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Billionaire Profile
Philip Anschutz
Global Rank
#143

Image: KCBalletMedia | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Philip Anschutz

CEO, Energy
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$19.401B
Estimated based on Energy stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
86
Source
Energy, sports, entertainment
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Philip Anschutz, born December 28, 1939, is an American billionaire businessman. His wealth stems from diverse investments in the energy, sports, and entertainment industries. With an estimated net worth of $19.4 billion as of early 2024, Anschutz is ranked among the wealthiest individuals globally. His career began in the oil industry, where he made his initial fortune. He later expanded into railroads, telecommunications, and, most notably, the sports and entertainment sectors, where he has achieved significant success. Anschutz's ventures include ownership of the Los Angeles Kings (NHL), the LA Galaxy (MLS), and the Crypto.com Arena. He also founded the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), a major player in live entertainment.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Philip Frederick Anschutz was born on December 28, 1939, in Russell, Kansas. His father, Fred Anschutz, was an oil wildcatter. Philip graduated from the University of Kansas in 1961 with a degree in finance.

Rise to Success

Anschutz took over his father's oil drilling company, Circle A Drilling, in 1961, and found significant success in Wyoming. He expanded his investments into various sectors, including real estate and railroads. A major turning point came in the 1980s when Anschutz discovered a substantial oil field, generating a considerable fortune. He then entered the entertainment industry, co-founding Major League Soccer and investing in sports teams and entertainment venues through the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG).

Key Business Strategies

Anschutz's business strategy involved diversification, identifying undervalued assets, and long-term vision. He invested in multiple sectors, from energy to entertainment, mitigating risks and creating various revenue streams. His acquisition of railroads and subsequent fiber optic cable installation, used by telecom companies, demonstrated his foresight. In the entertainment sector, Anschutz focused on family-friendly content, which contributed to his success.

Philanthropy

Anschutz is actively involved in philanthropy through the Anschutz Foundation. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus bears his name, a testament to his significant contributions to education and healthcare.

Career Milestones

1961

Took over Circle A Drilling

Took over his father's oil drilling company and started his career in the oil business.

1967

Oil discovery

Discovered a major oil field in Wyoming, which led to significant financial gains.

1982

Sold oil field interests

Sold interests in his Wyoming oil field to Mobil for $500 million, providing capital for future ventures.

1984

Entered the Railroad Business

Purchased the Rio Grande Railroad's holding company.

1994

Founded AEG

Founded Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), a major entertainment and sports company.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education/Healthcare

Anschutz Medical Campus

$100M+

Major contributions to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Health/Social Causes

Elton John AIDS Foundation

$1M

Donation to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“The world is full of nice hotels, but it is not full of great hotels.”"

"“As a wildcatter, 95 percent of everything you do is failure – most holes are dry.”"

Leadership Principles

Diversification

Investing in various sectors to mitigate risk.

Long-Term Vision

Focusing on long-term investments and building sustainable businesses.

Identifying Undervalued Assets

Finding and improving underperforming assets.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Anti-LGBTQ Allegations

Criticism over donations to anti-LGBTQ organizations. Anschutz denied these claims.

2000-2001

Tax Avoidance

Used prepaid variable forward contracts to avoid capital gains taxes.

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