Who Owns The Dallas Cowboys? The Story Behind America's Team Ownership

For decades, one particular individual has been the very public face of the team, shaping its direction and guiding its path through wins, losses, and a whole lot of attention. His influence on the sport, and especially on the business side of things, is quite significant, you know. He's not just an owner; he's also the president and general manager, which is a rather unique combination of roles in professional sports.

Understanding who owns the Dallas Cowboys helps us see how a single vision can really drive a massive organization, even when the team's on-field performance might not always meet everyone's expectations. This person's story is tied directly to the team's fortunes and its place as one of the world’s most valuable sports teams, which is quite something, if you think about it.

Table of Contents

• Meet the Man Behind the Star: Jerry Jones's Journey
• A Look at Jerry Jones's Background
• Personal Details & Biography
• The Dallas Cowboys Ownership: A Family Affair
• How It All Began: The 1989 Purchase
• Current Ownership Structure (As of 2024/2025)
• The Cowboys' Incredible Value Under Jones
• A Most Valuable Franchise
• The Business Mogul Before the Cowboys
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboys Ownership
• Who is the current owner of the Dallas Cowboys?
• When did Jerry Jones buy the Dallas Cowboys?
• Is the Dallas Cowboys team still privately owned?

Meet the Man Behind the Star: Jerry Jones's Journey

A Look at Jerry Jones's Background

The individual at the heart of the Dallas Cowboys ownership story is Jerral Wayne Jones Sr., born on October 13, 1942. He is, to be honest, an American billionaire businessman, a truly accomplished person in the business world. His connection to the Cowboys goes beyond just owning them; he holds the titles of owner, president, and general manager of the team, which is a pretty comprehensive set of responsibilities.

This means he's involved in nearly every aspect of the team's operations, from big picture decisions to the day-to-day running of things, so it's a very hands-on approach. His most valuable holding, as you might guess, is indeed the Dallas Cowboys. This particular asset really stands out among his many business interests, showing just how important the team is to his overall portfolio, and stuff.

He's been a prominent figure in the National Football League for a very long time, and his presence is quite unmistakable. People often associate the Dallas Cowboys directly with him, which, you know, makes sense given his deep involvement. He's an American business executive who has really left his mark on the NFL, and that's a pretty big deal.

Personal Details & Biography

Here's a quick look at some key details about Jerry Jones, the man who has shaped the Dallas Cowboys for decades.

The Dallas Cowboys Ownership: A Family Affair

How It All Began: The 1989 Purchase

The story of Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys really kicked off in 1989. That's when he made the bold move to buy the team, and it was a purchase that certainly turned heads. He acquired the franchise for a sum of $140 million, which, at the time, was a pretty substantial amount of money for a sports team, you know, but it was just the beginning of a remarkable story.

Since that acquisition, Jerry Jones has, in a way, become the very face of the NFL ownership group. His presence and his style of leadership are quite distinct, and he's often seen as a trailblazer among team owners. He really changed the way many people thought about sports ownership, bringing a strong business background directly into the football world, and that's quite a feat.

His decision to buy the team marked a significant turning point for the Dallas Cowboys, setting them on a new path under his complete control. This move wasn't just about owning a team; it was about taking on a massive project and shaping it according to his vision, and that, too, is something to consider.

Current Ownership Structure (As of 2024/2025)

Fast forward to today, and the ownership picture for the Dallas Cowboys remains quite consistent with its past. As of August 2024, Jerry Jones is the sole owner of the Dallas Cowboys, which is pretty clear. This means he holds all the cards when it comes to the team's direction and its future, and that's a lot of responsibility, obviously.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Dallas Cowboys are projected to remain 100% privately owned by Jerry Jones and his family. This isn't a team with public shareholders or a complex corporate structure; it's a family business, in a way. This private ownership model allows for a lot of stability and a consistent approach to managing the team, you know.

While Jerry still leads the team with his signature hands-on approach, his children are playing increasingly important roles in managing the organization. They are taking on major responsibilities, ensuring that the family's influence and vision for the Cowboys continue for years to come. It's a true family legacy in the making, and that's pretty cool, if you ask me.

The Cowboys' Incredible Value Under Jones

A Most Valuable Franchise

One of the most striking aspects of Jerry Jones's ownership is the sheer financial success of the Dallas Cowboys. The latest NFL valuations have arrived, and to the shock of literally no one, the Dallas Cowboys are still the king of the hill when it comes to team value. They consistently rank as the most valuable NFL franchise, which is a testament to their brand power and their business operations.

What's truly remarkable about this is that the team's incredible value persists despite a lack of consistent on-field success in recent years. You might think that winning championships is the only way to build value, but for the Cowboys, their brand, their fan base, and their business operations have kept their worth incredibly high. Jerry Jones has to be smiling with this news, you know, as it really shows the strength of his vision.

This continued financial dominance speaks volumes about Jerry Jones's business acumen. He's not just a football owner; he's a savvy businessman who has managed to build and maintain one of the world’s most valuable sports teams. It's quite a feat to keep a franchise at such a high level of worth, especially when the wins haven't always been there, and that's something to acknowledge.

The Business Mogul Before the Cowboys

It's important to remember that Jerry Jones didn't just stumble into the world of sports ownership. Before purchasing the Cowboys in 1989, he had already built a very successful career in other business ventures. He was an American businessman who had already made a name for himself, which is pretty significant.

His background in business gave him a unique perspective when he took over the Cowboys. He brought a sharp financial mind and a clear strategic approach to the team, treating it as a major enterprise rather than just a sports club. This prior experience was, in a way, a foundation for the massive success he would achieve with the Cowboys, and that's pretty much how it happened.

This really highlights that his success with the Cowboys wasn't just luck; it was built on years of experience and a deep understanding of how to grow and manage valuable assets. He had a track record of building successful ventures before he ever stepped onto the football field as an owner, and that, you know, is a pretty important detail.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboys Ownership

Who is the current owner of the Dallas Cowboys?

The current owner of the Dallas Cowboys is Jerry Jones. He is not just the owner, but also serves as the team's president and general manager. This means he has a very hands-on role in nearly all aspects of the franchise's operations, from player decisions to business strategies. As of August 2024, he remains the sole owner of the team, which is quite clear.

When did Jerry Jones buy the Dallas Cowboys?

Jerry Jones famously bought the Dallas Cowboys in 1989. He acquired the team for $140 million. This purchase marked the beginning of his long and influential tenure as the team's leader, and it really changed the direction of the franchise. It was a pivotal moment for both him and the Cowboys, and that's a pretty important date.

Is the Dallas Cowboys team still privately owned?

Yes, the Dallas Cowboys team is still privately owned. As of 2025, the team remains 100% privately owned by Jerry Jones and his family. This structure means that decision-making power rests within the Jones family, with Jerry still at the helm, and his children playing major roles in managing the team's affairs, which is pretty much how it works.

To learn more about the fascinating world of sports ownership and how it shapes professional teams, you might find more information on NFL.com News. You can also learn more about on our site, and link to this page for more insights.