Joshua Harris Biography: NBA Owner, Apollo Co-Founder, Net Worth & More in 2026

Joshua Harris is a billionaire private equity investor and sports mogul who co-founded Apollo Global Management and owns a portfolio of iconic franchises including the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and a stake in Crystal Palace FC. Based in New York and Philadelphia, Harris has reshaped the sports business landscape while maintaining a low public profile. His 2026 net worth sits among the top ranks of American financiers, making him one of the most powerful figures in both Wall Street and professional sports.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Joshua Jordan Harris was born on December 1, 1964, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, an affluent suburb of Washington, D.C. His father, Dr. Melvin Harris, was a dentist and his mother managed the household. Growing up in a Jewish family that valued education and discipline, Harris developed an early fascination with numbers and business.

He attended the prestigious Sidwell Friends School, a private Quaker institution in Washington. A standout student, he displayed remarkable analytical skills and a competitive drive. Harris went on to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics in 1986. Wharton’s rigorous finance curriculum laid the foundation for his future career. He then pursued an M.B.A. at Harvard Business School, graduating in 1990. Harvard not only sharpened his investment acumen but also introduced him to a network that would later prove invaluable.

Career Journey and 2026 Updates

Apollo Global Management Genesis

After Harvard, Harris joined the mergers and acquisitions department at Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he worked alongside Michael Milken’s group during the junk bond era. The 1990 collapse of Drexel forced him to pivot. In 1990, alongside Leon Black, Marc Rowan, and others, he co-founded Apollo Global Management. The firm initially specialized in distressed securities and leveraged buyouts, often acquiring troubled companies, restructuring them, and selling them for profit.

Harris played a central role in building Apollo into one of the world’s largest alternative investment managers. He oversaw credit, private equity, and real estate operations. Under his leadership, Apollo’s assets under management soared from a few billion to over $500 billion by the early 2020s. He stepped back from day-to-day operations in 2022 to focus on his sports empire but remains a senior advisor and board member.

Sports Empire: 76ers, Devils, and Beyond

In 2011, Harris and his partner David Blitzer purchased the Philadelphia 76ers for $280 million. The duo infused the franchise with analytics-driven management, famously hiring Sam Hinkie and embarking on “The Process.” By 2026, the team’s valuation has surpassed $4 billion, fueled by a new arena deal and consistent playoff appearances. Harris also bought the NHL’s New Jersey Devils in 2013 for $320 million; the club has revitalized its arena and fan engagement under his ownership.

Together with Blitzer, Harris acquired a minority stake in the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and Premier League side Crystal Palace FC. In 2025, the pair expanded into English soccer by purchasing a significant share of Brøndby IF in Denmark, signaling a global sports strategy.

2026 Developments

The year 2026 marks a transformative period for Harris’s holdings. The 76ers are finalizing construction of a new downtown arena set to open for the 2027–28 season, a project that has reshaped Philadelphia’s skyline. In the NHL, the Devils made a deep playoff run in spring 2026 behind young stars, boosting merchandise sales and ticket demand. Harris has also been linked to potential investments in European football clubs, with rumors that his group might pursue a controlling stake in a La Liga franchise by late 2026.

Career Stats & Holdings

• Co-founder, Apollo Global Management (1990–present); Senior Advisor (2022–present)
• Owner/Managing Partner, Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) – since 2011
• Owner/Managing Partner, New Jersey Devils (NHL) – since 2013
• Co-owner, Crystal Palace FC (Premier League) – since 2015
• Co-owner, Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) – minority stake via HBSE
• Co-owner, Brøndby IF (Danish Superliga) – acquired 2025
• Former board member of numerous Apollo portfolio companies
• Estimated career deal value: over $200 billion in transactions

Personal Life

Joshua Harris maintains a deliberately private personal life despite his immense wealth. He married Marjorie Harris (née Shestack) in the early 1990s; the couple has three sons: Stuart, Thomas, and William. The Harrises live primarily in New York City and own a vacation estate in the Hamptons and a ranch in Colorado. Marjorie is an active philanthropist, and the family is deeply involved in Jewish communal causes.

Harris is known to be an avid reader of history and biographies. Friends describe him as intensely analytical yet quietly humorous in private settings. He enjoys attending sporting events with his sons, often blending business with family time by traveling with them during away games.

Relationships & Dating History

Before marrying Marjorie, Harris was linked to a few brief relationships during his investment banking years, but none were long-term or publicly documented. His marriage has remained stable for over three decades, and there are no known affairs or relationship controversies.

