Mark Davis is an American businessman and the principal owner of the Las Vegas Raiders in the National Football League (NFL). His net worth is estimated at $2 billion.
He inherited ownership of the Raiders from his father, Al Davis, who was a legendary figure in NFL history. Upon Al’s death in 2011, Mark took over as the team’s managing partner and has since played a pivotal role in the team’s relocation to Las Vegas and its continued success.
In addition to his role with the Raiders, Mark Davis also owns the Las Vegas Aces, a team in the WNBA.
Early Life
Mark Davis was born on May 18, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York. While early biographies suggested he was born in Charleston, South Carolina, Mark clarified in a 2020 interview that his mother, Carol, decided to return to Brooklyn to give birth.
The family moved back to Charleston shortly afterward. Mark attended California State University, Chico, where he earned a degree before taking on various roles within the family business.
Before inheriting the Raiders, Mark was involved in developing Raider Image stores, which sell team merchandise, and he worked in the equipment department of the team.
He also designed muff-style hand warmers for use during football games. His first significant role in football was representing Cliff Branch, a member of the Raiders, in contract negotiations.
Mark successfully secured an annuity for Branch, which lasted until his passing, though this achievement led to a temporary falling out with his father, Al, resulting in Mark living with Branch after the Raiders moved to Los Angeles.
Career and Ownership of the Raiders
Mark Davis became the principal owner of the Raiders after the death of his father in 2011. At the time, the team was worth $750 million. Under Mark’s leadership, the Raiders have grown in both value and prominence.
Today, the team is worth $6-7 billion, a reflection of its successful move to Las Vegas and its strong fan base.
Mark Davis and his mother, Carol Davis, own 47% of the Raiders, but thanks to a contractual stipulation, they maintain full controlling interest without needing to own more than 50%.
Mark manages the day-to-day operations of the team and represents the Raiders at NFL owners’ meetings.
Relocation to Las Vegas
One of Mark Davis’s most notable achievements as the owner of the Raiders was the team’s move from Oakland to Las Vegas.
The team had been based in Oakland for many years, but with the lease on the Oakland Coliseum nearing its end and the stadium showing its age, Mark began exploring options for a new venue.
Initially, he wanted to keep the team in Oakland, but in 2015, Mark announced that the Raiders, alongside the San Diego Chargers, would pursue a shared stadium in Carson, California.
However, this proposal lost out to a competing one from Los Angeles, and ultimately, the Raiders moved to Las Vegas, where they now play in the Allegiant Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2020.
Other Ventures
In addition to his ownership of the Raiders, Mark Davis also owns the Las Vegas Aces, a team in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
This reflects Mark’s diverse investments in sports and his interest in promoting both men’s and women’s sports at a high level.
