Stan Kroenke, owner of the LA Rams, takes the lead as largest private land owner in the US by 2026
Stan Kroenke, American billionaire and owner of Los Angeles Rams, became the largest private land owner in the Estados Unidos. The position was achieved after the acquisition of approximately 937 thousand acres in Novo México, in December 2025. Essa purchase brought its total holdings to more than 2.7 million acres in several states.
The annual ranking of Land Report, a reference in the American rural real estate sector, confirmed the leadership of Kroenke in its 2026 edition. The operation involved non-contiguous lands in Novo México, previously known as Singleton Ranches.
The rise reflects the continuous movement towards concentration of rural properties by large investors in the USA. Kroenke, which also controls franchises such as Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, consolidates a diversified portfolio of ranches dedicated mainly to livestock farming.
Recent acquisition at Novo México
The purchase completed in December 2025 added nearly 1 million acres to Kroenke’s holdings. Essas lands are located in different regions of Novo México and were owned by previous groups linked to traditional ranching operations. The transaction represented one of the largest rural real estate negotiations in recent years in the state.
The new properties include areas for cattle raising and natural resource conservation. Elas integrates with the management model adopted by Kroenke on other ranches, focusing on sustainability and high-quality livestock production. The acquisition immediately raised the total acres under its control beyond its competitors’ previous mark.
Comparison with other large owners
Kroenke surpassed the Emmerson family, which owned vast areas of forests for timber production. The family had occupied first place for years, with holdings concentrated in states such as Califórnia and Oregon. Agora secondly, the Emmerson maintain properties mainly focused on the timber sector.
Other names at the top of the rankings include John Malone, known for investments in telecommunications, and Ted Turner, founder of CNN. Malone comes in third, with land used for conservation and livestock farming. Turner, fourth, prioritizes environmental preservation projects on their ranches.
- Main positions in Land Report 2026:
- 1st Stan Kroenke – more than 2.7 million acres
- 2nd Família Emmerson – extensive forest areas
- 3rd John Malone – diversified properties
- 4th Ted Turner – focus on conservation
Historical property portfolio
Kroenke built his rural empire over decades through strategic acquisitions. One of the best known occurred in 2015, with the purchase of Waggoner Ranch, in Texas, for an estimated value of hundreds of millions of dollars. Esse ranch covers more than 200 thousand hectares and is recognized as one of the largest in the country.
Other properties include ranches in Montana, Wyoming, and Califórnia. Nelas, Kroenke develops wagyu cattle breeding, a premium variety of beef. Ele also has high-end wineries, such as Screaming Eagle, in the Napa Valley region.
The lands are managed by teams specialized in agriculture and livestock. Elas contribute to food production and maintenance of rural ecosystems in the states involved.
Land use and current management
The properties of Kroenke are mainly intended for extensive livestock farming. Muitos ranches operate with herds of thousands of cattle, following modern management practices. Parte of the areas are used for the conservation of wildlife and water resources.
Management prioritizes operational efficiency and long-term financial return. Equipes locals oversee daily activities, including pasture control and environmental monitoring. Algumas properties offer controlled hunting programs, common on large American ranches.
Rural land market context
The market for large rural properties in the USA is worth billions of dollars annually. Investidores like Kroenke seek assets that combine agricultural production with real estate appreciation. Estados as well as Texas, Montana and Novo México concentrate the largest transactions.
The demand for ample land is growing due to factors such as the expansion of premium livestock farming and interest in conservation. Rankings and Land Report have tracked these changes since 2007. Eles highlight the concentration of acres in the hands of a few individual or family owners.
These acquisitions influence local economies through jobs and taxes. Elas also contribute to the maintenance of open areas in an increasingly urbanized country.
Details of livestock operations
Kroenke invests in elite beef genetics on several ranches. Programas of breeding produce wagyu cattle for high quality markets. The facilities include modern structures for animal management and reproduction.
The properties in Texas and Montana stand out for their production scale. Elas supply meat to national distribution networks. Equipes veterinarians constantly monitor the health of the herds.
Expansion beyond American borders
Although the focus is on the US, Kroenke maintains international real estate interests linked to its sports teams. No Reino Unido, he controls Arsenal through corporate structures. Essas connections do not directly interfere in the management of American lands.
The business model combines professional sports with rural investments. Ele generates revenue diversification and asset protection.
