Billionaire Profile
Larry Tanenbaum
Global Rank
#1480

Image: Cmm3 | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Larry Tanenbaum

CEO, Sports
CANADA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.781B
Estimated based on Sports stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
80
Source
Sports
Industry
Sports
Citizenship
CANADA

Biography

Larry Tanenbaum is a prominent Canadian businessman, sports executive, and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $2.8 billion as of early February 2026. Born in Toronto, Canada, Tanenbaum is the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), overseeing major sports franchises including the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), and Toronto FC (MLS). His career has been marked by significant achievements in business and sports, including spearheading the effort to bring the NBA to Toronto and playing a key role in the acquisition of the Toronto Raptors and Air Canada Centre. Tanenbaum's leadership extends beyond sports; he is also involved in various community and philanthropic initiatives, notably through the Tanenbaum Family Foundation, which supports medical research, brain science, and Jewish community causes.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lawrence M. Tanenbaum was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1945. He is of Jewish descent. His father, Max, owned York Steel, and Larry graduated from Cornell University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.

Rise to Success

Tanenbaum's career is marked by success in both business and sports. He is the chairman and CEO of Kilmer Van Nostrand Co. Limited, a multi-faceted civil engineering construction company. He was also instrumental in the acquisition of the Toronto Raptors basketball team and Air Canada Centre in 1998, which, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, formed Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). In 2003, he became the chairman of MLSE.

Key Business Strategies

Tanenbaum's business acumen is evident in his diverse ventures. He has been involved in infrastructure, real estate, manufacturing, and private equity through Kilmer Van Nostrand Co. Limited. Tanenbaum's strategy also includes significant philanthropic work and community involvement, notably through the Tanenbaum Family Foundation, supporting various causes.

Philanthropy

Tanenbaum is actively involved in philanthropy. He is involved in the Sinai Health System, and also co-founded the Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport. The Tanenbaum Family Foundation supports various initiatives, including medical research, brain science, and Jewish community causes. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2007, and received an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of Toronto in 2012, reflecting his commitment to philanthropy.

Career Milestones

1968

Graduated from Cornell University

Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.

1996

Acquired interest in the Toronto Maple Leafs

Began his involvement in the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey club and arena.

1998

Active in the acquisition of the Toronto Raptors

Played a key role in acquiring the Toronto Raptors basketball team and Air Canada Centre, forming MLSE.

2003

Chairman of MLSE

Became chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

2007

Officer of the Order of Canada

Appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions.

2012

Honorary Degree

Awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by the University of Toronto.

2024

WNBA Franchise Acquisition

Acquired a WNBA expansion team for Toronto.

2024

Acquired AS Saint-Étienne

Kilmer Sports Ventures acquired AS Saint-Étienne, a French soccer club.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Sports and Healthcare

Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport

Undisclosed

Promotes evidence-based research in sport science and sports medicine.