The San Francisco Giants are a privately owned professional baseball team competing in Major League Baseball (MLB). The franchise is headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States, and plays its home games at Oracle Park.
Founded in 1883 as the New York Gothams, the team later became known as the New York Giants before relocating to San Francisco in 1958. The Giants are one of MLB’s most historic franchises and have won eight World Series championships.
As of 2025, the team is led operationally by Larry Baer, who serves as President and CEO, while ownership control rests with the Johnson family.
Ownership Status of San Francisco Giants
There is no single sole owner of the San Francisco Giants. The team is privately held by an ownership group, with the Johnson family holding the most influential stake.
Unlike publicly traded companies, MLB teams do not disclose exact ownership percentages in detail. However, league filings and reporting confirm that one individual is recognized as the principal owner, while another serves as the control person for league matters.
Major Shareholders
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Charles B. Johnson | Principal Owner | Largest individual shareholder; former CEO of Franklin Templeton |
| Greg Johnson | Chairman & Control Person | Represents the team in MLB governance |
| Larry Baer | Limited Partner | Team President & CEO |
| Sixth Street | Minority Stakeholder | Acquired a minority stake in 2025 |
| Other Investors | Limited Partners | Includes business leaders and long-term investors |
Note: Remaining ownership is distributed among multiple limited partners and long-standing investors.
Key Shareholder Highlights
The Giants’ ownership structure combines family leadership and institutional investment, a model common among long-established MLB franchises.
- Charles B. Johnson is the principal owner and the largest individual stakeholder. He is a billionaire investor best known for leading Franklin Templeton for decades.
- Greg Johnson, his son, serves as Chairman of the Board and is officially recognized by MLB as the control person, meaning he votes on league matters and ownership decisions.
- Larry Baer oversees daily business operations and has been closely involved in the development of Oracle Park and the surrounding area.
- Sixth Street, a global private equity firm, joined the ownership group through a minority investment, signaling growing institutional interest in MLB franchises.
About Principal Owner Charles B. Johnson
Charles B. Johnson is the principal owner of the San Francisco Giants and the most influential individual in the team’s ownership group. He is a longtime billionaire investor best known for his leadership at Franklin Templeton Investments, where he served as CEO for several decades. Johnson has been associated with the Giants since the early 1990s and gradually became the franchise’s largest individual shareholder. While he maintains a relatively low public profile, his financial backing and long-term vision have played a major role in the team’s stability, including the development of Oracle Park and the Giants’ sustained presence in San Francisco.
Charles B. Johnson Net Worth
As of 2025, Charles B. Johnson’s estimated net worth is around $6–7 billion, primarily derived from his extensive holdings in Franklin Resources (Franklin Templeton) and other long-term investments. His wealth places him among the richest sports team owners in Major League Baseball. Although the San Francisco Giants represent only a portion of his overall fortune, his financial strength gives the franchise long-term security and flexibility. Johnson is known for a conservative, investment-focused approach rather than flashy spending, emphasizing sustainable growth over short-term financial risk.
Recent Developments in Ownership
In 2025, the San Francisco Giants sold a minority stake (reported at around 10%) to Sixth Street.
- The investment was aimed at long-term infrastructure projects, including stadium improvements, real estate development, and training facilities.
- The deal did not change control of the franchise — the Johnson family remains firmly in charge.
- This move aligns with a broader MLB trend where teams bring in private equity partners for growth capital while retaining family leadership.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the San Francisco Giants?
The Giants do not have a single owner. They are owned by a private ownership group led by Charles B. Johnson, with Greg Johnson serving as chairman and control person.
2. Is the San Francisco Giants team publicly traded?
No. The Giants are a privately owned MLB franchise, not listed on any stock exchange.
3. Who founded the San Francisco Giants?
The franchise was founded in 1883 as the New York Gothams.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. In 2025, the Giants sold a minority stake to Sixth Street, though overall control remains with the Johnson family.