For some, owning a sports team is part of a diverse portfolio, for others, it’s the ultimate status symbol. Not all professional sports team owners are Wildcatters, but those who are understand that sometimes an investment isn’t just about the money. The following is a list of Wildcatter team owners that make no effort to hide the passion they feel for their chosen investment. Is it a coincidence that most of them are in Texas??
Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks
Perhaps the most visible of the NBA team owners, Mark Cuban can be found sitting in the front row of every Mavericks home game. He is such a passionate fan that he has been fined by the league for roughly $2 million dollars over the course of his 17 years owning the team, mostly for his conduct on the court and treatment of the referees in the heat of the moment.
Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys
Jones made major waves when he bought the Cowboys franchise back in the late 80’s and fired hometown hero Tom Landry, but went on to win three super bowl rings with (arguably) the best NFL lineup of the 90s. Jones is another Texas own who takes his role as the face of the team seriously – he is very involved in the team’s PR and visible in the media. Love him or hate him, he’s in this for the long haul.
Tilman Fertitta, Houston Rockets
Fertitta is the newest NBA owner and time will tell just what his owner-persona will be; however, this billionaire casino owner is no stranger to the spotlight. Often seen sitting court-side these days, he was also the star of the CNBC reality show, Billion Dollar Buyer.
Sheila Johnson, Washington Wizards & Capitals
Johnson is a major player in the DC sports scene: this successful businesswoman is not only a part owner of two major professional teams, the NHL Capitals and the NBA Wizards, she also serves as the president and managing partner for the WNBA Mystics.
Michael Jordan, Charlotte Hornets & Miami Marlins
Jordan has been part-owner of this Eastern Conference team for almost a decade now and it’s hard not to be seen as the face of the team when you’re the face of basketball. However, we all know that basketball isn’t the only sport important to MJ, and he’s making his way back into Major League Baseball, this time as a part-owner of the Miami Marlins with Derek Jeter and others.