Jean-Marc Chapus, cofounder and managing partner of Crescent Capital, helped build one of the most established private credit firms in the market by focusing on below-investment-grade debt, private equity-backed financing, and disciplined risk management. A former leveraged finance banker at Drexel Burnham Lambert and later a senior executive at TCW, Chapus co-founded Crescent in 1991 and played a central role in shaping its investment philosophy across private and tradeable credit. Under his leadership, Crescent grew into a globally recognized credit platform managing tens of billions of dollars and became a key capital partner to private equity sponsors and growth companies.

John W. Stanton, chairman of Trilogy Equity Partners and chairman/managing partner of the Seattle Mariners ownership group, is a wireless-industry pioneer who helped build multiple major U.S. mobile operators before turning to venture investing and sports ownership. After senior leadership roles at McCaw Cellular, Stanton founded and led Western Wireless and VoiceStream, two formative companies in the rise of modern mobile telecom, and later built Trilogy into an early-stage investment platform focused on wireless and technology opportunities. His career blends telecom entrepreneurship, institutional board influence, and long-term stewardship of one of Major League Baseball’s flagship franchises.

Mark Lerner, managing principal owner of the Washington Nationals and a principal of Lerner Enterprises, sits at the intersection of one of Washington’s most prominent real estate dynasties and Major League Baseball ownership. The son of developer Ted Lerner, he assumed control of the Nationals in 2018 and helped oversee the franchise’s 2019 World Series championship, while remaining deeply tied to the family’s privately held real estate business, one of the largest in the Washington, D.C., region. Known for low-profile leadership and long-term family stewardship, Lerner represents the continuation of a multigenerational business legacy across both property and sports.

Alan Smolinisky is a billionaire entrepreneur, principal at Conquest Housing, and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He first built his fortune with Conquest Student Housing, which became the largest provider at USC before selling for $205 million in 2008. In 2026, he serves as a director at Jack in the Box, chairing its Capital Allocation Committee following a late 2025 appointment. A dedicated value investor and philanthropist, he has committed 90% of his estate to charity and is a vocal advocate for immigration reform, famously hosting mass naturalization ceremonies at Dodger Stadium. He remains a key figure in sports business, previously partnering with Phil Knight on a $2 billion bid for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Tom Werner is the chairman of Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and a legendary television producer behind iconic sitcoms like The Cosby Show and Roseanne. As chairman of both the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC, he has overseen a period of historic success, including four World Series titles and multiple international soccer trophies. In 2026, he continues to navigate the complexities of modern sports ownership, recently addressing the Red Sox's "dry powder" payroll strategy and roster changes during spring training. A dedicated philanthropist, he spearheaded the creation of the Red Sox Foundation and the Home Base Program, which has provided clinical care to over 30,000 veterans and their families.

Robert Nutting, businessman and sports owner, built his fortune through media and manufacturing holdings, most notably as chairman and CEO of Ogden Newspapers and a major stakeholder in television and print assets across the U.S. He is widely known as the owner of Major League Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates, having acquired the franchise in 2007 and overseeing its long-term operations in one of the league’s smaller markets. Nutting’s career reflects a blend of traditional media ownership, regional business influence, and high-profile sports franchise control.

Ray Davis, cofounder of Energy Transfer Partners, built a multibillion-dollar fortune in U.S. midstream energy by expanding pipeline and logistics infrastructure across natural gas and liquids. Working alongside Kelcy Warren, he helped scale Energy Transfer into one of the nation’s largest energy networks through aggressive acquisitions and large-scale development. Beyond energy, Davis is the majority owner of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, playing a central role in turning the franchise into a modern sports business and ultimately overseeing its rise to a World Series championship. Known for a low public profile and long-term mindset, he remains a powerful figure in both energy and sports ownership.

Patrick Zalupski, founder and CEO of Dream Finders Homes, built one of the fastest-growing homebuilders in the United States by focusing on asset-light land strategies and disciplined capital allocation. After founding the company in 2008, Zalupski emphasized lot optioning, regional market expertise, and operational efficiency, allowing Dream Finders to scale rapidly while maintaining strong margins. The company went public in 2021, cementing its position as a major player in residential construction across high-growth Sun Belt markets. Zalupski’s approach blends entrepreneurial speed with conservative balance-sheet management in a cyclical industry.

Mark Walter, cofounder and CEO of Guggenheim Partners, built one of the world’s largest and most diversified global investment firms, overseeing hundreds of billions in assets across insurance, asset management, and advisory services. A former attorney, Walter helped architect Guggenheim’s distinctive structure, combining long-duration insurance capital with alternative and fixed-income strategies. Beyond finance, he is widely known as the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he led a dramatic turnaround of the franchise, delivering multiple championships and setting new standards for investment in professional sports. Walter’s influence spans global finance, infrastructure, and elite sports ownership.

