How did Jerry Jones make his money? $17,200,000,000 Cowboys owner's business explored

Jerry Jones, one of the most prominent and recognizable figures in the NFL, is the owner of "America's Team," the Dallas Cowboys. He has been the team's owner since 1989, when he acquired the Cowboys from Bum Bright. The franchise has earned three Super Bowl victories during his time as owner.

The Cowboys were having financial difficulties when Jones acquired the franchise, and he went on to make it the most valuable professional sports team in the world.

In October 1942, John and Arminta Jones welcomed Jerry into the world in Los Angeles, California. Jones' father owned Pat's Super Market, while his mother served as the market's financial secretary and office manager. The NFL owner credits much of his success to seeing his father navigate the stormy world of business.

Jones was raised in Arkansas and played collegiate football as an offensive lineman at the University of Arkansas. According to his official biography, he obtained his MBA at the same institution immediately after graduating from the school in 1965 with a degree in business administration.

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones (IMAGN)

Jones delved into a few unsuccessful ventures after receiving his degree. Eventually, he rose to the position of executive vice president at Modern Life Security, the insurance company his father had built up to success. Jones received $500,000 when the business was sold in 1970, according to The Oklahoman.

Jones attempted but was unable to establish other ventures after leaving Modern Life Security. He even made an initial attempt to acquire the San Diego Chargers in the AFL. In the end, he established Jones Oil and Land Lease, a business that looks for natural gas and oil resources in Arkansas, and it was via this business that he earned his first million dollars.

Jerry Jones, as the proprietor of Jones Oil and Land Lease, bought oil leases worth about $15 million during the 1980s oil bubble. In a matter of years, the value of these leases increased dramatically. Jones solidified his reputation as a shrewd businessman in 1986 when he sold his oil leases for an astounding $175 million.

Jones, with his newly acquired wealth, realized his dream of owning a professional football team when he paid a record-setting $140 million for the Dallas Cowboys in 1989.

He quickly turned around the team's fortunes by bringing in famed coach Jimmy Johnson who led Dallas to back to back championships. The Cowboys have since risen to become one of the most recognizable teams in NFL history.

What is Jerry Jones' net worth in 2025?

Jerry Jones has amassed enormous riches over the years, much of which has come from his ownership of the Dallas Cowboys.

Jones is currently ranked as the 114th richest man in the world by Forbes, which estimates his net worth to be $17.2 billion as of January 2025.

Jones's most valuable asset is the Cowboys. The club's valuation has risen to billions, more than thirty years after he purchased the franchise for $150 million in 1989. According to Forbes, the Dallas Cowboys have the highest worth of any NFL team at $10.1 billion as of right now.

The Cowboys are listed by Forbes as the world's most valuable sports team. The team has a significant lead over the New York Yankees, who are rated at $7.55 billion and in second place.