Stanley Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams, has become the largest private landowner in the United States after acquiring nearly 1 million acres of ranchland in New Mexico.
Stanley Kroenke, the owner of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, has made headlines by becoming America’s largest private landowner, as reported by The Land Report. This significant milestone follows his recent acquisition of nearly 1 million acres of ranchland in New Mexico from the Teledyne family, known for their industrial conglomerate.
With a total of 2.7 million acres, Kroenke’s landholdings surpass the size of Yellowstone National Park, equating to approximately 2 million football fields. This remarkable expansion of his portfolio marks the largest land purchase in the United States in over a decade, according to the trade publication.
Kroenke’s extensive portfolio includes vast ranches located in Texas, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, and New Mexico. The recent acquisition of approximately 937,000 acres in New Mexico propelled him from fourth to first place in The Land Report‘s annual ranking of the nation’s 100 largest private landowners. This leapfrogged him over notable landowners such as the Emmerson family, as well as billionaire media moguls John Malone and Ted Turner.
His landholdings primarily consist of ranchland, much of which is utilized for cattle operations, wildlife management, and conservation efforts. Kroenke’s strategy blends traditional ranching with a long-term investment approach, viewing land as a valuable and appreciating asset. This trend of ultra-wealthy investors consolidating large parcels of land in the American West is becoming increasingly prominent, with Kroenke at the forefront.
Stanley “Stan” Kroenke, born in 1947 in Columbia, Missouri, is an American billionaire businessman renowned for his ventures in real estate, entertainment, and professional sports. He amassed his wealth through real estate development, particularly in retail and commercial properties, before expanding into ranching and large-scale land ownership. As of 2026, he owns more than 2.7 million acres of private land across the United States.
In addition to his real estate ventures, Kroenke is a significant figure in the sports industry. He owns several professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Rams (NFL), the Denver Nuggets (NBA), the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), and the Colorado Rapids (MLS). His sports empire also extends internationally with holdings in Arsenal Football Club in England.
Kroenke’s ascent to the status of the largest private landowner in the United States underscores the increasing influence of ultra-wealthy individuals in shaping land ownership and management in the American West. His holdings not only reflect sheer scale but also represent a combination of strategic investment, conservation, and traditional ranching practices. This dynamic illustrates how private capital can significantly impact both economic and environmental landscapes.
Moreover, Kroenke’s extensive portfolio highlights broader trends in wealth concentration, where high-net-worth individuals consolidate large parcels of land. This consolidation can have far-reaching implications for local communities, wildlife management, and agricultural practices.
At the same time, Kroenke’s dual focus on sports and real estate exemplifies the diversification strategies employed by modern billionaires. By leveraging assets across multiple industries, he aims for long-term growth and sustainability.
As the landscape of land ownership continues to evolve, Kroenke’s position as the largest private landowner serves as a notable case study in the intersection of wealth, land management, and environmental stewardship.
His recent acquisition and its implications reflect a significant shift in how land is viewed and utilized in the United States, raising questions about the future of land ownership and its impact on various sectors.
For more insights on this topic, see The Land Report.