Net Worth: $2.1 billion Owns: Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) The media mogul turned sports team enthusiast, turned movie producer Jeffrey Lurie has certainly had his various interests pay off – he’s worth a cool $2.1 billion. The owner of the NFL team the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s quite amazing how he achieved the sale – he purchased the Eagles from Norman Braman for $195 million. But here’s the catch: he and his mother Nancy borrowed $190 million, putting up only $5 million of their own cash reserves!
Now, we mentioned that Lurie is also a film producer – and these aren’t just B-grade films. He’s produced films like ‘The Blind Side’, ‘Malibu Shoes’, ‘Sergio’, ‘Inside Job’, ‘Inocente’, ‘Sweet Hearts Dance’, and others.
Shahid Khan
Net Worth: $7.8 billion Owns: Jacksonville Jaguars Shahid Khan has a pretty incredible story. Did you know that he started out washing dishes for just over a dollar an hour? But it seems his entrepreneurial spirit and determination got him to the top and amongst the richest people in the world.
Born in Punjab, Pakistan, Khan now splits his time between Pakistan and the U.S. The owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Khan is worth a whopping $7.8 billion! As for the secret to his fortune? Well, Flex-N-Gate. In 2017, the automotive manufacturing company was worth $7.5 billion. Khan likes his sport, and also owns Fulham F.C. (EPL) and the AEW (All Elite Wrestling).
Gayle Benson
Net Worth: $2.8 billion Owns: New Orleans Saints (NFL) Now, Gayle Benson has quite a history. Some of it is slightly scandalous and controversial. We’ll cover what we can, but a quick search will have you raising your eyebrows. The owner of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, the 72-year-old Benson took hold of the football team following her late husband Tom Benson’s death in 2018. The pair, in fact, met at a memorial service for Benson’s recently deceased wife at the time, Grace Benson. Eventually, the pair got married in 2004.
The New Orleans native’s first endeavor was in interior decorating, however, there were some slightly shifty business dealings that had her in court a few times. Nowadays, she’s living the high life, owning one of the NFL’s sports teams. In a scandalous twist, Tom Benson’s children, who assumed they would receive ownership of his assets, were left in the lurch when he signed them over to Gayle. Turns out, even after a lawsuit, Gayle emerged as the victor. Those step-kiddies must be furious!
Jim Irsay
Net Worth: $2.7 billion Owns: Indianapolis Colts (NFL) Owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League, Jim Irsay was bound to end up with the team one day. When he was just 12 years old, Irsay’s father, Robert purchased the Baltimore Colts. This team then relocated and went on to become the Indianapolis Colts. He was named VP in 1984 following the relocation, and sadly the franchise came into his possession only following the death of his father in 1997. At the time, Irsay became the youngest NFL team owner at the age of 37.
Since Jim’s been at the head of the team, he’s added 14 wins to his belt, as well as a Super Bowl in 2006! Not bad at all. He’s a bit of a music nut as well, with quite a few notable investments in musical memorabilia, including Jack Kerouac’s original manuscript of “On the Road”, John Lennon’s ‘Sgt. Pepper’s' piano, guitars originally owned by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia and Prince.
Dietrich Mateschitz
Net Worth: $20.2 billion Owns: Red Bull Racing, New York Red Bulls Founder of Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz is one wealthy man. Smartly differentiating his business and investing in extreme sports, including Red Bull Racing, Mateschitz has a globally recognized energy drink company that is now synonymous with daredevils and outlandish competitions. Not bad at all.
Initially, Mateschitz worked at Unilever as a detergent marketer, before moving to toothpaste. After one fated trip to Thailand, Mateschitz had his lightning bolt moment and had the idea for red bull. Launching it with two Thai business partners, he was inspired by a product that was on the market in Thailand, an untrademarked energy drink. He now owns the New York Red Bulls. Who can guess where the name came from?