There aren’t many people who have more influence and power in all of sports than Robert Kraft.
The New England Patriots owner landed at No. 3 on the Sports Business Journal’s annual list of the most influential people in sports. Kraft jumped up the list four spots after being ranked No. 7 on last year’s installment.
“This ranking will spark questions, but with commissioner Roger Goodell clearly damaged over the last year, the role of ownership becomes more vital. No owner has more sway in NFL circles than longtime Goodell-ally Kraft, who was the first to offer public support for the commissioner in the wake of the Ray Rice video and who continues to be a staunch defender,” the capsule about Kraft reads.
“But it’s not just Kraft’s role within the NFL that puts him at this spot, it’s also his strong and deep relationships in political, cultural and entertainment circles — after all, not many team owners get a Nike shoe designed after them. He’s got clout and he knows how to use it.”
Not only does Kraft own the highly successful Patriots, he and his family also own the New England Revolution, who came up short Sunday in the MLS Cup. The Kraft Sports Group also owns Gillette Stadium and the group is rumored to be looking at spots in Boston for a new soccer stadium.
Here’s the rest of the top 10.
1. Adam Silver (NBA)
2. John Skipper (ESPN)
3. Robert Kraft
4. Bud Selig/Rob Manfred (MLB)
5. Roger Goodell (NFL)
6. Sean McManus (CBS Sports)
7. Ari Emanuel/Patrick Whitesell (WME-IMG)
8. David Levy (Turner Broadcasting System)
9. Gary Bettman (NHL)
10. Brian France (NASCAR)
