Enos Stanley Kroenke, born in 1947 in Columbia, Missouri, emerged as a dominant figure in American real estate and professional sports through his holding company, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. He built a expansive empire that includes some of the world's most valuable athletic franchises alongside millions of acres of land, consistently influencing the business of major league sports.
Real Estate and Early Development
After graduating from the University of Missouri and its Trulaske College of Business, Kroenke began his career in the retail sector. He founded the Kroenke Group in 1983, a firm that specialized in developing shopping centers often situated near Walmart stores. In 1991, he established THF Realty in St. Louis, which grew into a portfolio valued at over $2 billion by 2016, covering 20 million square feet of retail space.
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Kroenke's entry into major professional sports began in 1995 when he purchased a 30% stake in the St. Louis Rams. He secured full ownership in 2010. His broader sports portfolio, managed under Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, includes the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, and the National Lacrosse League's Colorado Mammoth. He later acquired Arsenal F.C. and Arsenal W.F.C. His teams have achieved significant success, including Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, and NBA championship titles, alongside recent triumphs in European football.
The Move to Los Angeles
The relocation of the Rams from St. Louis to Los Angeles in 2016 served as a pivotal moment in his career. In partnership with Stockbridge Capital Group, he spearheaded the construction of a 70,000-seat stadium in Inglewood, California. This transition resulted in extensive litigation and public controversy regarding stadium lease obligations in Missouri, ultimately reshaping the landscape of the National Football League.
Land Acquisition
Beyond sports and retail, Kroenke is a significant landowner in North America. Following his 2016 acquisition of the Waggoner Ranch in Texas, he expanded his holdings across the American West and Canada. As of 2026, he is recognized as the largest private landowner in the United States, managing over 2.7 million acres, which serves as a major component of his diversified asset base.
Fast facts
- Born: 1947, Columbia, Missouri
- Company: Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
- Founded Kroenke Group: 1983
- Founded THF Realty: 1991
- Largest private landowner in U.S.: As of 2026
- NFL ownership: St. Louis Rams (1995), Los Angeles Rams (2016)
Questions readers ask
Which sports teams are under Kroenke's ownership?
He owns the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Mammoth, Arsenal F.C., and Arsenal W.F.C.
How did he become a significant landowner?
Kroenke built his portfolio through strategic acquisitions, notably purchasing the Waggoner Ranch in 2016, and currently holds over 2.7 million acres.
Achievements
- Holdings: Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Winecup Gamble Ranch and Waggoner Ranch
- Affiliated with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
- Educated at University of Missouri and Trulaske College of Business
