The Cleveland Guardians are a privately owned professional baseball team competing in Major League Baseball (MLB). The franchise is based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, and plays its home games at Progressive Field.
Originally founded in 1901, the team is one of MLB’s oldest franchises. The Guardians are best known for their strong pitching legacy, loyal fan base, and multiple American League pennants. The team competes in the American League Central Division.
As of 2025, the Cleveland Guardians are led by Paul Dolan, who serves as Chairman and CEO of the organization.
Ownership Status of the Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians are not publicly traded. The team is privately owned, and there is no stock exchange listing or ticker symbol associated with the franchise.
Ownership Details
| Owner / Entity | Ownership Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Larry Dolan | Principal Owner | Purchased the team in 2000 |
| Dolan Family | Ownership Group | Family-controlled private ownership |
| Paul Dolan | Chairman & CEO | Son of Larry Dolan; oversees daily operations |
The franchise is owned by the Dolan family, with Lawrence J. (Larry) Dolan serving as the principal owner.
Larry Dolan, a Cleveland-based attorney and businessman, purchased the franchise in February 2000 for approximately $320 million. Since then, the team has remained under family ownership, with Larry Dolan maintaining the controlling stake.
Paul Dolan, Larry Dolan’s son, has played a major leadership role for many years and is responsible for the organization’s business strategy, operations, and long-term planning.
About Cleveland Guardians Owner – Larry Dolan
Larry Dolan is an American attorney and businessman best known as the principal owner of the Cleveland Guardians. A longtime resident of Cleveland, he built his professional career in law before entering professional sports ownership.
Larry Dolan purchased the MLB franchise in 2000, ensuring that the team remained locally owned. Under his ownership, the Guardians have focused on organizational stability, player development, and long-term competitiveness. While Larry Dolan maintains overall control, he has gradually shifted daily leadership responsibilities to his son, Paul Dolan, while continuing to play a key role in major ownership decisions.
Larry Dolan Net Worth
Larry Dolan’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $1 billion to $1.2 billion, based primarily on the current valuation of the Cleveland Guardians franchise, real estate holdings, and family business interests. The Guardians’ valuation has increased significantly since Dolan purchased the team for approximately $320 million in 2000, reflecting the overall growth of Major League Baseball franchises. It is important to note that Dolan’s wealth is largely asset-based, tied to long-term investments rather than liquid cash, and exact figures can vary depending on market valuations.
Governance and Team Control
Although Larry Dolan is the principal owner, much of the day-to-day management is handled by Paul Dolan, who represents the team at MLB owners’ meetings and serves as the public-facing executive.
The Dolan family is known for maintaining a stable ownership structure, with no recent indications of selling or restructuring the franchise.
There have been no confirmed ownership changes or stake sales as of 2025.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Cleveland Guardians?
The Cleveland Guardians are owned by Larry Dolan, with the team controlled by the Dolan family.
2. Are the Cleveland Guardians publicly traded?
No. The Cleveland Guardians are a privately owned MLB franchise and are not listed on any stock exchange.
3. When did Larry Dolan buy the team?
Larry Dolan purchased the franchise in 2000.
4. Who runs the team’s daily operations?
Paul Dolan, the son of Larry Dolan, serves as Chairman and CEO and oversees daily operations.
5. Has the ownership changed recently?
No. As of the latest available information, the team remains under Dolan family ownership with no confirmed ownership changes.