Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020.
As the New York Knicks prepare for their first NBA Finals appearance in 27 years, owner James Dolan is once again attracting attention across the basketball world. The long-time Knicks owner has remained a polarizing figure among fans, but the franchise's recent success has renewed interest in how he built his fortune and rose to control one of the NBA's most valuable teams.
How James Dolan Made His Money
Dolan's wealth largely comes from the cable television business. He became CEO of Cablevision in 1995, a company founded by his father, Charles Dolan. According to reports, James originally pursued a career in music before joining the family business.
His path to sports ownership began when Cablevision expanded its holdings and gained control of Madison Square Garden. That move eventually placed Dolan in charge of both the Knicks and the NHL's New York Rangers. By 1999, he had become chairman of Madison Square Garden and assumed day-to-day control of the franchises.
Net Worth and Sports Empire
Today, Dolan's estimated net worth stands at around $2 billion. He serves as CEO of Madison Square Garden Sports and Madison Square Garden Entertainment, overseeing two of New York's most recognizable sports brands.
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