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Anschutz
Philip Anschutz
Rank #137
UNITED STATESFinance & InvestmentsEnergy, sports, entertainment

Philip Anschutz

Net Worth
$19.401B
0% (24h)
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.

How to read Philip Anschutz's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Philip Anschutz, we anchor the narrative to Energy and Energy, sports, entertainment, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $19.401B alongside global rank #137, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

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 Timeline

1994

Founded AEG

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

1984

Entered the Railroad Business

Purchased the Rio Grande Railroad's holding company.

1982

Sold oil field interests

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

1967

Oil discovery

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

1961

Took over Circle A Drilling

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

Philanthropic Impact

Education/Healthcare$100M+

Anschutz Medical Campus

Major contributions to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Health/Social Causes$1M

Elton John AIDS Foundation

Donation to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

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.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Philip Anschutz are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.