The York family, led by Denise DeBartolo York, has secured a prestigious spot among America's financial elite. The family has landed at position 163 on the highly anticipated Forbes 400 list for 2025, with their collective net worth estimated by the publication at a staggering $8.4 billion.
A Decade of Staggering Wealth Growth
This inclusion is not a sudden occurrence but the result of a remarkable and consistent upward trajectory. An analysis of Forbes' historical data reveals the family's wealth has multiplied over the past decade. Their fortune was valued at $1.9 billion in 2016, which grew to $3.2 billion by 2020, before reaching the current $8.4 billion estimate for 2025. This impressive climb easily surpasses the 2025 entry barrier of $3.8 billion required to make the Forbes 400, a list that collectively holds $6.6 trillion in wealth. Notably, their ranking places them ahead of other iconic billionaires like Mark Cuban and Steven Spielberg on the same list.
The Sports Empire Behind the Billions
The foundation of the York family's wealth is no mystery; it is firmly rooted in the world of professional sports. The primary engine is their ownership of the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). The family's association with the team began when Edward DeBartolo Sr. purchased the franchise for $13 million back in 1977. Control eventually passed to Denise DeBartolo York in 2000, and today, her eldest son, Jed York, serves as the team's CEO. Forbes currently ranks the 49ers as the sixth-most valuable franchise in the NFL, a valuation bolstered by the team's performance, including a Super Bowl runner-up finish in 2023.
Global Expansion with Leeds United
Beyond American football, the family has strategically expanded its sports portfolio into global soccer. Through the 49ers' ownership arm, they initially acquired a 44% stake in the historic English football club, Leeds United. In 2023, they moved to secure full control by agreeing to purchase the remaining 56% stake. Reports indicate the family paid over $200 million for this acquisition, marking a significant investment in European football. This move diversifies their assets and ties their net worth directly to the performance and valuation of their premier sports properties.
In essence, the York family's financial ascent is directly correlated with the success and growing value of their sports empire. While the investment in Leeds United represents a strategic expansion, the cornerstone of their $8.4 billion fortune remains the iconic San Francisco 49ers. Their story is a clear example of how strategic, long-term ownership in premium sports franchises can create immense, generational wealth.
