Who Owns the Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones is the controlling owner, chairman, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys. He purchased the franchise in 1989 from Clint Murchison Jr. and has since built it into the most valuable team in the NFL. Jones exercises direct control over football operations and major business decisions Forbes.
The Jones family maintains effective ownership through a complex holding structure that includes multiple entities tied to the team, stadium operations, and commercial properties. This structure allows centralized management of the franchise, the AT&T Stadium, and the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor, while limiting direct personal liability for the family's other ventures.
Jerry Jones Net Worth and Business Portfolio
As of the latest Forbes estimates, Jerry Jones has a net worth of approximately $14 billion. The bulk of this wealth is tied directly to the Cowboys, whose current valuation exceeds $10 billion, making it the most valuable sports franchise in the world Forbes.
Beyond the Cowboys, Jones built his initial fortune in oil and gas exploration through his family's company, Jones Oil and Land Lease. He later expanded into commercial real estate, developing properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The Jones family's investment portfolio also includes stakes in logistics and energy ventures, though the Cowboys remain the primary asset driving their current wealth.
Dallas Cowboys Financial Performance and Revenue
The Cowboys generate revenue through ticket sales, broadcasting rights, corporate sponsorships, and stadium events. The team's annual revenue consistently ranks first in the NFL, driven by a lucrative national television deal and premium sponsorships with brands like AT&T, which holds the naming rights to the team's stadium SEC EDGAR.
Jerry Jones personally benefits from the team's revenue through a combination of salary as the general manager and his ownership stake. The franchise's financial structure, including debt and stadium financing, is managed by a network of private holding companies. The Cowboys' commercial success is further amplified by the team's brand, which extends into merchandise, licensing, and the AT&T Stadium's hosting of major events like the Super Bowl and concerts.