How Did Jerry Jones Make His Money?

Jerry Jones’s Profile Summary

Company	Dallas Cowboys
Position	Owner and President
Source of wealth	Sports Franchise Ownership, Oil & Gas, Real Estate
Also known as	NFL Owner
Age	82
Education	University of Arkansas
Citizenship	USA
Residence	Dallas, Texas, USA
Family	Married, three children
Website, Social Media	www.dallascowboys.com linkedin.com/company/dallas-cowboys www.attstadium.com

Jerry Jones’s biography

Jerry Jones, born on October 13, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, is a billionaire businessman best known for owning the Dallas Cowboys, one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. Jones grew up in Arkansas, where he showed early interest in business and sports. He played college football at the University of Arkansas, where he was part of the team that won the 1964 national championship.

After earning a degree in business administration, Jones initially worked for his father’s life insurance company before starting his own ventures in oil and gas exploration. He founded Jones Oil and Land Lease, which became highly profitable during the oil boom of the 1970s and 1980s. His success in the energy sector provided him with the capital to make a significant investment in sports.

In 1989, Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys for $140 million. At the time, the team was struggling both financially and on the field. Jones made bold moves, including firing longtime coach Tom Landry and hiring Jimmy Johnson as head coach. His efforts quickly paid off, with the Cowboys winning three Super Bowl championships in the 1990s.

Under Jones’s ownership, the Cowboys’ value skyrocketed, now estimated at over $8 billion, making them the most valuable sports franchise globally. Jones also played a pivotal role in NFL broadcasting deals, significantly increasing league revenues. Beyond football, Jones has interests in real estate, oil and gas, and hospitality, further diversifying his wealth.

How did Jerry Jones make money?
Jerry Jones made his initial fortune through oil and gas exploration. After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in business administration, he founded Jones Oil and Land Lease, which capitalized on the booming energy industry of the 1970s. His company focused on acquiring and developing oil leases, quickly turning a significant profit as oil prices surged.

By the 1980s, Jones had amassed considerable wealth, allowing him to pursue other investments. In 1989, he took a calculated risk by purchasing the struggling Dallas Cowboys for $140 million. At the time, the franchise was losing money, but Jones saw an opportunity to turn things around. He implemented aggressive marketing strategies and secured lucrative sponsorship deals, transforming the Cowboys into a financial powerhouse.

Jones’s business acumen extended beyond football. He was instrumental in negotiating NFL broadcasting rights, which significantly increased league revenues and his own earnings. The Cowboys became a cultural brand, with merchandising and licensing deals contributing to their value. Today, the team is worth over $8 billion, making it the most valuable sports franchise in the world.

Jones also invested in real estate, owning major properties in Dallas and other cities. Additionally, his company operates stadium concessions and hospitality services, further diversifying his income streams. His business empire spans sports, oil and gas, real estate, and hospitality, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the U.S..
What is Jerry Jones net worth?

As of 2025, Jerry Jones’s net worth is estimated to be $17.9 B.

What is Jerry Jones also known as?

Jerry Jones is primarily known as the owner and president of the Dallas Cowboys. He is a prominent figure in the NFL, credited with transforming the league’s business model through his innovative marketing strategies and broadcasting deals.

Prominent achievements of Jerry Jones

Jerry Jones transformed the Dallas Cowboys into the most valuable sports franchise globally. He secured record-breaking sponsorship deals and played a pivotal role in reshaping NFL broadcasting rights, significantly increasing league revenues. He also contributed to modernizing sports marketing.

What are Jerry Jones’s key insights?

Jones believes in taking bold risks and leveraging branding opportunities. He has often emphasized the importance of long-term vision, innovative marketing, and building strong partnerships to achieve business success.

Jerry Jones’s personal life

Jerry Jones is married to Gene Jones, and they have three children: Stephen, Charlotte, and Jerry Jr.. His children play active roles in managing the Dallas Cowboys and the Jones family’s business ventures.