10 Celebrity Sports Team Owners
#10: Serena & Venus Williams
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Miami Dolphins Back in 2009, the Miami Dolphins were sold to New York Real Estate Billionaire Stephen Ross. Several celebrities in turn became minority owners as well, including: Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Fergie and Serena and Venus Williams as well. The move makes sense for the sisters, for although they were raised in Compton, California, both sisters have ties in South Florida, having moved there in 1990 to further their tennis careers. Both sisters (who are also Finns fans) also made history by becoming the first female African-Americans to hold an ownership stake in an NFL franchise. Although it doesn’t seem like they have much involvement in ownership decisions, Serena is arguably one of the most marketable athletes of all time, so we can only hope she’s given the Dolphins’ marketing department a tip or two.
#9: Will Smith
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Philadelphia 76ers It’s crazy to think that the actor who once famously uttered the words SB [In West Philadelphia born and raised…”] went on to become an owner of that city’s NBA team. In 2011, the team was bought by a group of investors led by Apollo Group Management’s Joshua Harris. One of those investors was Will Smith along with his wife Jada. A Philadelphia native and Sixers fan, Smith has enjoyed being an owner…except whenever the team’s losing of course. Fortunately, the team didn’t suffer a PR crisis after Smith’s infamous moment at the Oscars.
#8: Usher
Cleveland Cavaliers In 2005, the Cleveland Cavaliers were purchased by an investor group led by Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert. A press release announcing the move also pointed out that one of the part owners of this team was Usher Raymond IV, the grammy-award winning R&B sensation who most people just know as Usher. It was reported that he invested an estimated $9 million dollars into the club. The singer has been seen attending several of their games, and was even right there celebrating with the team after they captured the city’s first sports title since 1964. He even got his own championship ring!
#7: Justin Timberlake
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Memphis Grizzlies Being born and bred in the city of Memphis, it’s practically a perfect fit. Singer Justin Timberlake was recruited by billionaire Robert Pera to be part of his ownership group that purchased the Memphis Grizzlies in 2012. As a result, Timberlake became a minority owner of the team. While unclear if he has an active role in the organization like some of the other A-listers you will see on this list, he is constantly shown supporting the team at games and even on twitter. Most recently, he heavily campaigned on social media for people to vote for Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant to play in the 2022 All-Star game. Now that’s what you call a caring owner!
#6: Bill Murray
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St. Paul Saints Bill Murray has never been shy to express his fandom for sports teams, including the Chicago Cubs. What some people might not know however, is that he is a part-owner of the St. Paul Saints, a minor league baseball team out of Minnesota. It doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Murray is an owner, considering his love for sports. Like the other owners on this list, Murray can be seen at games and even interacting with fans. One game even saw Murray admitting fans into the venue. Off putting and random to some perhaps, but very much Bill Murray.
#5: Drew Carey
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Seattle Sounders This actor and television host is a huge sports fan, but his love for soccer only came later on in life. Initially watching games in North America, he soon began attending games in Europe, which is where his passion for the game grew. In 2009, Carey was actually approached by the Seattle Sounders brass to become an owner of the team, and he accepted. Despite only being a minority owner, Carey has still left his mark on the team. Before becoming an owner, he did so under the condition that the team has a membership program like other European clubs, where members every four years can vote whether the team president stays on or not. He’s also the reason why the team has a marching band present at their games.
#4: Michael Jordan
Charlotte Hornets So not only has he been labeled by many as the GOAT in basketball, he’s also a principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets basketball team. In 2006, he bought a minority stake in the team when they were known as the Bobcats. 4 years later, Jordan purchased the team for $275 million dollars to become its majority owner. The reason behind the purchase was not only his desire to become an owner of an NBA franchise, but to build a winning team in his home state of North Carolina. But let’s not forget that Jordan is not the sole owner of the team, as celebrity rapper, Nelly, is a minority owner of the club.
#3: David Letterman
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Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Throughout his life, former late-night talk show host David Letterman had always expressed interest in becoming actively involved in race car driving. The interest is evident, as not only was watching racing a big part of his life, but Letterman is an Indianapolis native, where the Indy 500 is held annually. One of the people that he discussed this with was 3-time Indycar Champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal. After more discussions between the two, they soon after struck a partnership and Letterman had purchased a share of Rahal’s team in 1996. The team continues to compete to this day, having notably won the Indy 500 in 2004 and 2020.
#2: Magic Johnson
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Los Angeles Dodgers In 2012, Los Angeles Lakers star and hall of famer Magic Johnson alongside the Guggenheim Partners group and Stan Kasten joined forces to purchase the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team. The sale was successful, with the total cost being an estimated $2 billion dollars. The move evidently paid off, as several high profile talents have since lent their talents to the team and they even captured a World Series in 2020. But this isn’t the only team Johnson has a stake in. Back in 2014, he again teamed up with the Guggenheim Partners group to purchase the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and that same year he became a part owner of the Los Angeles Football Club. So since the Sparks also won a championship in 2016, does that mean the LAFC is next? Before we unveil our picks, here are a few honorable mentions. Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney, Wrexham A.F.C. 2 Actors With a Great Sense of Humor Becoming Owners of a Welsh Soccer Team? What’s Not to Love? Will Ferrell, LAFC Yes, It’s Just as Cool as it Sounds LeBron James, Liverpool FC He Bought a 2% Stake in the Team back in 2011; A Wise Choice Considering all of the Team’s Accomplishments Since That Time Lewis Hamilton, Denver Broncos The F1 Star Has Turned His Attention to the Gridiron David Beckham, Inter Miami CF The Famous Soccer Star Has Taken His Talents to South Beach as a Co-Owner of this MLS team
#1: Russell Crowe
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South Sydney Rabbitohs Most are well-aware of what this acting legend has done on the screen, but some may not know that he is a huge rugby fan and supporter of the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby team. In 2006, Crowe became a co-owner of the struggling club. Since that time, the team’s play has significantly improved, they’ve attracted more sponsors, signed marquee players and won a premiership back in 2014. In addition, the club has attracted the attention of several celebrities who have traveled all the way to Australia to attend their games and even gone on to become fans. Crowe’s contribution has been evident, and it’s such a great story we wouldn’t be surprised if it ever made it to the big screen.
