It’s no news to anyone that it takes a seriously high amount of wealth in order for one to own a club at the elite level of any sport.
Back in October last year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia completed the takeover of Premier League club Newcastle United, with the crown prince of the country worth a whopping £13,693,733,100.
However, figures from betting company OLBG’s Sports Club Owners Rich list 2022 shows the crown prince Mohammed bin Salman ranks 10th when it comes to the richest owners of sports clubs.
Here’s how the list fairs:
- Steve Ballmer
- Mukesh Ambani
- Carlos Slim
- David Thomson
- François Pinault & family
- Dietrich Mateschitz
- Sheikh Mansour
- Daniel Gilbert
- Ann and Stanley Kroenke
- Mohammed bin Salman
Steve Ballmer – £72.8 billion
In first place, Steve Ballmer is the owner of NBA team LA Clippers, with the American the former CEO of Microsoft, before purchasing the Clippers in 2014 for what was a record-breaking fee of $2 billion.
Mukesh Ambani – £72 billion
In second, Indian Mukesh Ambani is the owner of Indian Premier League side Mumbai Indians, with the 65-year-old’s net worth reported to be around a staggering $94.7 billion.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 26: Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Mukesh Ambani (L) attends the TIME 100 Gala, TIME'S 100 Most Influential People In The World at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 26, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for TIME)
Carlos Slim – £61.5 billion
The richest owner of a football club is third-placed Carlos Slim, who is the owner of second division Spanish football team Real Oviedo. Slim is the richest person in Mexico, now worth $80.9 billion.
David Thomson – £38.4 billion
At number four is the owner of two hockey teams David Thomson. Thomson owns Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose, with the former competing in the NHL and latter in the AHL.
François Pinault – £33 billion
Just edging the top five is owner of French side Stade Rennais François Pinault. Pinnault’s net worth stands at $43.5 billion, and although we don’t know much about him, we can’t quite understand how PSG run away with the Ligue 1 title every year.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Stade Rennais owner François-Henri Pinault walks on the pitch after the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and Stade Rennais at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Dietrich Mateschitz – £21.6 billion
The Red Bull firm have made a rapid rise within sports over the last 10 years, and that’s partly down to this man. Mateschitz has laid down a marker in football and F1, with RB Leipzig competing in the Champions League and Red Bull racer Max Verstappen edging seven-time Championship winner Lewis Hamilton in 2021.
Sheikh Mansour – £17.4 billion
Does this man need any introduction? The man who revolutionised English football. Sheikh Mansour is worth approximately $22.9 billion, but it isn’t just Manchester City he owns, with the Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE also owner of Melbourne City FC and Mumbai City FC, with the Emirati purchasing these as a means of creating sister clubs with Manchester City.
AL AIN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 15: A portrait of Manchester city owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the friendly match between Al Ain and Manchester City at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on May 15, 2014 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Daniel Gilbert – £16.4 billion
In at number eight is Daniel Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team. Gilbert is worth $21.6 billion.
Ann and Stanley Kroenke – £15 billion
Another owner of a Premier League club, but the Kroenke’s reach goes further than north London. The duo boasts a net worth of $19.8 billion, owning Arsenal, the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche as well as MLS outfit Colorado Rapids.
Mohammad bin Salman – £13.6 billion
In 10th, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Following the trend of Sheikh Mansour, bin Salman was responsible for the acquisition of Newcastle United.