James Dolan has long been in the spotlight as the owner of one of the NBA’s most high-profile franchises, the New York Knicks.
Dolan has owned the team since 1999, and it’s been a roller-coaster ride. The Knicks have made an NBA Finals appearance but have also endured some rough stretches. In recent years, though, the franchise has been on the rise.
While Dolan has faced criticism, he deserves credit for sticking with the team when many might have walked away. But beyond basketball, many don’t know how much Dolan is worth or how he built his fortune.
James Dolan’s Net Worth and How He Made His Fortune
Dolan’s net worth is reportedly around $2 billion, according to Marca. His wealth stems from his former leadership at Cablevision, a now-defunct cable television company, and his current role as CEO and executive chairman of Madison Square Garden Sports.
Dolan’s father, Charles Dolan, founded Cablevision in 1955, and James worked his way up in the company before becoming its CEO in 2010. Before Dolan took over as CEO, Cablevision increased its stake in Madison Square Garden, first acquiring 50% in 1994, then the remaining 50% in 1997.
Cablevision was sold in 2016 for $17.7 billion, marking a major financial windfall for the Dolan family. Today, Dolan oversees Madison Square Garden Sports, which owns the Knicks and the New York Rangers.
James Dolan’s Push for NBA Financial Transparency
In recent years, Dolan has become more outspoken about NBA finances. In a letter obtained by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Dolan called for greater financial transparency in the league’s operations.
The proposed resolution, which would take effect in the 2025-26 NBA fiscal year, asks the league to:
- Adopt a zero-based budgeting method for operating costs, staffing, and capital expenditures.
- Provide a detailed presentation of the NBA’s annual budget, including a full breakdown of expenses by department and revenue stream.
The letter, co-signed by Dolan and Madison Square Garden COO Jamaal Lesane, also pointed out that the NBA’s operating budget rose nearly 8% from the previous year and highlighted an increase in league office staffing by over 800 people.
Even with his billions, Dolan clearly wants to ensure he knows exactly how the NBA is managing its finances, particularly when it comes to how his money is being used in relation to the Knicks.