Top 15 celebrities owning sports franchise

Top 15 celebrities owning sports franchise – The worlds of entertainment and sports have always been intertwined. Celebrities fill the stands at major games, athletes make cameo appearances in movies, and some A-listers take their fandom a step further by becoming celebrity sports franchise owners. These stars bring a unique blend of star power, business acumen, and sometimes a touch of controversy to the teams they invest in. 

This list explores 15 celebrities who have ventured into the world of sports ownership, showcasing the diverse range of personalities involved in this exclusive club.

Top 15 celebrities owning sports franchise  

1. Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Dodgers & Los Angeles Sparks):

A legendary figure in basketball history, Magic Johnson hasn’t slowed down since his playing days. He’s part of a consortium that owns the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB) and the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), demonstrating his passion for both men’s and women’s sports. 

2. Drew Carey (Cleveland Browns):

The comedic mastermind behind “The Drew Carey Show” is also a die-hard Cleveland native and co-owner of the Cleveland Browns (NFL). His involvement has brought renewed energy to the franchise and a focus on community engagement. 

3. Matthew McConaughey & Woody Harrelson (Austin FC):

These two Hollywood heavyweights joined forces to bring Major League Soccer (MLS) to Austin, Texas, with their co-ownership of Austin FC. They’ve leveraged their star power to attract fans and create a vibrant atmosphere for the team. 

4. Will Ferrell (Los Angeles FC):

The comedic actor is a minority owner of Los Angeles FC (MLS), adding his signature humor and enthusiasm to the team. He’s known for his energetic celebrations and dedication to creating a fun and engaging fan experience. 

5. Venus & Serena Williams (Miami Dolphins):

The iconic tennis sisters became the first Black women to own a stake in an NFL franchise when they joined the ownership group of the Miami Dolphins. Their involvement is a significant step towards diversity and inclusion in the world of sports ownership. 

6. Michael Jordan (Charlotte Hornets):

Arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan took his competitive spirit to ownership when he purchased the Charlotte Hornets (NBA). His dedication to excellence and his brand recognition have helped revitalize the franchise. 

7. Jessica Chastain & Viola Davis (Angel City FC):

These award-winning actresses are co-founders of Angel City FC, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team based in Los Angeles. Their involvement is a powerful statement in support of women’s sports and a commitment to building a positive and inclusive team culture. 

8. Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney (Wrexham AFC):

The comedic duo of Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) and Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) took the world by surprise when they purchased Wrexham AFC, a small Welsh football club. Their investment has brought global attention to the club and documented in the docuseries “Welcome To Wrexham.” 

9. LeBron James (Liverpool FC):

The NBA superstar expanded his business portfolio with a minority ownership stake in Liverpool FC, a powerhouse in the English Premier League. This move not only reflects James’ love for the sport but also his shrewd business sense. 

10. A-Rod & Marc Lore (Minnesota Timberwolves):

Baseball legend Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) teamed up with businessman Marc Lore to acquire the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA). Their ownership has generated excitement for the franchise and a focus on data-driven decision making. 

Global Appeal: Beyond North America 

The world of celebrity sports ownership extends beyond North America. Here are a few international examples: 

• Akshay Kumar (Kabbadi Premier League):

  The Bollywood superstar co-owns the Gujarat Fortune Giants in the Kabaddi Premier League, a popular professional kabaddi league in India. His involvement has helped raise the profile of the sport and attract new fans. 

• Shah Rukh Khan (Kolkata Knight Riders):

  Another Bollywood legend, Shah Rukh Khan, co-owns the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His ownership has made KKR one of the most popular teams in the IPL, and Khan is known for his passionate support for the team. 

• Geri Halliwell (Milton Keynes Dons):

  Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell is a co-owner of Milton Keynes Dons, a football club in England. Her involvement has brought a different perspective to the ownership group and helped connect the team with a wider audience.