The 10 most famous sports team owners
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In recent years there has been a trend popped up which has seen many famous people Leverage their star power to become celebrity owners of sports teams. These celebrity owners of sports teams bring financial Impact and public interest in their teams and have a huge fan base on platforms such as Instagram, which increases their influence and visibility in the sporting world.
A recent study by sports streaming experts at Live sports on TV investigated prominent owners of sports teams in the major leagues, including the NBA, NFL, and MLS, among othersThe study then ranked these owners based on their Instagram followers to determine the most famous celebrity Owners of sports teams.
Emil Sturesson, Head of B2C at Live Sports on TV, commented: “Beyond their presence on social media Celebrity sports team Owners use their sphereS ÖF influence to promote and publicize their teamS, driveing strategic initiatives, Advocating for diversity and supporting social causes. Their influence extends across sports and entertainment, shaping fan engagement and cultural trends. Through their Acquisitions over the last few years, Celebrities have redefined the sports landscape team Property.”
1.David Beckham
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Football legend David Beckham takes the title of famous celebrity Owner of a sports team, with 87,953,297 Instagram followers. Beckham’s creation and ownership of Inter Miami CF has underscored his commitment to expanding soccer in the United States. Since his StartInter Miami has attracted considerable attention and support, driven by Beckham’s star status and his vision for the club’s success both on and off the pitch. The signing of Lionel Messi in 2023 marked a major milestone for the club and the MLS as a whole.
2. Snoop Dogg
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Global hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg is in second place on the list, with 87,447,953 Instagram followers. Snoop Dogg’s ownership stake in Angel City FC, Los Angeles’ newest NWSL team, underscores his passion for the sport and his commitment to growing women’s soccer. His partnership with the LA Rams further solidifies his influence in the industry and his intentions to grow the sport in Los Angeles.
3. Justin Timberlake
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Award-winning musician Justin Timberlake Third place with 72,660,610 Instagram followers. Justin Timberlake’s minority ownership of the Memphis Grizzlies has helped boost the team’s reputation over the years, especially during his peak popularity as a musician and actor. Timberlake can often be seen courtside at games and supporting the franchise through various social media channels.In fourth place is the Hollywood superstar Will Smithwith 68,719,189 Instagram followers. 2011: Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett–Smith became a minority owner of the Philadelphia 76ers. Although Smith’s ownership of the team is small, his deep-rooted connection to Philadelphia has brought the NBA team a lot of attention. Will Smith was born and raised in West Philadelphia, which he references in the theme song to “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
4. Will Smith
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In fourth place is the Hollywood superstar Will Smithwith 68,719,189 Instagram followers. 2011: Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett–Smith became a minority owner of the Philadelphia 76ers. Although Smith’s ownership of the team is small, his deep-rooted connection to Philadelphia has brought the NBA team a lot of attention. Will Smith was born and raised in West Philadelphia, which he references in the theme song to “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
5. Leonardo DiCaprio
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Legendary actor Leonardo DiCaprio Fifth place on the list with 61,883,393 Instagram followers. Although not directly involved in LA FC regarding DiCaprio’s minority stake in LAFC, in addition to the day-to-day management and marketing of the MLS team, has helped build the club’s profile. Furthermore, it is in line with the club’s commitment to sustainability, a cause that is very close to the Hollywood actor’s heart.
6. Ryan Reynolds
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In sixth place is the Hollywood actor Ryan Reynoldswith 51,609,754 Instagram followers. The takeover of Wrexham FC by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny is one of the best-documented celebrity takeovers of a sports team in history. Under their leadership, Wrexham AFC significant progress both on and off the pitch, returned to the English football league after 15 years of absence and transformed the club became a global phenomenon through tireless advertising and mass media coverage. The Disney+ series entitled “Welcome to Wrexham” documents the takeover of Wrexham FC and its increasing popularity.
7. Becky G
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In seventh place on the list is the American singer and actress Becky Gwith 37,619,867 Instagram followers. Becky G is a minority owner of the NWSL team Angel City FC, alongside other well-known celebrities including Snoop Dogg, Serena Williams and Natalie Portman. Becky G active takes part in community-focused events and initiatives that help bridge the gap between the team and its supporters.
8. Lewis Hamilton
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F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton Eighth place with 37,185,963 Instagram followers. Lewis Hamilton is part of the Walton-Penner family ownership group, led by Rob Walton (heir to the Walmart fortune), who bought the Denver Broncos for a record 4.65 billion US dollarsthe highest price ever paid for an NFL team. Hamilton ranks first among all celebrities on the list in terms of number of likes per post on Instagram, with an average of 998,000 likes per post.
9. Ciara
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The Grammy award-winning singer takes ninth place Ciarawith 35,367,454 Instagram followers. Ciara is co-owner of the MLS team Seattle Sounders FC Rrepresents her commitment to sport, community and empowerment. Along with former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, she brings cultural influence and engagement to the club, supporting its mission to drive positive social impact both locally in Seattle and on a wider scale.
10. Shaquille O’Neal
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The top ten is rounded off by an NBA legend Shaquille O’Nealwith 34,691,913 Instagram followers. In September 2013, Shaquille O’Neal became co-owner of the NBA team Sacramento Kings. Since then, O’Neal has shown a strong commitment to Sacramento and its community. Particulating in various charitable initiatives and community outreach programs organized by the Kings with a focus on education, youth development and social justice.
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