How Did Jerry Jones Make His Money? The Untold Story Of The NFL's Richest Owner

Sheridan Dietrich I 10 May 2025

So, you ever wondered how Jerry Jones went from a regular guy to one of the richest men in sports? Let's dive deep into the story of how this billionaire turned the Dallas Cowboys into a money-making machine. If you're looking for inspiration or just want to know the secrets behind his success, you're in the right place.

Jerry Jones is not just another sports owner. He's a legend, a businessman, and someone who knows how to turn a profit. But how exactly did he make his money? That's the question we're here to answer. This is more than just a story about sports—it's about hustle, strategy, and making smart decisions.

Before we get into the juicy details, let me tell you something. Jerry didn't start with a silver spoon. He worked hard, took risks, and most importantly, he believed in himself. That's what makes his story so fascinating. So, buckle up, because we're about to take you on a wild ride through his financial journey.

Who Is Jerry Jones? A Quick Bio

Before we talk about how Jerry made his fortune, let's take a moment to understand who he is. Jerry Jones was born on May 18, 1943, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He grew up in a modest family and learned the value of hard work early on. But it wasn't just about working hard; Jerry had a knack for business that set him apart from the crowd.

Early Life and Education

Jerry's journey started in a small town, but he always had big dreams. He attended the University of Arkansas, where he played football and studied business. This combination of sports and business would later play a huge role in his career. After graduation, Jerry went on to earn an MBA from the University of Arkansas, which gave him the tools he needed to succeed in the business world.

Here's a quick rundown of his early life:

Born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Played football in college
Earned an MBA, setting the foundation for his future success

How Did Jerry Jones Start His Career?

After finishing his education, Jerry didn't waste any time. He jumped into the oil and gas industry, where he quickly made a name for himself. This was the beginning of his wealth-building journey. But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Jerry faced challenges, but he was determined to succeed.

By the late 1970s, Jerry had built a successful oil and gas business. He was making good money, but he wasn't satisfied. Jerry had always been a fan of sports, and he dreamed of owning a team. That dream would soon become a reality, but not without a lot of hard work and sacrifices.

Entering the Sports World

In 1989, Jerry decided to take the plunge and buy the Dallas Cowboys. At the time, it was a risky move. The Cowboys were struggling, and many people thought Jerry was making a mistake. But Jerry saw potential where others saw failure. He believed he could turn the team around, and he was willing to put his money where his mouth was.

So, how much did Jerry spend to buy the Cowboys? A cool $150 million. That's a lot of money, even by today's standards. But Jerry wasn't just buying a team; he was investing in his dream. And as it turns out, that dream paid off big time.

Building the Dallas Cowboys Empire

Once Jerry took over the Cowboys, things started to change. He didn't just want to win games; he wanted to build an empire. And that's exactly what he did. Under Jerry's leadership, the Cowboys became one of the most successful teams in the NFL.

Investing in Talent

One of Jerry's first moves was to invest in top talent. He knew that to win, he needed the best players. So, he went all out to recruit the best athletes. This strategy paid off big time, as the Cowboys won three Super Bowls in the 1990s.

But it wasn't just about the players. Jerry also invested in coaching and staff. He wanted the best people working for him, and he was willing to pay top dollar to get them. This focus on quality helped the Cowboys become a powerhouse in the NFL.

The Business Side of the Cowboys

While winning games is great, Jerry knew that to truly succeed, he needed to focus on the business side of things. And boy, did he nail it. Jerry turned the Cowboys into a money-making machine, generating revenue from multiple streams.

Revenue Streams

Here's how Jerry made money with the Cowboys:

Ticket sales: Jerry knew how to fill stadiums, and he charged top dollar for tickets.
Sponsorships: The Cowboys have some of the biggest sponsors in the world, bringing in millions of dollars each year.
Merchandising: From jerseys to hats, the Cowboys merchandise is a cash cow.
Broadcasting rights: Jerry negotiated lucrative deals with networks to broadcast Cowboys games.

By focusing on these revenue streams, Jerry turned the Cowboys into one of the most valuable sports teams in the world. And it didn't stop there. Jerry was always looking for new ways to make money.

