Josh Harris

Josh Harris is an American private equity investor and sports team owner, best known as a co-founder of the global alternative asset management firm Apollo Global Management. His business career in finance and leveraged buyouts laid the foundation for his high-profile acquisitions in professional sports, making him a prominent figure in both the investment and sports entertainment industries. Harris's portfolio includes ownership stakes in several major North American sports franchises, and he is also noted for his philanthropic activities, particularly in the Philadelphia region.

Early life and education

He was raised in Chevy Chase, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C.. Harris demonstrated an early aptitude for business and finance, which he later pursued academically. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where he attended the prestigious Wharton School. Following his time at Penn, Harris continued his education at Harvard Business School, graduating with a Master of Business Administration degree. This educational background at two of the world's leading institutions provided a critical foundation for his future endeavors on Wall Street.

Business career

Harris began his professional career at the investment bank Drexel Burnham Lambert, working in the high-yield debt department under figures like Michael Milken. Following the collapse of Drexel Burnham Lambert, he, along with fellow Wharton graduates Leon Black and Marc Rowan, co-founded Apollo Global Management in 1990. Under their leadership, Apollo Global Management grew into one of the world's largest and most influential private equity firms, specializing in leveraged buyouts, corporate restructuring, and credit investment. Harris played a key role in building the firm's investment strategy and its expansion into various asset classes, cementing his reputation as a major force in the finance industry.

Sports ownership

His success in finance enabled a significant foray into sports team ownership. In 2011, he led an investor group to purchase the National Basketball Association's Philadelphia 76ers, becoming the franchise's managing partner. He later acquired the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils and their home arena, the Prudential Center, in 2013. His most notable acquisition came in 2023, when he headed a consortium that purchased the National Football League's Washington Commanders from the Daniel Snyder family for a record-setting sum. These investments are held through his firm Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which he co-founded with David Blitzer.

Philanthropy and civic engagement

Through the Harris Family Charitable Foundation, he and his family support a wide range of causes, with a particular focus on education, healthcare, and community development in the Philadelphia area. Significant beneficiaries have included the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, and the School District of Philadelphia. He also serves on the board of trustees for the University of Pennsylvania and is actively involved with the Wharton School. His civic engagement extends to supporting various cultural institutions and initiatives aimed at economic revitalization in the cities where he owns sports teams.

Personal life

He maintains residences in both New York City and the Philadelphia region. Harris is married and has several children. An avid sports fan, his personal interests are closely tied to his professional ventures in the NBA, NHL, and NFL. He is known to maintain a relatively private life outside of his highly public business and sports dealings, focusing his public appearances primarily on franchise-related events and philanthropic functions.

Category:American businesspeople Category:Sports team owners Category:Private equity managers