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Robert Kraft's Decades of Patriots Ownership and Diverse Business Ventures
The New England Patriots owner has built a multi-billion dollar empire through packaging, trading, and media investments.
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, has amassed a net worth of $13.8 billion through a diverse array of business ventures over the past several decades. After graduating from Columbia and Harvard, Kraft took over his father-in-law's packaging company Rand-Whitney Group in 1968 and later founded the commodities trading firm International Forest Products. He also invested in New England Television Corp., selling his shares for an estimated $25 million in 1991. Kraft's crowning achievement was purchasing the struggling Patriots franchise in 1994 for a then-record $172 million, transforming the team into one of the most successful and valuable franchises in the NFL.
Why it matters
Kraft's business acumen and willingness to take risks have allowed him to build an impressive business empire while also transforming the Patriots into a perennial powerhouse. His diverse investments and savvy deal-making have made him one of the wealthiest and most influential owners in professional sports.
The details
After graduating from Columbia and earning an MBA from Harvard, Kraft began working for his father-in-law's packaging company Rand-Whitney Group in 1968, eventually becoming its president and chairman. In 1972, he founded the commodities trading firm International Forest Products, which became a top 100 U.S. exporter/importer by the late 1990s. Kraft was also an investor in New England Television Corp., selling his shares for an estimated $25 million in 1991. His crowning achievement came in 1994 when he purchased the struggling Patriots franchise for a then-record $172 million, preventing the team from relocating to St. Louis.
- Kraft graduated from Columbia University in 1963.
- Kraft earned an MBA from Harvard in 1965.
- Kraft became president of Rand-Whitney Group in 1968.
- Kraft founded International Forest Products in 1972.
- Kraft sold his shares in New England Television Corp. for an estimated $25 million in 1991.
- Kraft purchased the New England Patriots for $172 million in 1994.
The players
Robert Kraft
The owner of the New England Patriots and chairman of Rand-Whitney Group and International Forest Products, Kraft has built a multi-billion dollar business empire through packaging, trading, and media investments.
Rand-Whitney Group
A Worcester-based packaging company that Kraft took over as president in 1968 and remains the chairman of today.
International Forest Products
A commodities trading firm that Kraft founded in 1972, which became a top 100 U.S. exporter/importer by the late 1990s.
New England Television Corp.
A media company that Kraft invested in, eventually selling his shares for an estimated $25 million in 1991.
New England Patriots
The NFL franchise that Kraft purchased in 1994 for a then-record $172 million, transforming the team into one of the most successful and valuable franchises in the league.
What they’re saying
“Robert came over to my office a few days before closing, an hour before D-hour and said, 'I need more.' And we figured out a way to do it. People ask me, 'Why did you do that?' I had support in the bank, and I had some very smart people working with me. But Robert came into my office that last time and looked me in the eye and said, 'I'll never let you down.'”
— Chad Gifford, Former Bank of Boston chairman (The Athletic)
The takeaway
Kraft's diverse business ventures and willingness to take risks have allowed him to build an impressive multi-billion dollar empire, while also transforming the Patriots into one of the most successful franchises in the NFL. His savvy deal-making and ability to surround himself with talented people have been key to his success across multiple industries.
