Robert Pera owns the Memphis Grizzlies in 2026, serving as the team’s controlling owner and chairman.
Pera purchased the franchise from Michael Heisley in 2012 for a reported $377 million.
At the time of the sale, Pera became the youngest controlling owner in the NBA.
The Ubiquiti Networks founder has led the Grizzlies through more than a decade of change, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals, a major roster reset, and a franchise valuation that has grown many times over since his purchase.
This guide breaks down who owns the Memphis Grizzlies today, how the ownership group is structured, and what the 2026 season means for the franchise’s future.
| Category | Details |
| Team | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Controlling Owner | Robert Pera |
| Owner Since | 2012 |
| Reported Purchase Price | $377 million |
| 2026 Valuation | Roughly $3.5 billion to $3.75 billion |
| League | National Basketball Association |
| Home Arena | FedExForum |
| Notable Minority Investors | Penny Hardaway, Peyton and Ashley Manning |
| Headquarters | Memphis, Tennessee |
Minority Investor
Minority Investors
Minority Ownership Group
Michael Heisley sold the Grizzlies to a group led by Robert Pera for a reported $377 million.
Pera became the youngest controlling owner in the NBA at the time the sale closed.
The Grizzlies reached their first ever Western Conference Finals in Pera’s first full season as owner.
Pera agreed to keep control of the team and buy shares from two minority owners at a valuation near $1.3 billion.
Penny Hardaway and Peyton and Ashley Manning joined the Grizzlies minority ownership group.
The NBA suspended star guard Ja Morant, putting Pera’s organization under public scrutiny.
Independent reports placed the franchise near $3.5 billion, still the lowest figure in the league.
Memphis traded Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers as the franchise reset its roster under Pera.
Table of Contents
Who Is Robert Pera, Owner of the Memphis Grizzlies
Robert Pera is an American entrepreneur who founded Ubiquiti Networks, a wireless technology company, in 2003.
He built his fortune in the networking equipment industry before turning his attention to professional basketball.
Pera grew up as a basketball fan and has often spoken about wanting to build a winning organization in Memphis.
Forbes has listed Pera among the wealthiest team owners in the NBA, with his net worth tied closely to Ubiquiti’s stock performance.
Outside of basketball, Pera is known for keeping a relatively low public profile compared to many of his fellow NBA owners.
Pera also holds interests in other private business ventures beyond networking technology and professional sports.
How Robert Pera Bought the Grizzlies in 2012
Pera led an investment group that purchased the Memphis Grizzlies from Michael Heisley in October 2012.
The reported sale price of $377 million was seen as a franchise record for Memphis at the time.
The NBA’s Board of Governors approved the sale after reviewing the ownership group’s finances.
Pera was only 34 years old when the deal closed, making him the youngest controlling owner in the league at that time.
The purchase gave Pera full control of basketball and business operations for the franchise.
The deal closed after a lengthy sale process that reportedly included several other interested buyers.
Memphis Grizzlies Minority Owners Explained
Pera does not own the Grizzlies alone, and the franchise includes a group of minority investors.
Former Grizzlies player and current coach Penny Hardaway joined the ownership group in 2021.
NFL legend Peyton Manning and his wife Ashley Manning also became minority investors that same year.
These additions gave the Grizzlies a higher public profile and stronger ties to the Memphis community.
In 2018, Pera bought out two earlier minority partners in a deal that valued the team near $1.3 billion, according to ESPN.
That 2018 transaction allowed Pera to consolidate more control while raising the franchise’s overall valuation.
Readers interested in how WNBA franchises structure ownership can compare the model used by the Chicago Sky.
Local Memphis business leaders have also held smaller ownership stakes in the franchise over the years.
Is Robert Pera A Good Owner
Fans and analysts have debated Pera’s ownership record since he took over the Grizzlies in 2012.
Supporters point to the team’s 2013 trip to the Western Conference Finals as an early highlight under his leadership.
Critics have pointed to periods of front office turnover and inconsistent roster building over the years.
The 2023 suspension of star guard Ja Morant brought additional scrutiny to the organization’s culture and oversight.
Even so, the franchise’s valuation has grown from roughly $377 million to more than $3.5 billion since Pera took over.
