Professional sports combine passion, skill, and business like no other industry. The sector is projected to generate $80 billion in North America and $660 billion globally by 2022. As technology and social media reshape fan engagement, sports teams are evolving to meet digital-age demands. Personalised fan experiences, athlete mental health awareness, and content-driven engagement are redefining the global sports landscape. Amid this evolution, some franchises have remained remarkably consistent: family-owned sports teams. Here are the top five.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
Owner: Jeanie Marie Buss
Country: USA
Sport: Basketball
Value (2018): $3.3 billion
Founded in 1947 as the Minneapolis Lakers, the franchise moved to Los Angeles in 1960. Chemist and businessman Jerry Buss purchased the team in 1979, leading it to 10 NBA championships. After Buss’s death in 2013, his six children inherited control, with daughter Jeanie Marie Buss serving as team president. Iconic players like Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Steve Nash have cemented the Lakers’ global reputation.
4. New England Patriots
Owner: Robert Kraft
Country: USA
Sport: Football
Value (2018): $3.7 billion
Originally the Boston Patriots, the franchise was established in 1959 and became the New England Patriots after the AFL-NFL merger. Robert Kraft purchased the team in 1994, and along with his son Jonathan, the Patriots secured six Super Bowl titles. Legendary quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick contributed to the team’s widespread acclaim.
3. New York Yankees
Owner: Hal Steinbrenner
Country: USA
Sport: Baseball
Value (2018): $4 billion
Founded in 1901 as the Baltimore Highlanders, the franchise moved to New York in 1903 and became the Yankees. George Steinbrenner eventually gained full ownership, passing control to his sons Hank and Hal after his death in 2010. With 27 World Series titles, players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Derek Jeter have made the Yankees a household name worldwide.
2. Manchester United
Owner: Glazer family
Country: United Kingdom
Sport: Soccer
Value (2018): $4.1 billion
Founded in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club, the team became Manchester United in 1902. Malcolm Glazer acquired majority control in 2005, leaving his six children to split his 90% stake after his death. With 66 major trophies, Manchester United has featured soccer legends like George Best, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo, maintaining global prominence.
1. Dallas Cowboys
Owner: Jerry Jones
Country: USA
Sport: Football
Value (2018): $4.8 billion
Established in 1960, the Dallas Cowboys rose to fame under coach Tom Landry and owner Clint Murchison Jr. After several ownership changes, Jerry Jones acquired the team in 1989. Under Jones, the Cowboys have won three Super Bowl titles and secured record TV revenues. The franchise is known globally as “America’s Team,” with legendary players like Troy Aikman contributing to its enduring success.
Family-owned sports teams continue to combine tradition, leadership, and global influence. Their legacies highlight the balance between business acumen, sports performance, and fan engagement. These franchises show how family management can shape and sustain sporting excellence across generations.
