Jerry Jones owns the Dallas Cowboys. He bought the franchise in 1989 for $150 million and has served as owner, president, and general manager ever since. Forbes valued the Cowboys at $13 billion in 2025, ranking them as the most valuable sports franchise on Earth.
- The Dallas Cowboys franchise is valued at $13 billion as of 2025, according to Forbes.
- Jerry Jones and his family have a combined net worth of approximately $20.7 billion.
- The Cowboys generated $1.2 billion in revenue during the 2024 fiscal year.
- Operating income reached an estimated $629 million, the highest of any sports team worldwide.
- Jones paid $150 million for the team in 1989, making the franchise’s value growth roughly 8,567%.
How Did The Dallas Cowboys Get Its Name?
The franchise was initially called the Dallas Rangers when the NFL awarded the expansion team in January 1960. Clint Murchison Jr. and general manager Tex Schramm agreed the name needed changing but struggled to settle on an alternative.
The resolution came during a phone call. Schramm read three finalist names to Murchison, who was at an airport. Before hanging up, Murchison said, “Okay, let’s go with Cowboys.” The switch also avoided confusion with the Dallas Rangers minor league baseball team.
Five years later, when Murchison floated the idea of reverting to Rangers, the team’s office received over 1,100 calls from fans who overwhelmingly rejected the change.
The Dallas Cowboys Products and Services
AT&T Stadium
- 80,000-seat venue in Arlington, Texas
- Hosts Cowboys games, concerts, and major events
- Generates roughly $300 million in annual sponsorship revenue
- Over one million visitors per year
The Star in Frisco
- 91-acre world headquarters and practice facility
- Features retail, dining, and hotel experiences
- Open to public tours and sporting events
- Located in Frisco, Texas
Dallas Cowboys Merchandising
- In-house design, production, and warehousing
- Global merchandise distribution
- Among the top-selling NFL brands worldwide
- Year-round jersey and apparel sales
Blue Star Land LP
- Real estate development arm of the Cowboys
- Master-planned communities in North Texas
- Drives commercial growth around The Star
- Managed by the Jones family
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
- 36-member performance squad
- Global brand with TV and media presence
- Featured in CMT docuseries and Netflix content
- Active community engagement programs
Community Programs
- Long-running partnership with The Salvation Army
- Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation
- NFL Play 60 youth fitness programs
- Character education initiatives in Texas schools
Who Owns The Dallas Cowboys?
Jerry Jones has owned the Dallas Cowboys since February 25, 1989, when he purchased the franchise from H.R. “Bum” Bright. Jones and his wife reportedly hold a 51% stake in the team, while their three children — Stephen, Charlotte, and Jerry Jr. — equally own the remaining 49%.
Jones was 46 at the time of purchase. He made his initial fortune in the oil and gas industry through his company, Jones Oil and Land Lease, after graduating from the University of Arkansas, where he co-captained the 1964 national championship football team.
The Dallas Cowboys Origin, Founders and Early Years
The NFL awarded its 13th franchise to Clint Murchison Jr. and Bedford Wynne on January 28, 1960, at the league’s annual meeting in Miami Beach. The franchise fee was $600,000. Murchison, the son of Texas oilman Clint Murchison Sr., immediately hired Tex Schramm as general manager and Tom Landry as head coach.
Building a Winner from Scratch
The Cowboys’ first season produced a 0-11-1 record at the Cotton Bowl. Murchison let Schramm, Landry, and scouting director Gil Brandt run the football operation without interference. From 1966 to 1985, Dallas posted 20 consecutive winning seasons.
Under Murchison, the Cowboys won Super Bowls VI and XII and appeared in five total. NFL Films dubbed them “America’s Team” after the 1978 season. Financial troubles forced Murchison to sell to Bum Bright in 1984. Bright sold to Jones five years later following a 3-13 season.
