The Milwaukee Brewers are a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They compete in the National League’s Central Division. Their home ballpark is American Family Field (formerly Miller Park).
Since 2005, the team has been led by Mark L. Attanasio, who serves as chairman and principal owner. Under Attanasio’s ownership, the Brewers have had significant on-field success, with competitive records and multiple postseason appearances.
Ownership Status of the Milwaukee Brewers
Principal Owner & Majority Stake Holder- Mark Attanasio
Mark Attanasio is the principal owner and chairman of the Brewers. He purchased the franchise in 2004 (closing in early 2005) from Wendy Selig-Prieb, then the controlling owner.
When he acquired the team, his stake was estimated to be about 45 % of the franchise.
Though Attanasio is the public face and holds the largest stake, the Brewers operate with a group ownership structure that includes multiple minority shareholders.
Mark Attanasio is an American businessman and the principal owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. He is also a co-founder and managing partner at the investment firm Crescent Capital Group, known for his sharp financial acumen and leadership in both business and sports.
Mark Attanasio Net Worth:
As of 2025, Mark Attanasio’s estimated net worth is around $700 million to $750 million, primarily earned through his investments and ownership of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Minority Owners & Stakeholders
- John A. Canning Jr. is a known minority owner.
- Reports indicate that the 2005 ownership purchase included several holdovers from the previous ownership, such as John Canning Jr., Stephen Marcus, Harris Turer, and David Uihlein Jr.
- In 2021, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the Brewers’ ownership group by purchasing an undisclosed stake.
- In late 2023, it was reported that Ralph and Shelly Stayer, owners of Johnsonville LLC, joined as minority owners.
Thus, while Attanasio is the major owner, ownership is shared among a group of investors and stakeholders.
Recent Developments & Valuation
According to Forbes, the Brewers’ valuation in March 2025 was around US $1.7 billion, and Attanasio remains listed as the owner.
Attanasio has been involved in securing legislative and financial support to ensure the team remains in Milwaukee through at least 2050, via stadium and lease negotiations.
Key Shareholder Highlights
| Shareholder / Entity | Approx. Role / Stake | Notes / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Mark L. Attanasio | Principal owner / largest stake (~45 %) | Public face, decision-maker, controls major direction. |
| John A. Canning Jr. | Minority owner | Part of the ownership group; included in 2005 deal. |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Minority owner | Bought a stake in 2021. |
| Ralph & Shelly Stayer | Minority owners | Joined in 2023. |
The remaining shares are held by other institutional investors, previous owners, and private equity or local stakeholders whose holdings are not all publicly disclosed.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- In 2021, the addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo as an owner brought more public attention to the Brewers’ ownership structure.
- In 2023, Ralph and Shelly Stayer joined the ownership group, expanding the pool of minority investors.
- Over the years, media and fan commentary have occasionally questioned the level of Attanasio’s financial commitment to the team (e.g., criticism of limited offseason spending).
- Legal and legislative efforts have aimed at stadium funding and lease renewals to lock in the team’s presence in Milwaukee through at least 2050.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Milwaukee Brewers?
The principal owner is Mark L. Attanasio, who holds the largest equity stake and is chairman of the franchise.
2. Is the Brewers’ ownership fully private or publicly traded?
The Brewers are privately held, not publicly traded. Ownership is via a private ownership group.
3. Who sells and when did Attanasio acquire the team?
Attanasio bought the franchise from Wendy Selig-Prieb (daughter of former owner and MLB Commissioner Bud Selig) in 2004, with the deal completing in early 2005.
4. Are there other notable owners besides Attanasio?
Yes. John A. Canning Jr. is a known minority owner. NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo also owns a stake. Ralph and Shelly Stayer were announced as minority owners in 2023.
5. Has ownership changed recently?
Yes, minority stakes have been added over time (e.g., Giannis in 2021, Stayers in 2023). But the controlling ownership has remained with Attanasio’s group since 2005.