The Houston Astros are a professional Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise based in Houston, Texas, USA. The team competes in the American League (AL) West Division and plays its home games at Daikin Park (formerly Minute Maid Park). The Astros are widely recognized for their competitive performance in recent years, winning World Series championships in 2017 and 2022 and making numerous postseason appearances.
Founded in 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s, the franchise adopted the name “Astros” in 1965, referencing Houston’s role in the US space program.
Ownership Status of the Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are privately owned, with ownership concentrated among a group of investors led by a principal owner rather than being a publicly traded company. The primary and controlling owner of the franchise since 2011 is Jim Crane, an American billionaire businessman based in Houston.
Current Owner
| Owner / Entity | Ownership Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Crane | Principal Owner & Chairman | Led purchase group; largest investor in Astros. |
Crane is recognized as the principal owner and chairman of the Houston Astros. His investment group completed the purchase of the team in late 2011, and MLB owners unanimously approved the sale.
About the Owner — Jim Crane
James Robert “Jim” Crane is the driving force behind the modern ownership era of the Houston Astros. He is a billionaire businessman with deep roots in logistics and investment industries, and his leadership has shaped the Astros into a perennial contender in Major League Baseball.
Jim Crane Background & Career
- Business Career: Crane built his wealth in freight and logistics. He founded companies like Eagle Global Logistics and Crane Worldwide Logistics, among others. His business success laid the foundation for his ability to purchase a major sports franchise.
- Acquisition of the Astros: In 2011, Crane led a group of investors to acquire the Astros from longtime owner Drayton McLane Jr. The reported purchase price ranged around $615–$680 million.
- Role with the Team: Crane serves as Owner and Chairman, overseeing franchise operations and major strategic decisions.
- Legacy: Under his stewardship, the Astros went from perennial underperformer to one of baseball’s most successful and analytically-driven franchises, capturing multiple pennants and two World Series titles.
Jim Crane Net Worth
As of 2025–2026, Jim Crane has an estimated net worth of around $2.5 billion, according to multiple business and sports wealth trackers. His fortune is largely self-made and comes primarily from the logistics and transportation industry, where he founded and grew Crane Worldwide Logistics, a global supply-chain company with operations across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
In addition to his logistics empire, Crane’s net worth is significantly boosted by his ownership of the Houston Astros, whose franchise value has increased sharply over the past decade due to sustained on-field success, World Series championships, and rising MLB valuations. His diverse business investments, combined with the Astros’ growth as one of baseball’s most valuable teams, continue to strengthen his overall financial standing.
Notable Developments Under Crane’s Ownership
Since Crane’s acquisition:
- The Astros adopted advanced analytical strategies that helped transform the team into consistent contenders, culminating in multiple division titles and World Series championships.
- The franchise drew both praise for its on-field success and scrutiny due to the 2017 sign-stealing scandal, which led to penalties from MLB.
- Crane and the Astros organization have remained active in community and sporting initiatives in the Houston region.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Houston Astros?
The current owner is Jim Crane, who has been the team’s principal owner and chairman since 2011.
2. Is the Houston Astros a publicly traded team?
No. The Astros are privately owned, with majority investment controlled by Jim Crane’s group of investors.
3. When did Jim Crane buy the Astros?
Crane’s ownership was completed and approved by MLB in November 2011.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
No major changes in overall ownership have been reported since Crane’s acquisition; however, specific minority stakes within the investment group may shift over time.