When you walk into T-Mobile Arena, there is this undeniable energy that feels less like a corporate sports venue and more like a high-stakes, neon-soaked crusade. It’s loud. It’s flashy. It’s unapologetically Vegas. But if you're wondering who owns las vegas golden knights, you won’t find the answer in a faceless conglomerate or a board of anonymous venture capitalists.
The story starts and ends with a man named Bill Foley.
Honestly, it’s rare to find a professional sports team today where a single personality is so deeply woven into the DNA of the franchise. Most teams are owned by massive holding companies or split among dozens of silent partners. While there are a few other names involved—which we’ll get into—this is Bill Foley’s world. He’s the guy who looked at a desert and decided it needed a sheet of ice.
The Man Behind the Shield: Bill Foley’s Vision
Bill Foley isn’t just some guy with a deep pocket. He’s a West Point graduate, a former Air Force captain, and the chairman of Fidelity National Financial. If you’ve ever bought a house, there’s a decent chance his company handled the title insurance.
In 2016, he basically bet $500 million that hockey would work in a city where the primary industry is gambling and late-night shows. People thought he was crazy. At the time, the idea of a major professional sports team in Las Vegas was seen as a massive gamble because of the legal sports betting landscape.
Foley didn't care.
He operates under the motto "Always Advance, Never Retreat." That’s not just a cute slogan; it’s the literal translation of his family’s Gaelic motto. He brought that military precision to the NHL. He didn't just want a team; he wanted a "Golden" identity that reflected the West Point "Black Knights" while staying true to the Nevada "Silver State" (though he went with gold for obvious reasons of prestige).
Black Knight Sports & Entertainment
Technically, the team is owned by Black Knight Sports & Entertainment LLC. This is the umbrella organization Foley created to manage his growing sports empire.
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- Majority Owner: Bill Foley (Chairman and CEO)
- Net Worth: Around $2.7 billion as of 2026.
- The "Cup in Six" Promise: Foley famously predicted the team would win a Stanley Cup within six years. They did it in 2023, exactly on schedule.
It's sorta wild when you think about it. Most owners hope to just make the playoffs in their first decade. Foley demanded a championship and then actually delivered.
The Maloof Connection: What Happened to the Partners?
When the team launched, Foley wasn't alone. He had the Maloof family by his side. If that name sounds familiar, it's because they are Vegas royalty. They used to own the Palms Casino Resort and the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.
For years, George, Gavin, Joe, and Phil Maloof were the "face" of the minority ownership. They helped navigate the local politics of Las Vegas and used their basketball experience to help set up the initial front office.
However, things changed recently.
In January 2024, a major shift happened. The Maloof brothers—George, Gavin, Joe, and Phil—officially sold their remaining indirect ownership interests to the Foley family. They cashed out. They’re still around the city, obviously, but their official tie to the Golden Knights' front office is basically gone.
The One Maloof Who Stayed
There is one exception: Adrienne Maloof.
You might know her from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but in the world of the NHL, she’s a savvy investor. While her brothers sold their stakes, Adrienne remained. She is currently a limited partner and continues to hold an indirect ownership stake.
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The Celebrity Owners: Are They Real?
Every few months, a rumor floats around that some A-list celebrity owns a piece of the Knights. Las Vegas attracts stars like a porch light attracts moths, so it makes sense.
During the team's first season, a lot of news outlets reported that stars like Rob Gronkowski, Jose Bautista, and Carol Alt were minority owners.
Is it true? Kinda.
Back in 2016, a group of celebrity investors was brought in to drum up hype. It was a classic Vegas move—sprinkle some stardust on the expansion draft to make it feel "big league." While these celebrities might have had tiny "points" in the team or were part of a smaller investment vehicle, they don't have any voting power. They aren't in the room when GM Kelly McCrimmon is deciding whether to trade a fan-favorite player.
If you're looking for the people who actually write the checks and make the calls, it's Foley. Period.
Why Ownership Matters for Fans
Why should you care who owns the team? Because Bill Foley’s ownership style is... aggressive.
In the NHL, there’s this thing called the "VGK Way." It’s basically the idea that no player is safe if there is a way to get better. Foley has shown time and again that he is willing to spend to the absolute limit of the salary cap. He wants to win now.
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He isn't just "the owner." He’s the guy who:
- Funded the construction of City National Arena in Summerlin.
- Purchased the Henderson Silver Knights (AHL).
- Launched the Vegas Knight Hawks (Indoor Football).
- Bought AFC Bournemouth in the English Premier League to create a global sports network.
His philosophy is built on "The Creator" mentality. He doesn't just buy assets; he builds ecosystems. When you see the "Knight Monsters" ECHL team in Tahoe, that's Foley's influence expanding.
The 2026 Landscape: Where We Are Now
As we sit here in 2026, the ownership structure is more consolidated than ever. By buying out the Maloof brothers, Foley has taken near-total control of the franchise’s direction.
The team's valuation has skyrocketed. When Foley paid that $500 million expansion fee, people scoffed. Today, the Vegas Golden Knights are valued well over $1.1 billion. That is a massive return on investment in less than a decade.
It also helps that the team hasn't just been a success on the ice; they've become a central pillar of the Las Vegas community. After the tragic events of October 1, 2017, the team (and Foley's leadership) became a symbol of "Vegas Strong." That emotional connection between the owner, the team, and the city is something you can't just buy with a check.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Investors
If you're following the business side of the Golden Knights, here’s what you need to keep an eye on:
- Watch the "Foley Entertainment Group": This is where Bill is moving a lot of his hospitality and sports assets. It's becoming a powerhouse that includes wineries, hotels, and multiple sports teams.
- The Global Network: Because Foley now owns teams in the UK, France, and New Zealand, look for cross-promotions. We’re already seeing Golden Knights branding appearing in European football circles.
- The Henderson Hub: The investment in Henderson (the Dollar Loan Center and the Silver Knights) shows that Foley is betting on the local suburbs, not just the tourists on the Strip.
The bottom line is simple: Bill Foley owns the Vegas Golden Knights. He is the majority owner, the chairman, and the primary visionary. While Adrienne Maloof retains a small piece, this is a Foley-run ship, and as long as he’s at the helm, expect the team to keep "advancing" at all costs.
Check the official NHL ownership registers periodically, as minor percentage shifts can happen within private LLCs, but the controlling interest is firmly locked in the Foley family's hands.