Family Tree

• Father: Dr. Melvin Harris (dentist)
• Mother: name private, homemaker
• Siblings: one older sister (name not public)
• Spouse: Marjorie Harris
• Children: Stuart Harris, Thomas Harris, William Harris

Awards & Achievements

• Ranked on Forbes Billionaires list consecutively since 2010
• Inducted into the Harvard Business School African-American Alumni Association (for his work with Apollo’s diversity initiatives)
• Repeatedly named to ESPN’s “Most Influential Figures in Sports” list
• Recipient of the Jewish Federations of North America’s Leadership Award (2018)
• Honorary degree from the University of Pennsylvania (2020)
• Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment won the 2025 Sports Innovation Award for their digital fan engagement platform launched in 2026

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“You don’t build a great firm by chasing short-term profits. You build it by earning trust over decades.”

“Sports is the ultimate meritocracy. On the field, results are all that matter. In business, the same rule applies.”

“The Process taught us that patience and data can beat fear. In 2026, we’re reaping what we sowed ten years ago.”

Controversies

Harris’s tenure has not been without scrutiny. Early in Apollo’s history, the firm faced criticism for aggressive tax strategies and high fees charged to pension funds. In 2020, the Paradise Papers leak revealed his offshore investments, though no illegalities were proven. As 76ers owner, the “Process” era drew litigation from ousted executives and accusations of tanking, but the franchise escaped league sanctions. In 2025, some fan groups protested ticket price increases for the new planned arena, labeling them exclusionary. Harris responded by committing $10 million to a community ticket fund in early 2026.

Favorites

• Favorite Book: “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich” by William Shirer
• Favorite Sports Team (non-owned): Baltimore Orioles (hometown loyalty)
• Favorite Cuisine: Italian
• Favorite Vacation Spot: Amalfi Coast, Italy
• Favorite Music: Classic rock, especially Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel
• Favorite Philanthropy Cause: Education and medical research

Salary & Net Worth (2026)

As of August 2026, Joshua Harris’s net worth is estimated at $8.7 billion by Bloomberg and Forbes. The figure reflects his Apollo equity (he still owns a 5% stake), sports team valuations, real estate, and a diversified personal portfolio. He does not draw a traditional salary; his compensation comes from profit shares, dividends, and carried interest from Apollo investments, which in peak years exceeds $500 million annually. The sports franchises generate revenue exceeding $1 billion combined, with personal income distributions rumored around $100–$150 million per year after expenses. Industry benchmarks place his annual income from all sources at approximately $700 million in 2026, driven by an Apollo special dividend and rising sports media deals.

Interesting Facts

• Harris originally planned to become a lawyer before a Wharton professor steered him into finance.
• He met David Blitzer at Harvard Business School; the two remian best friends and business partners.
• The 76ers purchase price of $280 million seemed high in 2011; by 2026, the team’s worth multiplied over 14 times.
• He owns a rare collection of first-edition history books, valued at over $2 million.
• Despite co-founding a firm worth billions, Harris flies commercial for family vacations to set an example for his sons.
• In 2019, he donated $50 million to the University of Pennsylvania to establish a scholarship program for first-generation college students.

Did You Know Already?

Joshua Harris was one of the first private equity titans to invest in professional sports, paving the way for other financiers like Steve Ballmer and Joe Tsai. He also served as a trustee of the Brookings Institution for over a decade. In 2026, the newly approved 76ers arena project made Harris the largest commercial real estate developer in Philadelphia—a pivot he never predicted in his Apollo days.

Social Media Links

Joshua Harris keeps an exceedingly low social media profile. He does not maintain any personal public accounts. However, his organizations can be followed:

• Philadelphia 76ers: @sixers on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook
• New Jersey Devils: @NJDevils on X, Instagram
• Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment: hbse.com (official website)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Joshua Harris?

Joshua Harris is an American billionaire investor and sports team owner. He co-founded Apollo Global Management and currently owns the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and other sports properties. His net worth in 2026 is estimated at $8.7 billion.

How old is Joshua Harris in 2026?

Joshua Harris was born on December 1, 1964. As of August 2026, he is 61 years 8 months old years old.

What sports teams does Joshua Harris own?

Through Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, he is the controlling owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. He also holds minority stakes in the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Crystal Palace FC (Premier League), and Brøndby IF (Danish Superliga).

What is Joshua Harris’s net worth in 2026?

His net worth hovers around $8.7 billion, driven by his Apollo equity and the soaring values of his sports franchises.

Is Joshua Harris married?

Yes, he has been married to Marjorie Harris for over 30 years. They have three sons together.

How did Joshua Harris make his money?

Harris amassed his fortune through the growth of Apollo Global Management, specializing in distressed debt and leveraged buyouts. Later, his sports team investments multiplied in value, contributing billions to his wealth.

Conclusion

Joshua Harris’s journey from a Maryland suburb to the peak of global finance and sports exemplifies strategic patience and relentless performance. In 2026, his influence spans Wall Street boardrooms, NBA and NHL arenas, and European soccer stadiums. If you found this biography helpful, share it with fellow sports and business enthusiasts, and stay tuned for more updates on influential figures shaping our world.