Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is one of the most influential figures in the world of sports. Known for his business acumen and leadership of America’s Team, Jones has amassed an incredible fortune throughout his career. As of 2024, Jerry Jones’ net worth is estimated to be $13 billion, making him one of the wealthiest owners in professional sports.
In addition to discussing Jones’ impressive net worth, this article will provide insights into his age and how his financial success compares to Dak Prescott, the star quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, who has an estimated net worth of $70 million.
Jerry Jones Net Worth and Age Overview
Jerry Jones’ journey to becoming a billionaire started well before his acquisition of the Cowboys. He has accumulated his wealth through various ventures, but his ownership of the Dallas Cowboys is the cornerstone of his massive fortune. Here’s a breakdown of the key components contributing to Jones’ wealth:
1. Dallas Cowboys Ownership
In 1989, Jerry Jones made what many consider to be one of the most successful investments in sports history when he purchased the Dallas Cowboys for $140 million. At the time, the franchise was struggling both financially and on the field, but under Jones’ leadership, the Cowboys became one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world.
As of 2024, the Dallas Cowboys are valued at $9 billion, according to Forbes. This valuation alone makes up a significant portion of Jones’ $13 billion net worth. The Cowboys generate enormous revenue through sponsorships, merchandise sales, and media rights deals. Jones has also overseen the construction of the state-of-the-art AT&T Stadium, further solidifying the Cowboys’ position as a financial powerhouse.
2. Business Ventures Outside of the NFL
While his ownership of the Cowboys is the most prominent source of Jerry Jones’ wealth, it’s not his only business endeavor. Jones has been involved in various industries, including oil and gas. He founded Jones Oil and Land Lease, a company that helped him accumulate substantial wealth before his investment in the Cowboys.
Additionally, Jones has been involved in real estate and has made significant investments in commercial properties across the United States. His diverse portfolio of investments continues to contribute to his expanding fortune, though the Cowboys remain his most valuable asset.
3. NFL Revenue and Team Success
As an NFL team owner, Jerry Jones benefits from the league’s lucrative revenue-sharing model. The NFL generates billions of dollars in revenue each year through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and other ventures, and Jones receives a portion of these revenues. In addition, the Cowboys’ consistent appearances in the playoffs and their widespread fanbase generate even more income for the franchise and Jones personally.
Jones’ hands-on approach to managing the team has led to multiple Super Bowl championships in the early 1990s, further boosting the value of the franchise and Jones’ personal net worth. Despite the team not winning a Super Bowl in recent years, the Cowboys remain one of the most popular and profitable teams in the NFL, adding to Jones’ financial success.
Jerry Jones’ Age
Born on October 13, 1942, Jerry Jones is 82 years old as of 2024. Despite his age, Jones remains highly active in managing the Dallas Cowboys and continues to make major business decisions regarding the team. His leadership style and vision have played an essential role in the Cowboys’ success both on and off the field.
Comparison: Jerry Jones vs. Dak Prescott Net Worth
It’s interesting to compare Jerry Jones’ massive net worth to that of Dak Prescott, the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Prescott has quickly become one of the most recognized and financially successful players in the NFL. As of 2024, Dak Prescott’s estimated net worth is $70 million.
Here’s a comparative look at their financial standing:
| Name | Estimated Net Worth (2024) | Age | Primary Source of Wealth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jerry Jones | $13 billion | 82 | Dallas Cowboys, Business Ventures |
| Dak Prescott | $70 million | 31 | NFL Salary, Endorsements |
Dak Prescott’s Financial Profile
Dak Prescott’s wealth comes primarily from his lucrative NFL contracts and endorsement deals. After being drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Prescott quickly rose to prominence as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback. His success on the field has led to a series of high-paying contracts, the most significant being the four-year, $160 million contract he signed in 2021, which included a $66 million signing bonus.
Prescott’s average annual salary under this contract is $40 million, placing him among the highest-paid players in the NFL. Additionally, Prescott has earned millions from endorsement deals with major brands like Pepsi, Adidas, and Sleep Number. These endorsement deals contribute an estimated $10-12 million annually to Prescott’s income.
While Prescott’s net worth of $70 million is impressive for an NFL player, it pales in comparison to Jerry Jones’ wealth, which is largely due to his ownership of the Cowboys and other business ventures.
Key Factors Contributing to Jerry Jones’ Wealth
Jerry Jones’ $13 billion net worth can be attributed to several key factors that have significantly impacted his financial growth over the years:
1. Franchise Value Appreciation
The most significant factor in Jerry Jones’ wealth growth is the appreciation of the Dallas Cowboys’ franchise value. When Jones purchased the Cowboys for $140 million in 1989, few could have predicted the exponential growth in the value of NFL franchises. Thanks to Jones’ business acumen and ability to market the Cowboys as “America’s Team,” the franchise is now worth an estimated $9 billion.
2. Media Rights and Sponsorship Deals
Another critical component of Jones’ wealth is the NFL’s media rights deals, which generate billions of dollars annually for the league and its teams. Jones has been instrumental in helping the NFL secure lucrative television deals, which in turn have increased the overall revenue for team owners. In addition to media rights, Jones has negotiated major sponsorship deals for the Cowboys, further boosting the team’s revenue and his personal net worth.
One of the most notable examples of Jones’ business prowess is the naming rights deal for AT&T Stadium, where the Cowboys play their home games. This deal alone is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and it contributes significantly to the team’s financial success.
3. Business Acumen and Investments
While many sports team owners rely solely on their franchises for wealth, Jerry Jones has diversified his income streams through various other investments. Jones’ early success in the oil and gas industry provided him with the capital to purchase the Cowboys and fund other ventures. Additionally, his investments in real estate and commercial properties have paid off, adding millions to his personal fortune over the years.
Jones has also leveraged his ownership of the Cowboys to enter into numerous profitable partnerships, further expanding his wealth. His ability to turn the Cowboys into a global brand has earned him a spot among the richest individuals in the world.
Future Growth of Jerry Jones’ Net Worth
At 82 years old, Jerry Jones shows no signs of slowing down, and his financial future continues to look bright. There are several factors that could contribute to the growth of his already substantial net worth in the coming years:
1. Continued Appreciation of the Dallas Cowboys
The value of NFL teams continues to rise, and the Dallas Cowboys are at the forefront of this trend. With the Cowboys valued at $9 billion in 2024, it’s expected that the team’s worth will continue to grow, potentially exceeding $10 billion within the next few years. As long as Jones maintains ownership of the Cowboys, this increase in franchise value will directly impact his overall wealth.
2. Increased Media Rights Deals
The NFL is constantly negotiating new media rights deals, which will continue to boost revenue for team owners. As the league secures even more lucrative television and streaming contracts, Jerry Jones will see his earnings grow alongside the value of the Cowboys.
3. New Business Ventures
Jerry Jones is always on the lookout for new investment opportunities, and his business ventures outside of football could further add to his wealth. Whether through additional real estate investments, partnerships, or other business endeavors, Jones’ wealth is expected to increase in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
Jerry Jones, with an estimated net worth of $13 billion, stands as one of the wealthiest and most successful figures in sports. His ownership of the Dallas Cowboys, savvy business investments, and ability to capitalize on the NFL’s revenue streams have all contributed to his incredible financial success. At 82 years old, Jones continues to play an active role in the team’s operations, and his wealth is likely to keep growing.
In comparison, Dak Prescott’s net worth of $70 million highlights the significant financial rewards available to elite NFL players, though it still pales in comparison to Jones’ vast fortune. Nonetheless, both Jones and Prescott remain central figures in the financial and athletic success of the Dallas Cowboys.