Joseph Tsai owns the Brooklyn Nets. The billionaire co-founder of Alibaba completed a phased acquisition of the franchise between 2018 and 2019, securing absolute control over both the team and its home arena, the Barclays Center. His entry marked a major shift from the turbulent era of foreign oligarch management to a tech-driven, global operating model.
Understanding who runs the franchise requires looking beyond a single name. Modern NBA governance involves complex corporate structures, minority stakeholders, and multi-billion-dollar real estate assets. This breakdown details who holds the power, how the ownership evolved, and what it means for the franchise's financial standing.
Who Is Joseph Tsai?
Joseph Tsai serves as the governor and controlling owner of the Brooklyn Nets. Born in Taiwan and holding Canadian citizenship, Tsai built his fortune as the executive vice chairman and co-founder of Alibaba Group, one of the world's largest e-commerce conglomerates. His net worth places him firmly among the richest sports team owners globally.
Tsai first entered the NBA ecosystem in October 2018 when he purchased a 49 percent minority stake from Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, valuing the franchise at $2.3 billion. Less than a year later, in September 2019, Tsai exercised his option to buy the remaining 51 percent, taking full ownership of the team and the operating rights to the Barclays Center in a deal totaling roughly $3.3 billion. At the time, it stood as the largest transaction ever recorded for a North American sports franchise.
Through his holding vehicle, BSE Global, Tsai manages not only the Nets but also the WNBA's New York Liberty, the NBA G League's Long Island Nets, and NetsGC, the organization's eSports franchise. His management style relies heavily on digital integration, international audience expansion, and heavy investment in state-of-the-art training facilities.
The Mikhail Prokhorov Era and Prior Ownership
Before Tsai's quiet takeover, the franchise weathered a volatile period under Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov. Prokhorov bought an 80 percent stake in the team in 2010 when the franchise was still located in New Jersey, committing to move the club to Brooklyn.
His tenure was defined by aggressive spending and immediate ambition. Prokhorov promised a championship within five years, trading heavily for aging superstars like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in a blockbuster 2013 trade with the Boston Celtics. That gamble backfired catastrophically, stripping the team of draft picks for years and landing the franchise in salary cap hell.
By 2015, shifting geopolitical tensions, domestic economic pressures in Russia, and tumbling commodity prices forced Prokhorov to restructure his holdings. He eventually sold out entirely to Tsai, closing a chapter that permanently altered how the NBA vets international investors.
Before Prokhorov, the franchise cycled through several traditional American sports owners, including real estate developer Bruce Ratner—who masterminded the move to Brooklyn—and long-term New Jersey custodians like Lewis Katz and Raymond Chambers.
Minority Owners and Corporate Structure
While Joseph Tsai holds controlling voting power, the Brooklyn Nets operate under BSE Global as part of a broader corporate portfolio. Over the years, Tsai has invited select limited partners into the ownership fold, though he retains the vast majority of equity.
Minority stakes in NBA franchises function primarily as passive financial investments rather than operational roles. These partners do not dictate roster moves, coaching hires, or front-office strategy. Instead, they share in the franchise's revenue streams—including local television rights, ticket sales, sponsorships, and shared league-wide media distributions. Under NBA rules, all franchise sales and minority transfers undergo strict vetting by the league office to verify the legitimacy of capital sources and compliance with debt limits.
Franchise Valuation and Economic Impact
The financial trajectory of the Brooklyn Nets shifted dramatically under Tsai's watch. When Prokhorov bought the team in 2010, the valuation sat at $200 million. When Tsai bought control at the end of the decade, that figure climbed past $3 billion. Current valuation estimates place the franchise well north of $4 billion, driven by surging national TV contracts, international merchandising, and the real estate value surrounding the Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn.
The National Basketball Association benefits enormously from owners with deep technological and international ties, as these figures help expand league viewership across Asian and European markets. Tsai's background has specifically positioned the Nets as a globally recognized brand, though it has also occasionally drawn scrutiny regarding international politics and corporate governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mikhail Prokhorov still own any part of the Brooklyn Nets?
No. Mikhail Prokhorov sold his initial 49 percent stake in 2018 and the remaining 51 percent in 2019. He retains zero ownership or operational control over the team or the Barclays Center.
What is the Barclays Center ownership status?
Joseph Tsai owns BSE Global, the entity that controls the operating rights and management of the Barclays Center. However, the real estate itself is owned by other entities, with BSE Global managing the arena operations and events.
How much did Joseph Tsai pay for the Brooklyn Nets?
Tsai paid approximately $1.35 billion for his initial 49 percent stake in 2018 and roughly $2.35 billion for the remaining majority stake in 2019, bringing the total investment for the team and arena operations to around $3.3 billion.
Who runs day-to-day basketball operations for the team?
While Joseph Tsai is the governor and ultimate authority, he delegates daily basketball decisions—such as trades, the draft, and coaching staff management—to the team's general manager and basketball operations front office.