Expanding the Brand

Jerry didn't just stop at the NFL. He expanded the Cowboys brand into other areas, further increasing his wealth. One of his biggest moves was building AT&T Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that hosts more than just football games.

AT&T Stadium

AT&T Stadium, also known as "Jerry World," is a testament to Jerry's vision. The stadium cost over $1 billion to build, but it has paid off in a big way. It hosts concerts, events, and other activities, generating revenue year-round. Jerry knew that to truly succeed, he needed to think outside the box, and AT&T Stadium is a perfect example of that.

But it wasn't just about the stadium. Jerry also expanded the Cowboys brand into other areas, like media and entertainment. He launched CowboysTV, a network that covers all things Cowboys, further cementing his place in the sports world.

Challenges and Controversies

Of course, Jerry's journey wasn't without its challenges. He faced criticism from fans, players, and the media. Some people thought he was too hands-on, while others accused him of making bad decisions. But Jerry didn't let that stop him. He kept pushing forward, focusing on what mattered most: building a successful team and business.

Dealing with Criticism

Jerry has always been a polarizing figure. Some love him, while others hate him. But one thing is for sure: he's not afraid to take risks. Even when things got tough, Jerry stayed true to his vision. And in the end, his persistence paid off.

Here are some of the challenges Jerry faced:

Criticism from fans and media
Difficulties in managing the team
Financial risks associated with building AT&T Stadium

But through it all, Jerry kept his eyes on the prize. And that prize was success.

Jerry Jones' Net Worth

So, how much is Jerry Jones worth today? As of 2023, Jerry's net worth is estimated to be around $8.4 billion. That's a lot of money, and it's a testament to his hard work and business acumen. But it wasn't an overnight success. Jerry built his fortune over decades, through smart investments and strategic decisions.

Where Did the Money Come From?

Jerry's wealth comes from a variety of sources:

Oil and gas business
Dallas Cowboys ownership
AT&T Stadium
Sponsorships and partnerships

Each of these sources contributed to Jerry's massive net worth. And it's not just about the money; it's about the legacy he's building. Jerry wants to be remembered as more than just a sports owner. He wants to be remembered as a visionary who changed the game.

Lessons from Jerry Jones

So, what can we learn from Jerry Jones? There are a few key takeaways:

Take Risks

Jerry wasn't afraid to take risks. He spent $150 million on the Cowboys when many thought it was a bad idea. He invested in AT&T Stadium, even though it was a massive financial risk. But those risks paid off, and they helped him build his fortune.

Focus on Quality

Jerry knew that to succeed, he needed the best talent. He invested in top players, coaches, and staff. He also focused on building a world-class stadium. This focus on quality helped him build a successful team and business.

Think Outside the Box

Jerry didn't just stick to the traditional ways of making money in sports. He expanded the Cowboys brand into other areas, like media and entertainment. He built AT&T Stadium, which generates revenue year-round. Jerry's ability to think outside the box is what sets him apart from other sports owners.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. That's the story of how Jerry Jones made his money. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. Jerry's journey is a testament to the power of hard work, smart decisions, and taking risks. He turned the Dallas Cowboys into a global brand and built a fortune in the process.

Now, here's what I want you to do. If you enjoyed this article, leave a comment below. Tell me what you think about Jerry Jones and his success. And if you haven't already, check out some of our other articles. We've got tons of great content that you're going to love.

Thanks for reading, and remember: if Jerry Jones can do it, so can you!

Who Is Jerry Jones? A Quick Bio
Early Life and Education
How Did Jerry Jones Start His Career?
Entering the Sports World
Building the Dallas Cowboys Empire
Investing in Talent
The Business Side of the Cowboys
Revenue Streams
Expanding the Brand
AT&T Stadium
Challenges and Controversies
Dealing with Criticism
Jerry Jones' Net Worth
Where Did the Money Come From?
Lessons from Jerry Jones
Take Risks
Focus on Quality
Think Outside the Box

How Did Jerry Jones Make His Money?

Why billionaire Jerry Jones made his son interview at Wendy's

How Did Jerry Jones Make His Money? With Whom He Married?

RedCarpet Central