Billionaire with Charlotte ties among world’s richest sports owners. Who is he?
A billionaire hedge fund manager with Charlotte ties has earned a spot on Forbes 2026 World’s Richest Sports Team Owners list.
David Tepper rounded out the top 10 with estimated $23.7 billion net worth as of Sunday, March 1. Tepper amassed his wealth as the founder of Appaloosa Management, later adding the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC to his business portfolio.
He joined the likes of other ultra-wealthy entrepreneurs, heirs and investors who have found success in owning major sports franchises. This year’s cohort included a luxury fashion and cosmetics mogul; an oil tycoon; a casino magnate; and the founder of lending giant Rocket Mortgage.
“It’s indicative of a new generation of owners who in many cases made billions in other industries before entering sports, rather than having most of their fortunes tied up in teams that they acquired at bargain prices decades ago,” Forbes editors wrote.
Here’s what to know:
David Tepper
- Rank: 10th richest sports team owner in the world
- Net worth: $23.7 billion
- Teams: Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC
- Source of wealth: Hedge funds
- Residence: Palm Beach, Florida
Tepper, dubbed the “greatest hedge fund manager of his generation” and founder of Appaloosa Management, purchased the Carolina Panthers in 2018. The record $2.3 billion sale ushered in “a new era” of Panthers football and elevated Charlotte’s sports scene with the addition of Major League Soccer Team the following year, The Charlotte Observer reported.
“Winning is the most important thing both on the field and in the community, and I am committed to winning a Super Bowl championship together,” Tepper told ESPN in 2018 after NFL execs approved the Panthers deal.
“I look forward to being part of the Panthers’ family and to supporting this flourishing region.”
Who are the world’s wealthiest sports team owners?
Collectively, the world’s top 25 richest sports owners are worth an estimated $903 billion, according to Forbes’ 2026 report. That’s up from $607 billion last year — a nearly 50% increase.
Here’s who cracked the top 10:
- Bernard Arnault: $171 billion net worth; Paris FC
- Rob Walton: $146 billion net worth; Denver Broncos
- Steve Ballmer: $126 billion net worth; Los Angeles Clippers
- Miriam Adelson: $37.5 billion net worth; Dallas Mavericks
- Idan Ofer: $34.6 billion; FC Famaličao (Portugal)
- Robert Pera: $31.7 billion; Memphis Grizzlies
- Henry Samueli: $30.8 billion; Anaheim Ducks
- François Pinault: $29.5 billion; Stade Rennais FC (France)
- Daniel Gilbert: $27.9 billion; Cleveland Cavaliers
- David Tepper: $23.7 billion; Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC
How Forbes came up with its rankings
Forbes’ ranking of the world’s richest sports team owners includes control owners of franchises from major North American leagues including: MLB, MLS, the NBA, the NFL, the NHL, the NWSL and the WNBA.
The top European men’s soccer leagues (aka “the big five”) were also featured, as were other first-division men’s teams and the Women’s Super League, editors said. The outlet also considered principal owners from Formula 1, IndyCar and the NASCAR Cup Series.
“Owners who control teams through holding companies were included, but those whose stakes are part of conglomerates with numerous shareholders were excluded,” Forbes editors wrote.
All net worths were calculated as of March 1.
This story was originally published April 9, 2026 at 2:43 PM.