Rob Walton: The Billionaire Walmart Heir Who Quietly Bought the NFL
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Full Name: Samuel Robson "Rob" Walton
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Age: 80 (born October 28, 1944)
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Height: Approximately 5'10" (178 cm)
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Net Worth: ~$70 billion (as of 2025)
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Business Ventures:
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Former Chairman of Walmart Inc.
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Shareholder via Walton Enterprises
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Co-owner of the Denver Broncos (NFL)
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The Business Powerhouse Behind Walmart
Rob Walton, the eldest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is one of the most influential figures in American business—despite staying mostly out of the public eye. As Chairman of Walmart from 1992 to 2015, Rob oversaw the transformation of the company into a global retail titan, with thousands of stores across dozens of countries.
Even after stepping down, Rob maintains significant control over Walmart through Walton Enterprises, the family’s private holding company, which owns a substantial portion of Walmart’s stock. This quiet influence has helped keep the Walton family at the top of the global wealth rankings for decades.
Related: Jim Walton: The Quiet Billionaire Powering America’s Largest Fortune
How Rob Walton Built & Maintains His Wealth
Rob's massive net worth is largely tied to Walmart stock, from which he earns billions in dividends and appreciation. Though no longer involved in day-to-day operations, his long-term vision and conservative governance helped shape Walmart’s modern expansion.
He also invests in real estate, environmental initiatives, and private equity, and sits at the helm of a family dynasty that has tightly guarded its fortune across generations.
Related: Alice Walton: The Billionaire Heiress Who Traded Retail for Rembrandts and Built a Museum Empire
Related: Inside America’s Richest Dynasty: How the Walton Family Rules Retail, Wealth, and Sports
His Most Public Move: Buying the Denver Broncos
In 2022, Rob Walton made headlines by purchasing the Denver Broncos NFL team for a record-breaking $4.65 billion, leading the Walton-Penner Ownership Group alongside his daughter Carrie Walton Penner and son-in-law Greg Penner (current Walmart chairman).
This move marked the family's bold entrance into the world of professional sports, giving Rob a new public-facing platform beyond Walmart.
Where Rob Walton Lives
Rob keeps a low personal profile, but owns multiple luxury residences, including homes in Colorado, Arizona, and Wyoming. He is also known for his love of vintage cars, maintaining one of the most valuable classic automobile collections in the world.
Related: Fashion's Billionaire Club: The Titans Who Turned Style into Fortunes
Does He Donate?
Yes, though less publicly than his sister Alice. Rob contributes to the Walton Family Foundation, which funds initiatives in education, environmental conservation, and community development. He is especially active in land and water preservation causes, reflecting his passion for the outdoors.
