Who Owns the New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are controlled by Robert Kraft, who serves as the principal owner and chairman of the franchise. Kraft purchased the team in 1994 for approximately $172 million, and the franchise is currently valued at over $7 billion according to Forbes, making it one of the most valuable sports teams in the world Forbes NFL valuations. The Kraft family maintains effective ownership through a combination of direct holdings and a complex trust structure that governs succession and long-term control of the team.
The franchise operates as a limited partnership where Robert Kraft holds the general partner interest, giving him final decision-making authority over football operations, stadium decisions, and major financial commitments. While other members of the Kraft family hold minority interests, Robert Kraft remains the central figure in the ownership hierarchy. The team's business operations, including marketing, revenue sharing, and stadium management, are handled through Kraft-EMC Group, the family's diversified holding company.
Ownership Structure and Corporate Entities
The Patriots are owned through a layered corporate structure that includes multiple entities registered in Delaware and Massachusetts. The primary holding vehicle is New England Patriots LLC, which serves as the operating entity for the football team and its related business activities SEC EDGAR filings. This structure allows the Kraft family to separate the team's operations from other business interests while maintaining centralized control through the general partner role.
Robert Kraft's Business Empire
Robert Kraft built his wealth through the Kraft Group, a private conglomerate with holdings in paper and packaging, real estate, and private equity. The Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, the home of the Patriots, along with significant commercial properties in the greater Boston area. This vertical integration of team ownership and stadium control gives the franchise substantial revenue advantages through leasing, naming rights, and in-venue operations.
Recent Ownership Developments and Succession
In recent years, the Kraft family has begun preparing for succession, with Robert Kraft's sons, Jonathan Kraft and Daniel Kraft, taking on increasingly prominent roles in the organization. Jonathan Kraft serves as president of the Kraft Group and has been directly involved in Patriots business operations, signaling a gradual transition of leadership Forbes NFL valuations. The family trust structure is designed to ensure continuity of ownership while allowing the next generation to assume operational responsibilities.
The NFL's ownership rules require that any change in controlling interest receive approval from a supermajority of team owners, ensuring that the Kraft family's control remains stable. While the franchise has not been sold, the valuation of the Patriots has increased significantly due to media rights deals, stadium revenue growth, and the overall expansion of NFL franchise values. The team's financial performance continues to rank among the top in the league, reinforcing the long-term value of the Kraft family's investment.