No, Elon Musk did not buy the Dallas Cowboys, nor was there any sale of the Cowboys for $12 billion as has been erroneously reported in various sources. Let’s break down this situation and debunk the fake news surrounding it.
The Rumor of Elon Musk Buying the Cowboys
A recent wave of false reports surfaced claiming that Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind companies like Tesla and SpaceX, had purchased the Dallas Cowboys for a staggering $12 billion. This claim spread through social media, some fan forums, and even certain news outlets, but after careful fact-checking and examination, there is no truth to it.
The Origin of the Fake Story
The rumor appears to have emerged from a mix of misinformation, exaggerated headlines, and misunderstanding. Some unverified sources may have conflated different topics—Elon Musk’s general interest in high-profile sports franchises, his wealth, and rumors about sports team sales—creating a false narrative.
Misinformation in Social Media: On platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where news can easily be distorted, false claims about Musk’s supposed acquisition of the Cowboys went viral. It’s not uncommon for such rumors to be amplified by the speed at which information spreads on social media, and in this case, many users took the bait without verifying the details.
Exaggerated Headlines: The headline of “$12 billion” seems particularly designed to catch attention. Such a figure would make Musk’s hypothetical purchase of the Cowboys the most expensive sports team acquisition in history—an unlikely scenario given that the most expensive team ever sold, the Washington Commanders, went for $6.05 billion in 2023.
Context of the $12 Billion Figure: The “$12 billion” price tag is particularly suspicious because no credible sources or major outlets have ever reported such a transaction in the context of sports franchises. The figure likely comes from previous valuations of the Cowboys, but these figures refer to estimates of the franchise’s worth, not actual sales.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Ownership and Jerry Jones
To understand why the claim is impossible, let’s examine the current state of ownership of the Dallas Cowboys.
Jerry Jones and the Cowboys: The Dallas Cowboys are currently owned by Jerry Jones, who purchased the team in 1989 for $140 million. Under Jones’ leadership, the Cowboys have become one of the most successful and valuable sports franchises in the world. As of the latest reports, the Cowboys’ value is estimated at around $9-10 billion, according to Forbes, making it the most valuable NFL team.
Jerry Jones is known for being highly involved in the day-to-day operations of the team, from football decisions to business and marketing strategies. His ownership has brought numerous accolades, but also some controversy. Despite this, Jones has made it clear that he has no plans to sell the Cowboys. He remains one of the most influential figures in the NFL, both as an owner and a businessman.
Jones’ Public Statements: As recently as 2023, Jerry Jones has been outspoken about his dedication to the team and his ongoing commitment to its ownership. In interviews, Jones has suggested that he is not looking to sell the Cowboys anytime soon, particularly not at the rumored $12 billion price tag.
The Dallas Cowboys’ True Valuation
While the $12 billion rumor is entirely unfounded, the true value of the Dallas Cowboys is a topic of frequent discussion in sports business circles. Forbes regularly publishes annual valuations of sports teams, and in 2024, the Cowboys were valued at approximately $9.2 billion, holding their spot as the most valuable team in the NFL.
The Cowboys’ value is driven by multiple factors:
- Brand Power: The Cowboys have one of the most recognizable sports brands globally, with their iconic star logo and historical success on the field.
- Stadium Revenue: AT&T Stadium, the team’s home, is one of the largest and most sophisticated stadiums in the world, generating significant revenue from hosting events like concerts, soccer games, and college football.
- Media Deals: The NFL’s lucrative media deals contribute a significant share to the Cowboys’ valuation, with the team benefiting from national and local broadcasting rights.
- Sponsorships and Merchandising: The Cowboys also generate large revenues through sponsorships and their extensive merchandise sales.
Despite all of these factors, the reported value of $12 billion exceeds even the Cowboys’ most optimistic valuation. The value of NFL teams is generally in the billions, but figures like $12 billion are highly speculative and unlikely to represent the actual sale price of the franchise.
The True Cost of NFL Teams
While NFL team prices have skyrocketed in recent years, no team has yet approached a sale price anywhere near $12 billion. The previous record for the most expensive sports team sale was the $6.05 billion purchase of the Washington Commanders in 2023. Before that, the most expensive NFL team purchase was the $4.65 billion sale of the Denver Broncos in 2022.
If the Dallas Cowboys were to be sold, they would likely fetch a high price, possibly exceeding the $6 billion range. However, $12 billion seems highly unlikely, and there’s no evidence to suggest that such a deal is on the horizon.
Elon Musk’s Interests in Sports Teams
Although Musk has made no moves to purchase the Cowboys, he has expressed interest in sports on occasion, which may have contributed to the rumors.
- Musk’s Wealth and Public Persona: Elon Musk is one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet, with a net worth fluctuating around $200 billion (as of early 2025). This level of wealth places Musk in the same league as potential sports franchise buyers. However, Musk’s business ventures have largely centered around technology, space exploration, and renewable energy, not sports teams.
- Speculation Around Team Purchases: In the past, there have been rumors about Musk potentially buying an NBA team (such as the Sacramento Kings), but these reports never materialized into serious talks. While Musk has occasionally commented on the idea of owning a sports team, there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that he has ever pursued such a venture in earnest.
- Social Media Influence: Musk’s presence on social media, particularly Twitter (now X), has made him an influential figure in many areas, including pop culture, politics, and sports. However, this doesn’t equate to a genuine involvement in sports franchise ownership.
The Future of the Dallas Cowboys
As it stands, the Dallas Cowboys are not for sale, and there is no indication that Elon Musk is preparing to buy them. Jerry Jones, who has guided the Cowboys to tremendous commercial success, remains firmly in control of the team.
If the Cowboys are ever sold in the future, it is likely to be a highly publicized and carefully negotiated process, but any claim of a $12 billion sale is simply not grounded in reality.
