Billionaire Profile
David Blitzer
Global Rank
#1101

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

David Blitzer

CEO, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.6B
As of December 2025
Age
56
Source
Sports
Industry
sports
Citizenship
US

Biography

David Blitzer is an American investor and sports magnate with an estimated net worth of $3.6 billion as of December 5, 2024. His wealth primarily stems from his investments in the sports industry. Blitzer is the Chairman of Blackstone's Tactical Opportunities group, and a member of the firm's Management Committee. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he has made a significant impact by becoming the first person to own team equity in all five major professional sports leagues in the U.S.. Blitzer's career includes co-founding Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), which owns the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils. He is also involved in various other sports ventures, including ownership stakes in soccer clubs such as Crystal Palace and Real Salt Lake.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

David Scott Blitzer was born on September 7, 1969, in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. He graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in 1987. Blitzer furthered his education at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating magna cum laude in 1991.

Rise to Success

Blitzer's career began shortly after graduating from Wharton. He joined Blackstone in 1991 and rose through the ranks. He worked in London from 2001 to 2011 to oversee the company's European interests and later became the chairman of Blackstone's Tactical Opportunities group. His foray into sports ownership began in 2011 when he became part of an investment group that purchased the Philadelphia 76ers. He co-founded Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) with Josh Harris in 2017. HBSE owns and operates multiple sports teams and venues. In 2023, he joined the ownership group that purchased the Washington Commanders.

Key Business Strategies

Blitzer's strategy involves identifying and executing investment opportunities across various asset classes and industries. He focuses on building a diverse portfolio that includes teams in the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, and MLS. This diversification, along with his role at Blackstone, has been key to his financial success. He is known for forming strategic partnerships and leveraging his expertise in finance and business management to acquire and manage sports franchises effectively.

Philanthropy

Blitzer, along with his wife Allison, founded the Blitzer Family Foundation. The foundation supports youth development through education, athletics, and health. He is also a donor to Hillel International, supporting programs that assist Jewish students in higher education. Blitzer also supports the Devils Youth Foundation and the Sixers Youth Foundation, which invest in organizations that positively impact community and youth development.

Career Milestones

1991

Graduated from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Graduated magna cum laude.

1991

Joined Blackstone

Began his career at the investment firm.

2011

Purchased Philadelphia 76ers

Acquired the NBA team as part of an investment group.

2013

Purchased the New Jersey Devils

Acquired the NHL team.

2017

Co-founded Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE)

Formed with Josh Harris, which owns the 76ers, Devils, and other sports properties.

2023

Acquired Washington Commanders

Joined the ownership group for the NFL team.

2024

Transitioned to Chairman of Blackstone's Tactical Opportunities group

Took on the role of chairman.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Youth Development

Blitzer Family Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports youth development through education, athletics, and health.

Community and Youth Development

Devils Youth Foundation & Sixers Youth Foundation

Undisclosed

Invests in organizations that positively impact community and youth development.

Education

Hillel International

Undisclosed

Supports programs assisting Jewish students in higher education.

Community Development

HBSE's Community Advancement Program

$2.5M+

Partners with Black developers and community groups.

Economic Empowerment

NBA Foundation

$10M

Contributed through the 76ers to drive economic empowerment in Black communities.