The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The franchise is based in Denver, Colorado, United States, and plays its home games at Ball Arena. The Nuggets are one of the most dynamic and competitive teams in the Western Conference and achieved their biggest milestone in 2023 when they won their first NBA Championship in franchise history.
The team’s ownership lies under Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), with Ann Walton Kroenke officially listed as the current owner and governor. KSE is one of the largest private sports and entertainment companies in the world and also owns several other sports franchises and venues.
Ownership Status of Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are not owned by a single private individual but are part of the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) empire, a private corporation established by American billionaire E. Stanley “Stan” Kroenke. KSE owns multiple professional sports teams and entertainment properties, including the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Rapids (MLS), and the Los Angeles Rams (NFL).
Stan Kroenke originally purchased full ownership of the Denver Nuggets on July 6, 2000, in a deal that included the Colorado Avalanche and the Ball Arena. The total purchase price was about US$450 million, and the deal included a clause ensuring the team would remain in Denver for at least 25 years.
However, because Stan Kroenke later acquired the Los Angeles Rams, the NFL’s cross-ownership rules prohibited him from holding controlling interests in teams of other leagues within NFL markets. To comply with those regulations, he officially transferred his ownership stake in the Nuggets and Avalanche. On October 7, 2015, the NFL approved the transfer of ownership to his wife, Ann Walton Kroenke, who became the official owner and governor of the Denver Nuggets.
Even though Ann Walton Kroenke is the formal owner, the Kroenke family remains closely involved in operations. Their son, Josh Kroenke, serves as the President and CEO of the Nuggets, overseeing basketball management, business operations, and long-term strategy under the KSE structure.
Key Shareholder Highlights
The Denver Nuggets are privately held, and detailed shareholder information is not publicly available. However, the main figures associated with ownership and management are listed below:
| Stakeholder / Individual | Ownership / Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Walton Kroenke | Official Owner & Governor | Took formal ownership of the Nuggets in 2015 after transfer approval from the NFL. She is also an heiress to the Walmart fortune. |
| E. Stanley “Stan” Kroenke | Founder of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment | Purchased the Nuggets in 2000 and remains the principal influence behind KSE’s operations. |
| Josh Kroenke | President & CEO | Oversees the Nuggets’ basketball operations, player management, and organizational leadership under KSE. |
Since KSE is a private company, the Nuggets are not publicly traded, and ownership remains entirely within the Kroenke family.
Recent Developments in Ownership
There have been no major ownership changes in recent years. The Denver Nuggets continue to operate under Ann Walton Kroenke’s ownership through Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
In April 2025, the team made organizational changes when Josh Kroenke announced that head coach Michael Malone had been dismissed and the contract of General Manager Calvin Booth would not be extended. This move marked a new phase of leadership within the franchise.
KSE’s sports empire continues to expand in both value and scope. As of 2025, reports estimate that Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s overall portfolio is worth approximately US$21.2 billion, reflecting its dominance in multiple sports leagues.
The original agreement from 2000 that bound the team to Denver for at least 25 years has expired, but there are no indications that the franchise will relocate. The Nuggets remain deeply committed to their home city, with strong support from local fans and corporate sponsors.
In 2025, the organization also faced a public lawsuit filed by the former performer of team mascot “Rocky,” alleging workplace discrimination. While this brought temporary media attention, it did not affect the ownership or operations of the franchise.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Denver Nuggets?
The current owner of the Denver Nuggets is Ann Walton Kroenke, who officially took over ownership in 2015 after her husband, Stan Kroenke, transferred his stake to comply with NFL rules.
2. Is the Denver Nuggets team publicly traded or privately owned?
The Nuggets are privately owned through Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) and are not listed on any stock exchange.
3. Who originally bought the Denver Nuggets?
The team was originally purchased by Stan Kroenke on July 6, 2000, for approximately US$450 million, a deal that also included the Colorado Avalanche and Ball Arena.
4. Why does Ann Walton Kroenke own the team instead of Stan Kroenke?
Because Stan Kroenke also owns the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL, cross-ownership rules required him to transfer his NBA and NHL teams. Therefore, the Nuggets and Avalanche were transferred to his wife, Ann Walton Kroenke, in 2015.
5. Has there been any recent change in ownership?
No. There have been no recent changes in ownership. The Denver Nuggets remain under the control of the Kroenke family, with Ann Walton Kroenke as the official owner and Josh Kroenke handling the daily operations.
6. What is Stan Kroenke’s net worth?
As of 2025, Stan Kroenke’s net worth is estimated to be around $16 billion, according to Forbes. His wealth primarily comes from his extensive real estate portfolio, sports franchises, and investments through Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE). He is one of the richest sports owners in the world.
7. What is Ann Walton Kroenke’s net worth?
Ann Walton Kroenke, wife of Stan Kroenke and heiress to the Walmart fortune, has an estimated net worth of approximately $10–12 billion. Her wealth comes from her family’s Walmart inheritance and her joint ownership of several sports franchises under the KSE umbrella.
8. Who is Josh Kroenke?
Josh Kroenke is the President and Governor of the Denver Nuggets. He is the son of Stan and Ann Walton Kroenke and plays a leading role in managing KSE’s basketball and hockey operations, including the Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche.
9. Who is Stan Kroenke’s wife?
Stan Kroenke is married to Ann Walton Kroenke, a member of the Walton family that founded Walmart. The two have been married since 1974 and together oversee multiple sports franchises through Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
10. What does Stan Kroenke own?
Stan Kroenke owns several major sports teams through Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, including the Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Arsenal FC (Premier League), Colorado Rapids (MLS), and previously held direct ownership of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche before transferring them to Ann Walton Kroenke. He also owns extensive commercial real estate and ranching properties across the U.S.
11. What is the Kroenke family’s total net worth?
Combined, the Kroenke family is worth an estimated $25–28 billion as of 2025. Their wealth spans multiple sectors, including real estate, retail (Walmart inheritance), and global sports ownership.
12. What is Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE)?
KSE is a private holding company founded by Stan Kroenke that owns and manages several professional sports teams, media networks, and event venues. It includes ownership of the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Rams, and Arsenal Football Club, among others.
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