Many observers view Pera as a patient owner who is willing to let the front office rebuild through a difficult stretch.
Season ticket holders and local media have generally credited Pera for keeping the franchise rooted in Memphis rather than pursuing relocation.
Are the Grizzlies For Sale In 2026
As of 2026, there is no public indication that Robert Pera plans to sell the Memphis Grizzlies.
Pera has held majority control of the team since 2012 and has repeatedly reinvested in the franchise rather than exit it.
The 2026 trade of Ja Morant suggests Pera is backing a longer rebuild rather than preparing the roster for a quick sale.
NBA franchise sales typically require approval from three quarters of the league’s Board of Governors.
Unless Pera changes course, the Grizzlies are expected to remain under his control for the foreseeable future.
What Is the Memphis Grizzlies Franchise Worth in 2026
Independent valuations from Forbes placed the Memphis Grizzlies at roughly $3.5 billion to $3.75 billion in 2025.
That figure still ranked the Grizzlies among the least valuable franchises in the NBA.
Smaller media markets and a modest local television deal contribute to the team’s relatively lower valuation compared to larger markets.
Even with a lower ranking, the franchise’s value has grown nearly tenfold since Pera purchased the team in 2012.
Analysts expect the valuation to keep climbing as the NBA’s national television deals expand league wide revenue.
The gap between the Grizzlies and the league’s most valuable franchises still remains significant despite this recent growth.
The Ja Morant Trade and What It Means for Ownership
In 2026, the Grizzlies traded star guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers, as reported by ESPN.
Memphis received forward Jerami Grant and forward Kris Murray in return as part of the deal.
The trade signaled that Pera’s front office was prioritizing a long term roster reset over short term results.
Moving on from Morant also reduced some of the off court controversy that had followed the team since 2023.
The decision reflects the kind of front office autonomy that has defined much of Pera’s ownership tenure.
How the Grizzlies Compare to Other NBA Franchises
The Memphis Grizzlies remain one of the smaller market teams in the NBA alongside franchises like the Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Smaller market ownership groups often rely more heavily on shared national revenue than on local media contracts.
Compared to teams like the Los Angeles Lakers or Golden State Warriors, the Grizzlies generate far less local media revenue.
Even so, national television and streaming deals help narrow the financial gap between large and small market NBA teams.
Revenue sharing programs also help ensure that all thirty NBA teams can remain competitive regardless of market size.
Readers who want a broader picture of how professional sports ownership works can also see our full NFL ownership guide.
Robert Pera’s Business Background Outside the NBA
Before buying the Grizzlies, Pera built Ubiquiti Networks into a major player in wireless networking equipment.
Ubiquiti went public in 2011, and its stock performance has played a large role in Pera’s overall net worth.
Pera has remained involved with Ubiquiti’s leadership even while overseeing the Grizzlies.
His technology background has occasionally influenced how the Grizzlies approach data and analytics in basketball operations.
Pera has also invested in real estate and other private ventures outside of Ubiquiti and the Grizzlies.
Pera’s wealth outside of basketball gives him the financial flexibility to fund long rebuilding cycles like the one underway in 2026.
What’s Next for Robert Pera and the Grizzlies
Heading into the rest of the 2026 season, the Grizzlies are focused on developing the young talent acquired in recent trades.
Pera’s front office appears committed to building around a new core following the departure of Ja Morant.
FedExForum remains the team’s home arena, and the Memphis market continues to support the franchise despite its smaller size.
With a rising national television revenue base, the Grizzlies’ valuation is likely to keep increasing under Pera’s ownership.
League wide media rights deals are expected to boost every NBA team’s revenue over the next several seasons.
Fans in Memphis will be watching closely to see whether the current rebuild leads to sustained playoff contention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Memphis Grizzlies?
Robert Pera owns the Memphis Grizzlies as the team’s controlling owner and chairman.
When did Robert Pera buy the Grizzlies?
Pera purchased the Grizzlies from Michael Heisley in 2012 for a reported $377 million.
How much are the Memphis Grizzlies worth in 2026?
Independent estimates valued the Grizzlies at roughly $3.5 billion to $3.75 billion in 2025.
Who are the Grizzlies’ minority owners?
Minority investors include Penny Hardaway along with Peyton and Ashley Manning.
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