Table of Contents
- Pat Bowlen Net Worth and Biography
- Highlights
- Early Life
- Career
- Personal Life
- Net Worth Over Time
- Components of Net Worth
Pat Bowlen Net Worth and Biography
| Net Worth | Salary | Birthdate | Birthplace | Gender | Height | Profession | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1 billion | N/A | 1944 | Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin | Male | N/A | American Attorney, Businessman | American |
Highlights
Pat Bowlen, an American attorney, was the majority owner and Chief Executive Owner of the Denver Broncos, a National Football League (NFL) team. At the time of his death in 2019, Bowlen’s net worth was estimated to be $1 billion, primarily due to his ownership of the Broncos.
Early Life
Pat Bowlen was born in 1944 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. His father, Paul Bowlen, had achieved significant wealth in the Canadian oil business. Bowlen obtained his BA and JD from the University of Oklahoma. Despite having a financially prosperous family background, Bowlen built his own wealth through a successful law practice in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Additionally, he worked as an executive for his father’s company, Regent Drilling, and pursued real estate development.
Career
In 1984, when the Denver Broncos were facing bankruptcy under former owner Edgar Kaiser, Pat Bowlen and his siblings John, Bill, and Marybeth purchased a majority stake in the team for $78 million. Within a year, the rest of the family joined them to acquire the entire franchise. Bowlen’s astute ownership and strategic decision-making contributed to the Broncos’ success.
Under Bowlen’s ownership, the Broncos experienced their heyday, with legendary quarterback John Elway leading the team to several achievements, including five AFC championships and two Super Bowl victories. The Broncos’ popularity and profitability soared during this period, thanks to Bowlen’s leadership.
Personal Life
Pat Bowlen passed away in June 2019, leaving behind the Denver Broncos as part of the Bowlen Trust. The trust distributed the team equally among Bowlen’s seven children. However, the heirs encountered difficulties reaching consensus on important team decisions, prompting the eventual sale of the franchise.
In June 2022, the Bowlen Trust announced the sale of the Denver Broncos to Walmart heir Rob Walton for a staggering $4.5 billion, making it the most expensive team sale in history. This sale translates to a pre-tax cash-out of $643 million for each of Pat Bowlen’s seven heirs.
Net Worth Over Time
Pat Bowlen’s net worth significantly increased over time due to the soaring value of the Denver Broncos franchise. At the time of his death in 2019, Bowlen’s net worth was estimated at $1 billion. After his passing, the Broncos’ value skyrocketed, culminating in the team’s sale for $4.5 billion in 2022.
Components of Net Worth
The majority of Pat Bowlen’s net worth was attributable to his ownership of the Denver Broncos. His investment in the team proved immensely profitable, as the Broncos’ success and popularity grew under his leadership. The sale of the franchise resulted in a substantial financial windfall for each of Bowlen’s seven children.

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Note: All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources. While we strive for accuracy, these figures are estimates and may not reflect the exact wealth.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for guidance on financial matters.
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