBA team owners in 2026 because he owns a wide range of sports teams across the world. His wealth comes from real estate and his connection to the Walton family. Kroenke purchased the Nuggets in 2000 and played a major role in their rise to championship status. His investment in the Ball Arena and team development helped the Nuggets win their first NBA title in 2023.

4. Robert Pera - Memphis Grizzlies

Robert Pera's presence on lists featuring the richest NBA team owners in 2026 comes from his rise as a technology entrepreneur. He founded Ubiquiti Networks in 2005 and turned it into a major global brand. Pera bought the Grizzlies in 2012 and later took full ownership in 2018. Under his guidance, the team developed a strong identity, especially during the "Grit and Grind" era.

3. Dan Gilbert - Cleveland Cavaliers

Dan Gilbert remains highly ranked among the richest NBA team owners in 2026 because of his success with Rocket Mortgage and his role in bringing Cleveland its first NBA championship. Gilbert purchased the Cavaliers in 2005 and made big investments in both the team and the city of Detroit. His ownership period is remembered for the 2016 championship and his major contributions to urban development.

2. Miriam Adelson & Patrick Dumont - Dallas Mavericks

The Adelson-Dumont ownership group is a major highlight when listing the richest NBA team owners in 2026 because of their huge combined wealth and bold plans for the Mavericks' future. After purchasing the franchise in 2023, they began planning a new arena and large entertainment projects. Their background in the casino and resort industry is likely to shape the Mavericks' long-term direction.

1. Steve Ballmer - Los Angeles Clippers

Steve Ballmer continues to lead any ranking of the richest NBA team owners in 2026 thanks to his extraordinary fortune earned at Microsoft. After buying the Clippers in 2014, Ballmer invested in long-term projects such as the Intuit Dome, which opened in 2024. His leadership style is energetic, strategic, and highly committed to giving the Clippers a strong future.