Billionaire Profile
Josh Harris
Global Rank
#313

Image: Virginia Office of the Governor | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Josh Harris

CEO, Private equity
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$10.738B
Estimated based on Private equity stock value as of April 20, 2026
+0.87% (24h)
Age
61
Source
Private equity
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Joshua Jordan Harris is an American investor, sports team owner, and philanthropist. He is the co-founder of Apollo Global Management, a leading private equity firm, and is currently the managing partner of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, the NHL's New Jersey Devils, and the NFL's Washington Commanders. Harris earned his degree in economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School. His career has been marked by significant achievements in finance and sports, as well as a commitment to philanthropy through his foundation, Harris Philanthropies.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Josh Harris was born on December 29, 1964, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He graduated from The Field School in Washington, D.C., in 1982. He attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences before transferring to the Wharton School to study economics, graduating summa cum laude in 1986. He then pursued an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was named a Baker Loeb Scholar, graduating in 1990.

Rise to Success

Harris began his career at Drexel Burnham Lambert as a mergers and acquisitions analyst. In 1990, he co-founded Apollo Global Management with Leon Black and Marc Rowan. Over three decades, Harris played a key role in building Apollo into a leading global alternative investment manager. He was involved in significant private equity investments, including the LyondellBasell transaction, which generated substantial profits. Harris stepped down from Apollo in 2022 and founded 26North, an alternative asset management firm.

Key Business Strategies

Harris is known for his strategic approach to investment, focusing on building excellent teams and strong cultures. He emphasizes a culture of excellence and mission-driven work, recognizing that culture and people are critical for success in the investment world and sports. He has expanded his influence into sports by acquiring and managing several professional teams through Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE). He is committed to creating a positive fan experience and giving back to the community.

Philanthropy

Josh Harris and his wife, Marjorie, founded Harris Philanthropies in 2014. The foundation focuses on supporting youth and community development, sports, wellness, and education, and they have become one of the largest supporters of after-school sports programs, helping over 100,000 youth annually.

Career Milestones

1990

Co-founded Apollo Global Management

Co-founded Apollo Global Management, an investment company focused on distressed asset buyouts and alternative investment management.

2011

Acquired Philadelphia 76ers

Led an independent group to acquire the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers.

2013

Acquired New Jersey Devils

Led an independent group to acquire the NHL's New Jersey Devils.

2014

Founded Harris Philanthropies

Co-founded Harris Philanthropies with his wife to support youth and community development.

2017

Co-founded Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE)

Co-founded HBSE with David Blitzer to consolidate their sports ventures.

2022

Founded 26North

Founded 26North, an alternative asset firm.

2023

Acquired Washington Commanders

Led a group that bought the NFL's Washington Commanders for $6.05 billion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Health

Harris Center for Precision Wellness

$5M

Established the Harris Center for Precision Wellness at New York's Icahn Genomics Institute.

Youth Development

After-School All-Stars

$1M

Provided a grant to After-School All-Stars for six schools in Newark, Philadelphia, and Camden.

Community Development

The Bridgespan Group

$2M

Donated to The Bridgespan Group to expand their nonprofit programs in Philadelphia and Camden.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Legacy, in Josh's view, is defined not by performance metrics but by the people you mentor, the culture you shape, and the values you uphold."

"In terms of sports, I look at it as a great responsibility… Your job as an owner is to be a steward for a city."

Leadership Principles

Excellence

Striving for excellence in all aspects of business and personal life.

Stewardship

Acting as a responsible steward for the community and the organizations he leads.

Culture and People

Emphasizing culture and people as critical for success in both investments and sports.

Inclusivity

Building an organization and culture of inclusivity.