Mark Davis is an American professional sports owner and businessman with a net worth of $2 billion. He inherited ownership of the NFL team, the Oakland Raiders (now the Las Vegas Raiders), from his father, Al Davis. Today, Mark Davis is the principal owner and managing partner of the Raiders and also owns the WNBA team, the Las Vegas Aces. When Al Davis passed away in 2011, the Raiders were valued at $750 million. Under Mark’s leadership, the team’s value has soared to between $6-7 billion.
What Was Mark Davis’s Early Life Like?
Mark M. Davis was born on May 18, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York. Although many bios previously indicated that he was born in Charleston, South Carolina, where his father was coaching, Davis clarified in 2020 that he was born in Brooklyn before his family returned to Charleston. Mark graduated from California State University, Chico. Before inheriting the Raiders, he was involved in developing Raider Image stores and worked in the team’s equipment department. In 1986, he created muff-style hand warmers for football players and represented Raiders player Cliff Branch in contract negotiations, securing an annuity for Branch until his death.
How Did Mark Davis Rise to Prominence in the NFL?
After inheriting the Oakland Raiders, Mark Davis took over as managing general partner. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the team and represents the Raiders at owners’ meetings. Faced with the team’s lease with the Oakland Coliseum nearing its end, Davis sought a new stadium. Initially, he teamed up with the San Diego Chargers for a shared stadium in Carson, California, but their proposal lost to one from the Los Angeles Rams. Davis then pursued a stadium in Las Vegas with Sheldon Adelson of Las Vegas Sands Corporation. The NFL approved the Raiders’ move to Las Vegas in March 2017.
What Are Mark Davis’s Involvements Outside the NFL?
In January 2021, Mark Davis expanded his sports ownership by purchasing the WNBA team, the Las Vegas Aces, from MGM Resorts International. This acquisition was approved by the NBA and WNBA the following month. Prior to owning the team, Davis was a season ticket holder. He hired Becky Hammon as the head coach of the Aces in May 2021, making her the highest-paid coach in the league.
Does Mark Davis Have a Personal Life?
Mark Davis is a lifelong bachelor and has stated that he gave up alcohol 15 years ago. He humorously commented that he would only start drinking again if the Raiders win the Super Bowl or if he gets married. Despite his bachelor status, Davis has a strong passion for food, citing Joe’s Stone Crab, Dan Tana’s, and P.F. Chang’s as some of his favorite restaurants. He is also known for driving a unique white 1997 Dodge Caravan SE with personalized plates.
What Controversies Has Mark Davis Faced?
Mark Davis has been vocal about various social issues. After Ray McDonald’s domestic violence arrest in 2014, Davis advocated for the suspension of players accused of domestic violence until investigations concluded. Initially, he opposed NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem to protest police brutality, but changed his stance after Donald Trump’s inflammatory comments, supporting players’ rights to protest. In 2018, Davis chose not to participate in an NFL resolution regarding anthem protests. He has also expressed openness to welcoming Colin Kaepernick to the Raiders.
What Real Estate Investments Has Mark Davis Made?
Mark Davis has made significant investments in real estate. In September 2021, it was reported that he was building a mansion in a private luxury community in Nevada, mimicking the design of the Raiders’ facilities and Allegiant Stadium. The property, located on a 6.32-acre lot purchased for $6 million, will include a 15,046 square foot home valued at $14 million. The mansion will feature five bedrooms and ten bathrooms.
In March 2021, Davis bought a two-bedroom condo in Summerlin, Nevada, for $5.3 million. The 2,800 square foot condo had a monthly HOA fee exceeding $35,000. Davis sold the condo in January 2023 for $10 million, after initially seeking $13.5 million.
How Has Mark Davis Impacted the Las Vegas Raiders?
Mark Davis’s leadership has significantly transformed the Raiders. His decision to move the team to Las Vegas has been a financial success, with the team’s value increasing dramatically. The state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium has also boosted the team’s profile and revenue. Despite facing challenges and controversies, Davis’s management has kept the Raiders competitive and financially robust.
Mark Davis’s journey from inheriting the Oakland Raiders to transforming them into the highly valued Las Vegas Raiders demonstrates his business acumen and dedication to the sport. With a net worth of $2 billion, Davis continues to influence the NFL landscape while expanding his sports ownership to the WNBA. His personal life, marked by his bachelorhood and culinary interests, adds a unique dimension to his public persona. Despite facing controversies and challenges, Mark Davis remains a pivotal figure in the world of professional sports.