Largest Shareholders of The Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones
- Holds 51% ownership (with wife Gene Jones)
- Owner, President, and General Manager
- Acquired the team in 1989 for $150 million
- Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017
Stephen Jones
- Co-owner with equal share of the family’s 49%
- Chief Operating Officer
- Executive VP and Director of Player Personnel
- Active in salary cap and personnel decisions
Charlotte Jones
- Co-owner with equal share of the family’s 49%
- Chief Brand Officer
- Oversees brand strategy, stadium events, and outreach
- Chairs the NFL Foundation and Salvation Army partnership
Jerry Jones Jr.
- Co-owner with equal share of the family’s 49%
- Chief Sales and Marketing Officer
- Manages sponsorship revenue and partnerships
- Oversees a $300 million annual sponsorship operation
Who Is on the Board of Directors for The Dallas Cowboys?
The Dallas Cowboys operate as a privately held franchise with no public board. The Jones family controls all executive decisions.
Ownership and Executive Leadership
Jerry Jones — Owner, President, General Manager
Acquired the team in 1989. Oversees all football and business operations. Won three Super Bowls (1992, 1993, 1995 seasons). Net worth estimated at $20.7 billion.
Stephen Jones — Chief Operating Officer, Co-Owner
Manages day-to-day operations, salary cap decisions, and player contracts. Holds the title of Executive VP and Director of Player Personnel. Has worked in the organization since 1989.
Charlotte Jones — Chief Brand Officer, Co-Owner
Leads brand strategy, AT&T Stadium experience, and community outreach. Chairs the NFL Foundation and directs the Cowboys’ partnership with The Salvation Army.
Football Operations and Player Personnel
Jerry Jones Jr. — Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Co-Owner
Runs corporate sponsorship and marketing. Manages relationships generating roughly $300 million in annual sponsorship revenue, the highest in the league.
Will McClay — Vice President of Player Personnel
Oversees scouting, college and pro evaluations, and draft preparation. Considered one of the most respected talent evaluators in the NFL.
Todd Williams — Vice President of Football Operations
Manages football administration, team logistics, and the integration of technology into scouting and game preparation.
Brian Schottenheimer — Head Coach
Named head coach ahead of the 2025 season. Led the Cowboys to a 7-9-1 record in year one. Previously served as the team’s offensive coordinator.
The Dallas Cowboys Mission Statement
The Cowboys’ community mission centers on helping people who lack the strength, resources, or means to help themselves. The organization has maintained a partnership with The Salvation Army since 1997, producing one of the most visible charity campaigns in professional sports through annual Thanksgiving Red Kettle broadcasts.
Five brand pillars — tradition, competition, entertainment, business, and innovation — guide internal decision-making. Jones has described the goal as building the premier team-based sports and entertainment operation in the world.
The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation has pledged $16.5 million to youth-serving organizations over 33 years. The Cowboys also run NFL Play 60 fitness programs and character education initiatives in Texas schools.
FAQs
Is The Dallas Cowboys an American company?
Yes. The Dallas Cowboys are a privately held American professional football franchise based in Arlington, Texas, competing in the National Football League’s NFC East division.
What is the net worth of The Dallas Cowboys?
Forbes valued the Dallas Cowboys at $13 billion in August 2025, making them the most valuable sports franchise in the world for the 19th consecutive year.
Who owns The Dallas Cowboys?
Jerry Jones owns the Dallas Cowboys. He and his wife hold a 51% stake, with children Stephen, Charlotte, and Jerry Jr. splitting the remaining 49%. Jones has been owner since 1989.
When did The Dallas Cowboys come out?
The NFL awarded the Dallas Cowboys franchise on January 28, 1960, at the league’s annual meeting. The team played its first game on September 24, 1960, losing 35-28 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Dallas Cowboys market cap in 2026
As a privately held franchise, the Cowboys do not have a public market cap. The most recent Forbes valuation placed the franchise at $13 billion in 2025, with revenue exceeding $1.2 billion annually.
With many years of professional experience within transnational corporations in different industries, Richard Jaimes has had the opportunity to lead people and organizations, investigate future topics, create strategies and innovations, consult senior management and translate insights into business advantages. Richard is also a long time senior consultant with Quantumrun Foresight.
