Stanley Kroenke is one of the most influential sports and real estate moguls in the world. Known for his vast empire of professional teams across the United States and the United Kingdom, Kroenke has combined savvy investments in property with a passion for sports ownership. As of 2025, Stan Kroenke’s net worth is estimated at $12 billion, ranking him among the wealthiest individuals in Missouri and placing him in the global billionaire elite.
Early Life and Education
Stan Kroenke was born Enos Stanley Kroenke on July 29, 1947, in Columbia, Missouri, and was raised in the small town of Mora. His father owned the Mora Lumber Company, where young Stan got his first experience with business by sweeping floors and later handling bookkeeping at just ten years old. This early exposure to hard work and management instilled the foundation for his future success.
He attended Cole Camp High School, where he played basketball, baseball, and track, demonstrating his lifelong interest in sports. Later, he pursued higher education at the University of Missouri, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration. His combination of athletic passion and academic training in business laid the groundwork for his ventures in real estate and sports ownership.
Entry into Real Estate
In 1983, Kroenke founded the Kroenke Group, a real estate development company that specialized in building shopping centers and apartment complexes. His knack for identifying profitable suburban locations soon paid off. By 1991, he had expanded with another firm, THF Realty, headquartered in St. Louis, focusing on suburban retail projects. Over the years, THF amassed a portfolio worth billions, including numerous shopping centers developed in partnership with Walmart, thanks in part to Kroenke’s marriage into the Walton family.
Age, Family, and Personal Life
At 77 years old in 2025, Stan Kroenke remains one of the most influential figures in both business and sports. He married Ann Walton in 1974, an heiress to the Walmart fortune and a member of one of America’s wealthiest families. Together, they inherited a stake in Walmart in 1995 after Ann’s father passed away, significantly adding to their combined wealth.
The couple has two children, Josh Kroenke and Whitney Ann Kroenke, both of whom are active in family ventures. Josh Kroenke plays a key role in managing sports franchises under Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), ensuring the empire remains family-run. The Kroenkes are known for being private, rarely giving press interviews, and preferring to operate behind the scenes despite their enormous influence.
The Rise of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
Kroenke founded Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) in 1999 in Denver, Colorado. Today, it stands as one of the largest sports and entertainment conglomerates in the world. The company owns or controls:
- Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
- Colorado Rapids (MLS)
- Colorado Mammoth (National Lacrosse League)
- Arsenal F.C. and Arsenal W.F.C. (UK football)
- Los Angeles Gladiators (Overwatch League)
- Los Angeles Guerrillas (Call of Duty League)
Beyond teams, KSE also owns or manages major venues such as Ball Arena in Denver, co-owns Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and built the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. SoFi Stadium, which hosts both the Rams and the Chargers, is one of the most expensive sports venues ever constructed and a premier location for live events, concerts, and Super Bowls.
The Rams: From St. Louis to Los Angeles
Kroenke’s ownership of the Los Angeles Rams has been one of the defining chapters of his career. In 1995, he purchased a 30% stake when the Rams relocated from Los Angeles to St. Louis. By 2010, he became the majority owner of the franchise.
In 2015, Kroenke revealed plans for a 70,000-seat stadium in Inglewood, which ultimately became SoFi Stadium. The NFL approved his plan to move the Rams back to Los Angeles in 2016, sparking backlash in St. Louis and lawsuits against the NFL. Despite the controversies, the Rams flourished, even winning Super Bowl LVI in 2022, adding to Kroenke’s legacy as an NFL owner.
Arsenal F.C. and the European Super League Controversy
Kroenke first invested in Arsenal Holdings in 2008, purchasing over 18,000 shares. By 2011, he had acquired a controlling 62.89% stake, and in 2018 he became the sole owner by purchasing remaining shares for around £600 million.
However, his relationship with Arsenal fans has been turbulent. In 2021, he was part of the controversial attempt to form the European Super League, a closed competition that threatened the traditional structure of European football. Massive backlash from fans and football authorities forced the plan to collapse, intensifying protests against his ownership. Despite the hostility, the Kroenke family has refused to sell the club, maintaining control of the historic North London team.
Expanding Beyond Sports
Kroenke’s portfolio extends far beyond sports. In 2006, he purchased the Screaming Eagle Winery in Napa Valley, one of the most prestigious vineyards in the U.S. He also ranks among the largest landowners in the country, holding nearly 850,000 acres across several states. His most famous acquisition was the Waggoner Ranch in Texas, the largest ranch in the U.S. contained under one fence.
These investments have diversified his wealth and influence, making him not just a sports magnate but also a significant player in agriculture, land ownership, and luxury winemaking.
Stan Kroenke Net Worth in 2025
With a diversified empire across sports, real estate, agriculture, and media, Stan Kroenke’s net worth is estimated at $12 billion in 2025. His fortune comes from a mix of real estate holdings, professional sports franchises, Walmart family ties, and large-scale land ownership. This immense wealth secures him a place not just among Missouri’s richest individuals but also among the wealthiest people in the United States.
Final Thoughts
Stan Kroenke’s life is a testament to vision, diversification, and persistence. From humble beginnings sweeping floors in his father’s lumber yard to owning global sports franchises and billion-dollar venues, his rise has been extraordinary. At 77 years old, he continues to expand his influence across industries while keeping his operations largely private.
Whether admired for his business acumen or criticized for his controversial decisions, Kroenke has undeniably left an indelible mark on global sports and entertainment. His empire, supported by his family, stands as one of the most powerful in the modern business landscape.
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