Elon Musk could own every major sports team in the USA

In the United States, billionaire Elon Musk witnessed a significant increase in his wealth during the year 2024, largely attributed to soaring valuations of his companies, SpaceX and Tesla Inc. After Donald Trump secured victory in the 2024 presidential election, Musk's net worth surged by an impressive $226 billion, marking one of the most substantial financial gains in recent history. This surge in wealth coincided with rising valuations in the market during a politically charged atmosphere in the country, with investors reacting positively to potential benefits for Musk's ventures under the new administration’s policies. According to Forbes, Musk, whose wealth surged to approximately $455 billion after these gains, has the financial capability to purchase every team across major North American sports leagues, including the MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL. The total value of all teams in these leagues has been estimated at a staggering $433.57 billion. This calculation demonstrates not only Musk's wealth but also emphasizes the valuation increase of franchises driven by the ongoing boom in sports and entertainment sectors. The highest-valued MLB team, the New York Yankees, is valued at $7.55 billion, while the Dallas Cowboys lead the NFL at $10.1 billion. Despite Musk's financial prowess and the hypothetical scenario where he could buy all these teams, it is important to note that ownership rules within these leagues prevent one person from owning multiple teams. Musk has also shown no inclination towards purchasing a sports franchise and has focused his ambitions on his technological ventures. Therefore, although he could theoretically afford such ownership, remarks surrounding his wealth serve more as a point of interest rather than genuine speculation about involvement in professional sports. Additionally, concerns have arisen relating to Musk’s stock sales to fund past acquisitions, notably the $44 billion buyout of Twitter. The impacts of these sales on Tesla’s share prices have previously raised worries among investors. Adding complexity to Musk's wealth management, there’s an ongoing appeal regarding the controversial 2018 Tesla pay compensation plan. Recently, a Delaware judge rejected the plan despite receiving shareholder approval, a situation that has been reviewed regularly. Although Musk's current net worth positions him as the world’s richest individual, the loss of that compensation plan could adjust his standings in the long run, particularly amidst market fluctuations and challenges ahead. The unfolding circumstances surrounding Musk's financial strategy illustrate not just the individual's wealth but also the interconnectedness of politics, economics, and sports in America, raising broader questions about wealth distribution and ownership in the 21st century.