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Stan Kroenke Becomes Largest U.S. Landowner with New Deal

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams, is the largest private landowner in the United States with more than 2.7 million acres.
He recently acquired nearly 1 million acres in New Mexico through the Singleton Ranches deal, the largest U.S. land purchase since 2011.
The transaction moved Kroenke from fourth to first on The Land Report's annual list, with holdings that exceed Yellowstone National Park.

History

Historical Context

The 1862 Homestead Act allowed U.S. citizens to claim 160 acres of public land, promoting private land ownership. Stan Kroenke's recent acquisition of nearly 1 million acres in New Mexico reflects a modern trend of large land purchases, as he now controls over 2.7 million acres. This concentration of land ownership raises critical questions about land use and economic power in contemporary America.

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Story summary

Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams, is the largest private landowner in the United States with more than 2.7 million acres.
He recently acquired nearly 1 million acres in New Mexico through the Singleton Ranches deal, the largest U.S. land purchase since 2011.
The transaction moved Kroenke from fourth to first on The Land Report's annual list, with holdings that exceed Yellowstone National Park.

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