Arsenal's billionaire owner, Stan Kroenke, has cemented his status as a titan of American property after a colossal land deal saw him become the largest private landowner in the United States. This strategic acquisition is set to significantly boost his already vast fortune, which is closely tied to his sports empire, including the Premier League leaders.
From Sports Arenas to Vast Ranches: The Kroenke Portfolio Expands
According to the prestigious Land Report's annual ranking, Kroenke now sits at the pinnacle of America's top 100 landowners. This follows his purchase last month of the Singleton Ranches in New Mexico, a sprawling estate covering nearly 937,000 acres. This transaction marks the biggest US land deal by area in over a decade.
This latest purchase expands Kroenke's total US landholdings to a staggering 2.7 million acres. His diverse portfolio is not limited to rural estates. It also includes premier developments like the Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California, home to the record-breaking $5.5 billion SoFi Stadium, the most expensive sports arena ever constructed.
A History of Monumental Deals and a Fortune Set to Grow
Kroenke, who is married to Walmart heiress Ann Walton Kroenke, has a history of eye-watering property acquisitions. In 2016, he made headlines with the £629 million purchase of the historic Waggoner Ranch in Texas, a 535,000-acre property that had remained in the same family since 1849.
With an estimated net worth of $21.3 billion (£15.8 billion), Kroenke's wealth is intrinsically linked to his sports franchises, such as Arsenal and the LA Rams. Analysts suggest his fortune could rocket even higher in the future, given the sheer scale of his land assets, should he choose to develop or sell them.
Arsenal's Soaring Value Under Kroenke's Ownership
The investment in North London is also paying substantial dividends. Since Kroenke took full control of Arsenal in 2018 for a valuation of around £1.8 billion, the club's worth has reportedly roughly doubled and continues to rise, according to financial reports from City AM.
On the pitch, the Gunners are thriving, currently sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League. They also took a step towards Wembley glory with a 3-2 victory over Chelsea in a thrilling Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team's performance against a "top side," despite a late Chelsea goal setting up a tense second leg.
As Kroenke's empire expands across the Atlantic, the financial foundations supporting his sporting ventures, including a resurgent Arsenal, grow ever more formidable.
