The New England Patriots are owned by Robert Kraft and the Kraft family.
Kraft bought the franchise in 1994 for $172 million.
Today the team is worth roughly $9 billion according to a 2025 minority stake sale.
Jonathan Kraft, Robert’s son, serves as team president and is widely expected to eventually take over full control.
This article breaks down the full ownership structure, the recent stake sale, and what could happen to the franchise next.
| Category | Details |
| Team | New England Patriots |
| Majority Owner | Robert Kraft |
| Team President | Jonathan Kraft |
| Ownership Group | The Kraft Group |
| Year Acquired | 1994 |
| Purchase Price | $172 million |
| 2025 Team Valuation | Approximately $9 billion |
| Minority Stake Sold | 8 percent, to Sixth Street Partners and Dean Metropoulos |
| Head Coach | Mike Vrabel |
| League | National Football League (NFL) |
Table of Contents
New England Patriots Ownership Structure
The Patriots are controlled entirely through the Kraft Group, a privately held family business.
Robert Kraft sits at the top as chairman and CEO of the franchise.
Below him, the day to day football and business operations flow through a small circle of trusted executives.
President, New England Patriots
General Manager
Head Coach
Minority Investors (8 percent combined stake)
Patriots Ownership History Timeline
Robert Kraft’s path to owning the Patriots actually began years before he bought the team itself.
Kraft purchases the lease to Foxboro Stadium, gaining leverage over the team’s future.
Kraft buys the Patriots franchise outright for $172 million, then an NFL record price.
Gillette Stadium opens, privately financed by the Kraft family.
The Kraft ownership era produces six Super Bowl championships with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
Bill Belichick departs after 24 seasons, and the team promotes Jerod Mayo as head coach.
Kraft sells an 8 percent minority stake to Sixth Street Partners and Dean Metropoulos at a $9 billion valuation.
Mike Vrabel leads the team as head coach while Robert Kraft retains full control of football decisions.
Is Robert Kraft A Good Owner
By almost every measure, Robert Kraft ranks among the most successful owners in NFL history.
Under his leadership the Patriots won six Super Bowl titles between 2002 and 2019.
He privately financed Gillette Stadium rather than relying on public funds, which is rare among NFL owners.
Financially, the franchise grew from a $172 million purchase to a valuation near $9 billion.
Critics point to a rockier stretch since Tom Brady and Bill Belichick left, with the team posting losing records in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
The Jerod Mayo experiment lasted only one season before Kraft made the call to hire Mike Vrabel.
That quick correction is often cited as evidence Kraft still runs a disciplined, accountable organization.
Are the Patriots For Sale In 2026
The Patriots are not for sale as a full franchise in 2026.
Robert Kraft sold a limited 8 percent minority stake in 2025, not control of the team.
NFL owners formally approved that sale at the league meeting in October 2025, according to CBS News Boston.
Reports indicate Kraft plans to keep the proceeds within the organization rather than cash out further.
Jonathan Kraft remains the presumed successor whenever Robert Kraft eventually steps back.
Why Did Kraft Sell a Minority Stake
NFL owners voted in 2024 to allow private equity investment in franchises for the first time.
That rule change opened the door for teams like the Patriots to bring in outside capital while owners keep control.
Selling 8 percent at a $9 billion valuation generated roughly $720 million for the Kraft family.
That capital gives the family flexibility for future business ventures without touching majority ownership.
Patriots Franchise Value Compared To Other NFL Teams
At roughly $9 billion, the Patriots rank among the most valuable franchises in the entire NFL.
Only a small handful of teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, sit above that figure.
The team’s value has climbed steadily thanks to national television deals, sellout crowds, and Gillette Stadium revenue.
The Patriots have sold out every home game since Kraft purchased the team in 1994.
For context on how franchise ownership works across the wider league, see our guide to who owns the NFL.
Who Runs Football Operations For The Patriots
Eliot Wolf holds the general manager title and oversees the roster and draft decisions.
Mike Vrabel took over as head coach for the 2025 season after previously coaching the Tennessee Titans.
Vrabel spent eight seasons as a Patriots linebacker and won three Super Bowl rings as a player.
His hiring reflects Kraft’s pattern of bringing former Patriots players back into leadership roles.
How Kraft’s Ownership Compares To Other Sports Leagues
Single family control like the Kraft Group’s is common across major American sports leagues.
It differs sharply from international soccer, where governing bodies and member associations often share power.
Readers curious about that contrast can compare it with our breakdown of who owns FIFA.
The NFL’s model keeps decision making concentrated, which fans often credit for the Patriots’ long era of stability.
What Happens To The Patriots After Robert Kraft
Robert Kraft is 85 years old as of 2026, which keeps succession planning firmly in focus.
Jonathan Kraft has served as team president for decades and is widely viewed as the heir apparent.
NFL rules require a controlling owner to hold at least 30 percent of a franchise, which the Kraft family comfortably satisfies.
The recent minority stake sale does not change that succession outlook in any meaningful way.
Sources You Can Verify
Ownership and financial details in this article are drawn from Forbes, Sportico, and CBS News reporting on the 2025 stake sale.
Forbes tracks Robert Kraft’s real time net worth and the franchise’s annual valuation figures.
You can review Forbes’ full profile of Robert Kraft for updated wealth figures.
Sportico published detailed terms of the minority stake transaction, available in its coverage of the Patriots sale.
NFL approval of the deal was reported by multiple outlets following the October 2025 league meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current owner of the New England Patriots?
Robert Kraft is the current owner of the New England Patriots.
How much did Robert Kraft pay for the Patriots?
Robert Kraft paid $172 million for the Patriots in 1994.
What is the New England Patriots worth in 2026?
The Patriots are valued at approximately $9 billion following the 2025 minority stake sale.
Will Jonathan Kraft eventually own the Patriots?
Jonathan Kraft is widely expected to inherit control of the team as the current team president and Robert Kraft’s son.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.