Quick Facts: Texas Rangers (MLB)
| Owner | Ray Davis (Managing Partner) and Bob R. Simpson (co-owner) |
| CEO | Ray Davis (Managing Partner) |
| Founded | 1961 (Washington Senators); Texas since 1972 |
| Headquarters | Arlington, Texas, USA |
| Ownership Type | Private |
| Stock Ticker | N/A |
| Publicly Traded | No |
Who Owns the Texas Rangers?
The Texas Rangers are owned primarily by Ray Davis, who serves as the team’s Managing Partner, alongside co-owner Bob R. Simpson. Davis and Simpson purchased the franchise in August 2010 from a bankruptcy sale for approximately $593 million after the previous ownership group — led by Tom Hicks — filed for bankruptcy protection. The purchase brought in two Texas energy industry titans who shared a passion for the sport and a commitment to making the Rangers a perennial contender. Ray Davis, who built his fortune in the oil and gas industry, holds the larger and controlling stake in the franchise.
Bob R. Simpson, co-founder of XTO Energy (which was acquired by ExxonMobil in 2010 for $41 billion in a landmark deal), was the co-owner who brought substantial financial resources to the partnership. Davis and Simpson invested heavily in the franchise from the beginning, building a new state-of-the-art ballpark — Globe Life Field — that opened in 2020. The franchise reached the World Series in 2010 and 2011 under manager Ron Washington but fell short of a championship both times. The Rangers finally broke through in 2023 under manager Bruce Bochy, winning the franchise’s first World Series title, a moment that drew outpouring emotion from Davis and the entire Texas fanbase.
The 2023 World Series championship came in dramatic fashion, with the Rangers winning four consecutive games after falling behind in the series. It was a culmination of years of patient rebuilding and strategic investments that brought stars like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Max Scherzer to Arlington. Ray Davis was visibly emotional at the trophy presentation, having invested more than a decade in building the franchise toward this goal. The Rangers play their home games at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
About Ray Davis
Ray Davis built his fortune in the natural gas and energy sector, developing gas transportation and marketing businesses in Texas over several decades. He has been described as a passionate baseball fan who pursued the Rangers ownership opportunity with genuine personal investment in the team’s success. Davis grew up in Texas and has deep roots in the state’s business community. His stewardship of the Rangers has been characterized by willingness to spend on player talent and facilities, as evidenced by the Globe Life Field project and the marquee free agent signings that led to the 2023 championship.
Key Ownership Highlights
- Ray Davis and Bob Simpson purchased the Rangers in 2010: The two Texas energy entrepreneurs bought the franchise out of bankruptcy for approximately $593 million in August 2010, ending a chaotic ownership period under Tom Hicks and restoring stability to the franchise.
- The Rangers won their first World Series in 2023: Under the Davis-Simpson ownership, the Texas Rangers finally captured the franchise’s first World Series championship in 2023, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks four games to one. The title came under Hall of Fame manager Bruce Bochy.
- Globe Life Field opened in 2020: Davis and Simpson oversaw the construction of Globe Life Field, a retractable-roof ballpark in Arlington, Texas. The $1.2 billion stadium opened in 2020 and hosted the entire 2020 shortened season due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Bob Simpson co-founded XTO Energy: Co-owner Bob R. Simpson co-founded XTO Energy, a natural gas company that ExxonMobil acquired in 2010 for $41 billion — one of the largest energy acquisitions in history. This transaction made Simpson one of the wealthiest individuals in Texas.
- The franchise originated in Washington, D.C.: The Texas Rangers were originally the second Washington Senators expansion franchise, established in 1961. The team relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 1972 and was renamed the Texas Rangers, playing in the American League West division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Texas Rangers?
The Texas Rangers are owned by Ray Davis (Managing Partner) and Bob R. Simpson (co-owner). Davis and Simpson purchased the franchise in 2010 from bankruptcy for approximately $593 million. Davis is the controlling majority partner.
Are the Texas Rangers publicly traded?
No. The Texas Rangers are a privately held franchise and are not listed on any stock exchange.
When did the Rangers win the World Series?
The Texas Rangers won their first ever World Series championship in 2023, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks four games to one. This was the franchise’s first title in its history and came under manager Bruce Bochy.
How long have Ray Davis and Bob Simpson owned the Rangers?
Ray Davis and Bob Simpson have owned the Texas Rangers since August 2010, when they purchased the franchise out of bankruptcy. They have been the principal owners for over 15 years, overseeing the construction of Globe Life Field and the 2023 World Series championship.
