Stan Kroenke Becomes America's Largest Private Landowner

Stan Kroenke, the billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Rams, has recently been recognized as the largest private landowner in the United States, according to The Land Report. His total land holdings now exceed 2.7 million acres, surpassing the size of Yellowstone National Park. This significant increase in acreage is largely attributed to his acquisition of nearly 1 million acres of ranchland in New Mexico from the heirs of Henry Singleton, founder of the industrial conglomerate Teledyne. This transaction, completed in December 2025, marks the largest single land purchase in the U.S. in over a decade.

CNBCL.A. Rams’ Stan Kroenke Becomes Largest Private Landowner in U.S.PatchSports tycoon Stan Kroenke surges to top spot among US private landowners

The trend of billionaires acquiring vast amounts of land has been on the rise, with the average acreage held by the top 100 landowners increasing from 378,000 acres a decade ago to 430,000 acres today. This shift reflects a growing interest among ultrawealthy investors in land as a stable asset class, particularly as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. Eric O’Keefe, editor of The Land Report, noted that land is viewed as a "proven return on investment" due to its steady appreciation.

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Kroenke's land acquisitions are part of a broader strategy that includes ownership of multiple sports franchises, such as the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, the NBA's Denver Nuggets, and the English Premier League's Arsenal FC. His real estate portfolio also encompasses significant commercial properties, including the $5.5 billion SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Notably, Kroenke's previous land purchases include the 535,000-acre Waggoner Ranch in Texas and the 124,000-acre Broken O Ranch in Montana.

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While Kroenke's land acquisitions have been celebrated as a testament to his business acumen, they have also raised concerns among various stakeholders. Critics argue that the consolidation of land ownership among billionaires could lead to negative implications for local communities and agricultural practices. The environmental impact of such large-scale land ownership is also a point of contention, as it may affect land use and conservation efforts.

L.A. Rams’ Stan Kroenke Becomes Largest Private Landowner in U.S.

Kroenke's representatives have not publicly commented on the recent acquisition, and details regarding the transaction's financial aspects remain undisclosed. However, the implications of his growing land empire are being closely monitored by industry experts and local communities alike.

L.A. Rams’ Stan Kroenke Becomes Largest Private Landowner in U.S.

As the largest private landowner in the U.S., Kroenke's future plans for his extensive land portfolio are of significant interest. The potential for development and land management strategies will likely be scrutinized, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about sustainable practices and community engagement.

L.A. Rams’ Stan Kroenke Becomes Largest Private Landowner in U.S.

• “Capital is moving into American land for a variety of reasons,” — Eric O’Keefe, Editor of The Land Report

New York Times

• “Land has always been an appealing investment to the ultrarich, but recent years have seen billionaires gobbling up ever larger quantities of it.” — The Land Report

New York Times

Kroenke's ascension to the top of the land ownership rankings underscores the evolving landscape of wealth and investment in America, as billionaires increasingly seek to secure their fortunes through land.

L.A. Rams’ Stan Kroenke Becomes Largest Private Landowner in U.S.