Missouri Man Becomes Largest Private Land Owner in U.S. With Montana Ranches

Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams, has amassed over 225,000 acres across three ranches in Montana.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Stan Kroenke, a Missouri native and owner of the Los Angeles Rams, has been crowned the largest private land owner in the United States. Kroenke, who is married to a Walmart heiress, has amassed over 225,000 acres of land across three ranches in Montana - the Broken O Ranch near Augusta, the Cedar Creek Ranch near Ennis, and the PV Ranch near Hysham. This trend of wealthy individuals and companies purchasing large swaths of land in Montana has raised concerns among residents about public land access.

Why it matters

The growing trend of wealthy individuals and companies purchasing massive amounts of private land in Montana has sparked debates about land ownership, public access, and the changing landscape of the state. As one of the largest private landowners in the U.S., Kroenke's land acquisitions highlight the influence of money and power in shaping the future of Montana's rural communities.

The details

Kroenke, who started a construction company and specialized in building properties around Walmart stores, has amassed a real estate empire that includes the Los Angeles Rams, the Denver Nuggets, and the Colorado Avalanche. His marriage to a Walmart heiress has further bolstered his wealth and enabled him to purchase large tracts of land in Montana, including the 124,000-acre Broken O Ranch near Augusta, the Cedar Creek Ranch near Ennis, and the PV Ranch near Hysham.

  • Kroenke has been acquiring land in Montana over the last couple of decades.

The players

Stan Kroenke

A Missouri native who is the owner of the Los Angeles Rams and has become the largest private land owner in the United States, with over 225,000 acres of land across three ranches in Montana.

Walmart

The retail giant founded by the Walton family, which Kroenke has close ties to through his marriage to a Walton heiress.

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What’s next

The growing trend of wealthy individuals and companies purchasing large tracts of land in Montana is likely to continue, raising ongoing concerns about public access and the changing landscape of the state.

The takeaway

The story of Stan Kroenke's rise to become the largest private land owner in the U.S. through his acquisition of over 225,000 acres in Montana highlights the influence of wealth and power in shaping the future of rural communities, and the need for balanced policies that address the concerns of both landowners and the public.