Sheila Johnson: The Billionaire Who Broke Barriers in Sports Ownership
When Sheila Johnson made history as America’s first Black female billionaire, she didn’t stop at building media empires and luxury resorts. She also shattered barriers in the world of professional sports, becoming the first African-American woman to own or have ownership stakes in three major U.S. sports teams—a power move that places her in a league of her own.
What Sports Teams Does Sheila Johnson Own?
Sheila Johnson is a stakeholder in Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the ownership group that controls:
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Washington Mystics (WNBA)
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Washington Wizards (NBA)
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Washington Capitals (NHL)
When Did Sheila Johnson Buy Into These Teams?
Sheila Johnson became a founding partner in Monumental Sports & Entertainment in 2005, the same year she became the principal owner and president of the Washington Mystics, marking a historic milestone. Through this deal, she also acquired minority stakes in the Wizards and Capitals.
Though exact figures of her initial investment haven’t been publicly disclosed, Monumental Sports & Entertainment has since grown into a multi-billion-dollar sports empire, with the Mystics now considered one of the WNBA's elite franchises.
Related: How Sheila Johnson Became America’s First Black Female Billionaire
Related: Inside Salamander Resorts: Sheila Johnson’s Vision of Luxury, Legacy & Escape
Her Role with the Washington Mystics
Sheila Johnson is hands-on with the Washington Mystics, serving as president, managing partner, and governor. Under her leadership, the team has seen major success, including:
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Winning their first WNBA Championship in 2019
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Opening a new training facility and arena in southeast D.C.
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Elevating the visibility of women’s sports in the capital and beyond
Her investment in the Mystics is more than financial—it’s deeply personal. She’s a vocal advocate for equality in sports, empowerment of women athletes, and access to resources for female teams.
Why Sheila Johnson’s Ownership Matters
Sheila Johnson didn’t just buy into sports—she helped reshape the landscape. As a Black woman in a space dominated by white male owners, her presence is groundbreaking. She’s used her platform to:
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Support gender and racial equity in athletics
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Push for better facilities and resources for female athletes
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Mentor future leaders in sports and business
Sheila Johnson's ownership isn't symbolic—it's strategic, active, and culture-shifting.
Conclusion
Sheila Johnson’s sports investments are more than business plays—they’re bold statements of power, purpose, and progress. From leading the Washington Mystics to a WNBA championship to holding stakes in NBA and NHL franchises, she’s proven that ownership is influence. But her presence also highlights what’s still missing more women in positions of power across sports. If we want the industry to evolve and truly serve women’s teams, we need more voices like Johnson’s making decisions that prioritize equity, investment, and visibility for the future of women in sports.