John W. Henry, billionaire investor and principal owner of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC, built his fortune as a pioneering commodities trader before reshaping the global sports industry through Fenway Sports Group. After founding the quantitative hedge fund J.W. Henry & Co., he acquired the Red Sox in 2002 and led the team to multiple World Series championships, breaking the “Curse of the Bambino.” Expanding his sports empire internationally, Henry later bought Liverpool FC, guiding the Premier League club to Champions League and English title victories. Known for his data-driven, value-focused leadership, he has become one of the most influential owners in modern professional sports.

John Fisher, billionaire investor and owner of the San Francisco Giants–affiliated interests through Pisces, Inc., manages one of the most diversified private investment portfolios linked to the Fisher family, heirs to the Gap retail fortune. As president of Pisces, Fisher oversees long-term capital allocation across real estate, private equity, and strategic sports holdings, including his majority stake in Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics. Known for his discreet, media-averse style, he has built influence in professional sports ownership and large-scale development projects, while maintaining a complex role in the Athletics’ future and broader West Coast commercial investments.

Joe Ricketts, billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, is the founder of TD Ameritrade, the online brokerage he launched in 1975 and grew into one of America’s largest trading platforms through early adoption of discount brokerage, digital tools, and retail investor empowerment. After taking the company public and expanding it through major acquisitions, Ricketts became a prominent figure in finance and later sold TD Ameritrade to Charles Schwab in a landmark multibillion-dollar deal. Beyond business, he has invested heavily in journalism, conservation, and civic initiatives through the Ricketts family foundation, and the family also owns the Chicago Cubs. Ricketts remains a defining voice in entrepreneurship, public policy, and philanthropy.

Jerry Reinsdorf, longtime owner of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox, is one of the most influential figures in American professional sports. After building his wealth in real estate and tax-shelter investments, he purchased the White Sox in 1981 and the Bulls in 1985—guiding the teams through eras that cemented their place in sports history. Under his stewardship, the Bulls won six NBA championships in the Michael Jordan era, while the White Sox captured a World Series title in 2005, ending an 88-year drought. Known for his sharp business acumen, loyalty to his organizations, and major impact on league governance, Reinsdorf remains a defining and sometimes controversial presence in modern sports ownership.

Jim Crane, billionaire businessman and owner of the Houston Astros, built his fortune through logistics and freight services before becoming one of Major League Baseball’s most successful franchise owners. After founding Eagle Global Logistics and later Crane Worldwide Logistics, he acquired the Astros in 2011 and transformed the team into a championship organization, winning the World Series in 2017 and 2022. Known for his disciplined leadership, data-driven decision-making, and deep involvement in Houston’s business and philanthropic community, Crane has become a defining figure in both sports and global logistics.

Hal Steinbrenner, managing general partner and chairman of the New York Yankees, inherited leadership of Major League Baseball’s most iconic franchise from his father, George Steinbrenner. Since assuming control in 2008, he has balanced the legacy of the Yankees’ storied past with the financial and operational demands of modern sports management. Under his stewardship, the team has continued to rank among the most valuable sports franchises in the world, leveraging brand power, media rights, and stadium operations while maintaining its pursuit of championships.

Frank McCourt, real estate developer and former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, built his fortune through large-scale property holdings and high-profile sports investments. After selling the Dodgers in 2012 for a record $2.15 billion, he expanded his portfolio through McCourt Global, a diversified enterprise spanning real estate, sports, media, and technology. Known for bold, often controversial deals, McCourt has also turned his attention to digital infrastructure projects aimed at rethinking data ownership, positioning himself as both a traditional asset mogul and a forward-looking tech investor.

Drayton McLane Jr. is a self-made billionaire business magnate and philanthropist best known for building the McLane Company into a nationwide grocery and logistics powerhouse—growing revenue from $3 million to $19 billion—and later selling it to Walmart in 1990. He served as vice-chairman of Walmart while expanding The McLane Group, a family-owned holding company investing globally. He also owned and led the Houston Astros from 1993 to 2011 as chairman and CEO, becoming the first Texas team to reach the World Series under his tenure.

David Rubenstein is an American lawyer, billionaire investor, and philanthropist who co-founded The Carlyle Group in 1987. From humble beginnings in Baltimore, he built Carlyle into a global private equity powerhouse managing over $426 billion in assets as of 2023. In 2024, he became principal owner of the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles and chairs numerous institutions including the Kennedy Center (until 2025), Council on Foreign Relations, and the National Gallery of Art.

David Blitzer is an American investor and sports team owner. As Blackstone’s Chairman of Tactical Opportunities, he oversees global investing across asset classes. In 2011, he co-founded Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), the first entity to hold equity in all five major U.S. men’s leagues (NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, MLS). His portfolio includes the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, Cleveland Guardians, Real Salt Lake (now minority stake), and the Washington Commanders.

Christopher Ilitch is the president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, the Detroit-based privately held conglomerate founded by his parents Mike and Marian Ilitch. He oversees iconic brands such as Little Caesars Pizza, the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and their real estate & entertainment ventures. Since becoming sole CEO in 2004, he has led over a 600% revenue increase and drives Detroit renaissance through projects like The District Detroit.