What is Robert Kraft’s net worth? Fortune explored amid his planned $2M donation to aid the region after Macklemore’s challenge
What is Robert Kraft’s net worth? Fortune explored amid his planned $2M donation to aid the region after Macklemore’s challenge
Zachary D. Lyngdoh Thu, September 17, 2026 at 6:56 AM UTC
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Robert Kraft’s net worth explored ©Getty
Robert Kraft's net worth is expected to be $15.2 billion according to Forbes in September 2026, making him one of the world's wealthiest sports club owners. His fortune was mostly built through manufacturing and sports, with his ownership of the New England Patriots accounting for a significant portion of his wealth.
Kraft's wealth came back into focus after he announced that he and Ed Sheeran would each donate $2 million to Palestinian/Gaza relief groups, following Macklemore's decision to donate his $1 million earnings from Sheeran's Loop Tour to Palestinian organizations and Gaza relief efforts.
Macklemore had challenged Kraft to match his donation after being dropped from Sheeran's remaining US tour dates. Kraft stated that Sheeran had called him prior to the challenge and asked him to donate $2 million to humanitarian relief.
Robert Kraft stated that Sheeran will contact other venue owners, and that their goal was to "continue to work together to build bridges." The pair did not indicate which groups would receive their donations.
How did Robert Kraft make his fortune?
Robert Kraft's business career began in the paper and packaging industry.
In 1968, he joined his father-in-law's Rand-Whitney Group and acquired control of the company via a leveraged buyout. In 1972, he formed International Forest Products, which focuses on paper and packaging businesses.
Kraft subsequently consolidated his commercial interests into the Kraft Group, which includes interests in manufacturing, sports, real estate, and other investments.
Kraft made his biggest sports investment in 1994, when he paid $172 million for the New England Patriots, a record for an NFL franchise at the time. Since then, the team's value has increased substantially. Forbes now values the Patriots at $10.6 billion, a rise from $9 billion in 2025.
During Kraft's ownership, the Patriots won six Super Bowl championships and established themselves as one of the NFL's most successful teams.
Robert Kraft also owns the Major League Soccer club New England Revolution and has made past investments in professional esports.
The Patriots are now worth $10.6 billion, according to Forbes' 2026 NFL valuations. The figure is an 18% increase over last year's $9 billion valuation.
Kraft also sold an 8% ownership stake in the franchise in 2025 at a valuation of $9 billion, involving Sixth Street and billionaire Dean Metropoulos. The transaction excluded the New England Revolution.
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The Patriots' tremendous increase in value since Kraft purchased the team explains why the franchise is still essential to his overall wealth.
What happened between Kraft and Macklemore?
Robert Kraft became involved in the Macklemore controversy after the rapper expressed his support for Palestinians during performances at Ed Sheeran's MetLife Stadium shows.
Macklemore was then dropped from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran's tour after numerous venues reportedly objected to his inclusion on the bill. Kraft said that Macklemore would not play at Gillette Stadium, citing the rapper's "recent actions" as well as a longer history of comments and visuals that he deemed disrespectful to the Jewish community.
Sheeran later stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter and venues, not by him, and that he had communicated with venue owners, including Kraft, in an attempt to reach an agreement.
Macklemore later declared that he would contribute his $1 million net earnings from the Loop Tour to six groups that help Palestinians and relief efforts in Gaza. He then challenged Kraft to match their donation.
Robert Kraft said he and Ed Sheeran would each commit $2 million to aid the region and address the humanitarian crisis.
Robert Kraft's personal life
Robert Kraft was born in Massachusetts, graduated from Columbia University in 1963, and then completed his Master of Business Administration at Harvard Business School in 1965.
Kraft was married to Myra Hiatt Kraft from 1963 until she died of ovarian cancer in 2011. They shared four sons named Jonathan, Daniel, Joshua, and David.
In October 2022, Kraft married ophthalmologist Dana Blumberg. Multiple celebrities and sports personalities reportedly attended the wedding, which included names like Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, sports commentator Al Michaels, and singer and longtime friend Jon Bon Jovi.
It was also reported that Elton John, Meek Mill and Ed Sheeran performed at the wedding.
Kraft, 85, remains chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group and continues to manage his sports holdings. Forbes presently ranks him as one of the world's wealthiest sports club owners, with a fortune estimated at $15.2 billion as of September 15, 2026.
The development adds a philanthropic angle to the controversy, which has already seen all four of Sheeran's remaining supporting performers withdraw from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.
Source: “AOL Money”
