In the world of sports ownership, few names carry as much weight as Jerry Jones and Mark Walter. One is the long-reigning steward of “America’s Team,” while the other is rapidly building an empire across Los Angeles’ sports scene.
With the Lakers potentially changing hands, comparisons between the two billionaires are heating up, especially when it comes to their fortunes.
Comparing the Fortunes of Two Sports Titans: Mark Walter vs. Jerry Jones
According to Forbes, Jerry Jones and his family boast a real-time net worth of $17.8 billion, while Mark Walter trails behind with a net worth of $6.2 billion. On paper, that answers the question of who is richer. But beneath the numbers lies a deeper story of investment strategies, iconic franchises, and how these men have carved their paths through different industries.
How Jones Built His Billion-Dollar Football Fortress
Jones, a former University of Arkansas football co-captain, made his first million in oil during the 1970s. His pivotal move came in 1989, when he bought the Dallas Cowboys for $150 million. That gamble paid off: the franchise is now worth roughly $10 billion, making it the most valuable sports team in the world.
Despite this staggering valuation, Jones once told Bloomberg in 2018, “I wouldn’t accept anything less than $10 billion.” Today, that number might even be higher. As Athlon Sports’ Mike Fisher points out, “maybe if he ‘had to sell’ the number would once again be double the valuation, so… $20 billion, maybe?”
Jones’ financial reach extends beyond football. He holds the controlling stake in Comstock Resources, a Texas-based oil and gas company, and invests in real estate across Dallas. He’s also an avid art collector, owning works by Picasso, Renoir, Matisse, and even Norman Rockwell’s “Coin Toss.” But the heart of his wealth remains tied to the Cowboys, a team he insists “is simply not for sale. Ever.”
Walter’s Quiet Rise in the World of Sports Ownership
In contrast, Mark Walter has taken a more institutional route. As CEO and co-founder of Guggenheim Partners, he oversees over $300 billion in assets. Walter helped form the firm in the late 1990s and has since expanded his personal portfolio with stakes in companies like Beyond Meat and Carvana. Sports-wise, he led the group that acquired the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 and also owns the Los Angeles Sparks.
🚨Lakers new owner Mark Walter is also the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and the firm manages over $349 Billion in total assets 😳 pic.twitter.com/bxD2dcQNgc
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) June 19, 2025
Now, Walter has acquired the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-setting $10 billion, as reported by PFSN’s Prithvi Mishra. It represents the most expensive sale in North American sports history. Yet despite this historic move, Walter’s personal net worth still remains far below Jones’.
So, Who’s Actually Richer?
Ultimately, while Walter may hold a controlling interest in multiple L.A. franchises, Jones continues to lead the financial scoreboard. His multigenerational approach, as reflected in Fisher’s observation that his children are increasingly referred to as “co-owners,” cements the Cowboys as both a personal and family dynasty.
So, who is richer? Without question, it’s Jerry Jones. But as Walter’s influence continues to grow across the sports world, the gap, though wide, may not remain unchallenged forever.