Robert Kraft, the man who turned a $172 million purchase into one of the most successful franchises, is much more than a sports magnate; he is an example of how a young person with ambitions can become the owner of an NFL team.
Throughout his life, he has managed to blend his passion for football with a sharp business vision, allowing him to amass a billion-dollar fortune that continues to expand with each new investment.
From his early days in business, selling newspapers on the streets of Boston, to becoming the CEO of the New England Patriots, he has proven that success isn’t a matter of luck, but of knowing how to seize opportunities.
What is Robert Kraft’s net worth?
The businessman and owner of the New England Patriots, Robert Kraft, possesses a massive fortune. As of March 2025, his net worth is estimated at $11.8 billion, according to Bloomberg’s and Forbes’ billionaire index.
Owner Robert Kraft introduces Mike Vrabel as head coach of the New England Patriots during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2025. (Source: Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
He began his business career in the paper and packaging sector, acquiring control of Rand-Whitney Group, a packaging company, in 1968, and founding International Forest Products, laying the foundation for his financial success.
In 1994, he purchased the New England Patriots for $172 million, marking a new chapter in his story. Under his leadership, the team has won six Super Bowls and become one of the most successful franchises in the NFL.
In addition to his involvement in football, he owns the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer and the esports team Boston Uprising. His business conglomerate, The Kraft Group, also has multiple investments.
He has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Theodore Roosevelt Award and induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His story is a testament to how business vision and a passion for sports can come together to create a lasting legacy.
Robert Kraft’s purchase of the New England Patriots
Robert Kraft’s purchase of the New England Patriots is one of the most iconic acquisitions in the history of professional sports. In 1994, he acquired the NFL franchise for $172 million, a significantly low figure compared to current values.
New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 10, 2024. (Source: Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The story behind the purchase is interesting and somewhat complex. In the early ’90s, they were in a precarious financial situation. The franchise was under the control of James Orthwein, who was considering relocating the team to St. Louis.
Kraft initially began negotiations with Orthwein to buy the team, but their relationship wasn’t straightforward. At one point, Orthwein tried to sell the team to him but with the condition that the team be moved to St. Louis.
He immediately rejected that option, as he had a strong emotional connection to Boston and didn’t want to lose the local fans. Rather than give in, he found a way to buy the team in a way that ensured they would remain in Massachusetts.
To do so, he teamed up with a group of lenders and investors, and through a complex series of financial agreements, he managed to acquire the Patriots in 1994 for a price much lower than what the team would be worth later on.
Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots hold the Lamar Hunt Trophy at the AFC Championship Game in 2017. (Source: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Since the purchase, he has transformed them into one of the most successful franchises in history, winning six Super Bowls and establishing a culture of success. The purchase also marked the beginning of a new era for the NFL.
His acquisition was not only a sporting success but also a financial one. The value of the Patriots has significantly increased since the purchase, with the franchise currently valued at around $7.4 billion, according to Forbes.
