Wes Edens Net Worth

Wes Edens is an American billionaire businessman, private equity investor, and sports team owner who has a net worth of $3.6 billion. He built much of his fortune as the co-founder of Fortress Investment Group, an influential global investment management firm. Beyond finance, Edens has made major moves in the energy sector through New Fortress Energy, and in sports as co-owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks and English Premier League club Aston Villa. He is also a co-founder of the luxury tequila brand Cincoro Tequila, alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan and other partners.

Wes Edens Net Worth: $3.6 Billion
Date of Birth: October 30, 1961
Place of Birth: Helena, Montana

Early Life

Wesley Robert Edens was born on October 30, 1961, in Helena, Montana. An avid skier during his youth, Edens developed a competitive edge early on. He later attended Oregon State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and business administration in 1984.

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Career

Edens launched his financial career in 1987 at Lehman Brothers, where he served as a partner and managing director. In 1993, he left to join BlackRock, taking a leading role in its private equity division. His early work in investment banking laid the foundation for his later success in building one of the most recognized private equity firms in the United States.

Fortress Investment Group

In 1998, Wes Edens co-founded Fortress Investment Group alongside Rob Kauffman and Randal Nardone. The firm rapidly expanded into hedge funds, private equity, real estate, and debt securities. Fortress became a pioneer in the industry when it went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2007, becoming the first major private equity firm in the U.S. to do so.

At its height, Fortress managed billions in assets across diverse sectors, with investments in companies such as Intrawest, RailAmerica, Nationstar Mortgage, and Springleaf Financial. In 2017, Fortress was acquired by SoftBank Group for $3.3 billion, solidifying Edens’ status as a billionaire investor.

New Fortress Energy

In 2014, Edens founded New Fortress Energy, a company focused on natural gas infrastructure and renewable energy. The company has developed projects across the Caribbean and Latin America, including a billion-dollar liquefied natural gas terminal in Jamaica’s Old Harbour Bay.

With its renewable energy division, Zero, New Fortress Energy is also exploring green hydrogen technology in a bid to move toward a carbon-free future. The company remains one of Edens’ most significant ventures outside of private equity.

Cincoro Tequila

In 2016, Wes Edens teamed up with Michael Jordan, Jeanie Buss, Wyc Grousbeck, and Emilia Fazzalari to launch Cincoro Tequila. The luxury tequila brand emphasizes craftsmanship, aging its spirits in American whiskey barrels to create rich, smooth blends. The brand quickly gained traction in the premium spirits market.

Sports Ownership

Edens is well known for his role in sports investments. In 2014, he and fellow billionaire Marc Lasry purchased the Milwaukee Bucks for $550 million. Under their ownership, the team flourished, culminating in the Bucks winning the NBA Championship in 2021. The pair also spearheaded the development of Fiserv Forum, a state-of-the-art arena in Milwaukee.

Beyond basketball, Edens co-founded V Sports, which owns the English Premier League club Aston Villa and has a stake in Portuguese side Vitória S.C..

Edens has also ventured into esports, previously owning the professional “League of Legends” team FlyQuest, which was sold in 2022.

Personal Life

Wes Edens is married to Lynn Edens, and together they have four children. Their daughter, Mallory Edens, gained attention when she represented the Milwaukee Bucks at the 2014 NBA Draft Lottery. Mallory has since built a career as a model and media personality.

Outside business and sports, Edens has a passion for skiing and hospitality. He built Caldera House, a luxury boutique hotel and ski club in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Real Estate

Edens has made notable investments in luxury real estate. In 2020, he purchased a $20 million, 7,000-square-foot condo in New York City with a 2,000-square-foot rooftop terrace. Previously, he owned a Central Park West apartment, which he sold to actor Bruce Willis for $17 million in 2017.

Philanthropy

Edens has also participated in philanthropic initiatives, particularly in Jamaica, where New Fortress Energy has supported community development and education projects. He often ties his business interests with social impact, especially in renewable energy and sports development.