As of early 2026, Robert Kraft’s net worth is estimated at around $13.8 billion, making him one of the richest people in the United States and the wealthiest NFL owner by a wide margin. His fortune has grown sharply over the past year, largely driven by the soaring value of the New England Patriots and his diversified business empire through The Kraft Group.
Robert Kraft Net Worth: Key Numbers (2026)
- Estimated net worth (2026): ~$13.8 billion USD.New
- New England Patriots franchise value: ~$9 billion USD
- Flagship company: The Kraft Group (packaging, paper, sports, real estate, and private equity
- Primary NFL team: New England Patriots (owned since 1994)
Forbes and Bloomberg both list Kraft among the world’s billionaires, with his wealth rising steadily due to strong performance in manufacturing, sports, and private investments.
From Paper to Patriots: How Robert Kraft Built His Fortune
Robert Kraft’s path to a $13.8 billion empire began far from the football field, in the paper and packaging industry. After earning an MBA from Harvard Business School, he took over Rand-Whitney Group, a paper packaging and containerboard company, and later merged it into International Forest Products (IFP), which became a major player in the sector.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Kraft expanded his holdings into real estate, logistics, and private equity, laying the foundation for The Kraft Group a diversified holding company that now spans:
- Paper and packaging (including Kraft Carton, a leading packaging manufacturer)
- Real estate development and management
- Sports franchises (NFL, MLS, Overwatch League)
- Media and entertainment investments
This diversified approach allowed Kraft to build sustainable, long‑term wealth far beyond any single business or team.
The New England Patriots: The Crown Jewel
Kraft’s most famous asset is the New England Patriots, which he bought in 1994 for just $172 million. Under his ownership, the team transformed from a struggling franchise into a global sports powerhouse, winning six Super Bowls and becoming one of the most valuable teams in the NFL.
Recent reports show the Patriots’ valuation has now reached about $9 billion, according to a 2025 deal in which the Kraft family sold an 8% minority stake to investors Sixth Street and Dean Metropoulos. That transaction valued the franchise at roughly $9 billion and is expected to raise around $720 million, while Kraft retains controlling ownership and voting rights.
Even after diluting his stake slightly, the Patriots remain the single biggest contributor to Robert Kraft’s net worth and a major reason his wealth has surged in 2025–2026.
Other Sports and Business Ventures
Beyond the Patriots, Kraft’s sports portfolio includes:
- New England Revolution (MLS): One of the original Major League Soccer clubs, founded in 1996 and owned by Kraft since inception.
- Boston Uprising (Overwatch League): A professional esports team in the Overwatch League, showing Kraft’s move into digital and competitive gaming.
- Joint ventures in sports media and stadium operations: Including Gillette Stadium and related event and hospitality businesses.
Through The Kraft Group, he also has significant investments in:
- Manufacturing and logistics
- Real estate and commercial property
- Private equity and alternative assets
Bloomberg notes that as of early 2026, Kraft had more than $1 billion in personal investments outside of his core Kraft Group holdings, further diversifying his wealth.
Robert Kraft Net Worth Growth (2025–2026)
Over the past year, Kraft’s net worth has climbed from around $11.8–12 billion to $13.8 billion, reflecting:
- Rising franchise values, especially the Patriots’ $9 billion valuation
- Strong performance in packaging, manufacturing, and real estate
- New private equity and investment returns
This growth has made Kraft easily the richest NFL owner, far ahead of Dallas’s Jerry Jones and Walmart heir Rob Walton, who are also billionaires but with significantly lower net worths.
Personal Life, Philanthropy, and Legacy
Kraft is known not just as a billionaire businessman and NFL owner, but also as a prominent philanthropist and community leader. He has donated heavily to education, healthcare, and disaster relief, including major contributions during the COVID‑19 pandemic through his foundation and the Kraft family.
His personal life has also been in the spotlight: he was married to Myra Kraft until her passing in 2011, and later married Dana Blumberg; he has four sons, several of whom are involved in the family’s business and sports operations.
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