This is kind of random, but I thought it was interesting. Forbes released their annual 400 richest people list, and San Francisco 49ers co-chairman Denise DeBartolo York joined the list in 2015. Forbes had an article about the richest women on the list, and it appears York was on the list prior to last year, and returns this year. She is ranked No. 358, with a net worth of $1.9 billion.
York's increase in value likely comes primarily from the 49ers boost in value. The team opened Levi's Stadium a year ago, and it has led to a considerable increase in the franchise's estimated value. Forbes throws a lot of numbers around without 100 percent clarity, but it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out the Yorks are in great shape thanks to the cash cow that is Levi's Stadium.
Former owner Eddie DeBartolo is also on the list, ranked No. 194 with a net worth of $3.3 billion. The 49ers were originally purchased by Edward DeBartolo, Sr, who also purchased the Pittsburgh Penguins. Eddie was installed as owner of the 49ers, while Denise was installed as Owner/President of the Penguins. Denise sold the Penguins in 1991, following a Stanley Cup victory.
In 2000, Denise and John York gained control of the 49ers from Eddie. The Forbes article talks about it as finalization of Edward DeBartolo, Sr.'s estate (he died six years previously), but the timing with the riverboat scandal does not seem coincidental. The Yorks took over the 49ers, while Eddie continued running DeBartolo Realty Corp. Just a slightly wild ride!
According to the Forbes page for Eddie, the company was founded by DeBartolo, Sr., and merged with Simon Property in 1996. The merged company is apparently one of the largest commercial real estate companies in the world.