Mark Davis is the primary owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and one of the most recognizable owners of any NFL team. The businessman has grown the Raiders’ brand and valuation since taking over ownership in 2011 when his father, Al Davis, passed away.
Davis has made savvy business decisions, including moving the Raiders to Sin City in 2020. How much is Davis’ net worth, and how did the family amass its fortune?
How Much Is Mark Davis Worth?
To own an NFL franchise, you need to have relatively deep pockets. It costs billions to own a team, with only a select few having the resources and finances to do it.
As of February 2024, Davis’ net worth is $2.3 billion, according to Forbes. While that makes him one of the wealthiest people in the world, it actually ranks toward the bottom of the league in terms of the NFL’s richest owners. Davis is currently the 23rd-richest owner.
For comparison, the Denver Broncos have the richest owners, as the Walton-Penner ownership group — consisting of Walmart heir Rob Walton, Greg Penner, and Carrie Walton Penner — is worth approximately $77.4 billion.
With that said, the Raiders’ valuation has ballooned under Davis’ leadership. The franchise is now worth a whopping $6.2 billion, per Forbes. This is the sixth-highest valuation in the NFL, and it certainly seems that the move to Las Vegas helped the organization’s value.
The value of the Las Vegas-based team has increased exponentially since 2011 when Davis took over. In addition to owning the Raiders, Davis now also owns a WNBA team, the Las Vegas Aces.
How Did Davis Make His Money?
Davis inherited his fortune and the Raiders from his father, Al, who died in 2011. Al passed the team onto his son, Mark, and wife, Carol. Mark is the principal owner and took over the franchise’s operations, having worked within the organization beforehand.
Mark and Carol own 47% of the Raiders, but it is contractually specified that they will remain as primary owners and will have a controlling interest within the franchise.
Al was the primary owner of the Raiders between 1972 until his passing in 2011. Prior to owning the Raiders, Al was a football coach and executive. He had a stint as the Raiders’ head coach from 1960 to 1962, and he was the team’s general manager from 1966 to 2011. At one point, Al was the Commissioner of the American Football League. His fortune largely came from his ownership of the Raiders.
After graduating from California State University, Mark began working with the Raiders organization, developing the brand into what it is today. While never having a defined job title within the franchise before taking over primary ownership, he played a pivotal role within the team’s office.
Initially, Davis worked with the Raiders’ equipment department, learning and gaining experience in resourcing. He is credited with the invention of the muff hand-warmers in 1986, which NFL players still use to this day in cold climates.
Davis’ business acumen and management always shined through, and he even represented former Raiders WR Cliff Branch in contract negotiations.
KEEP READING: Inside Mark Davis’ $14 Million Mansion in Las Vegas
Davis then transitioned within the organization to play a vital role with the Raiders’ image, growing the Raiders’ brand, merchandise, and marketability.
Today, he has become a respected owner who is steering the Raiders in the right direction.