Who Owns the Texas Rangers Baseball Team? Full Ownership Breakdown

By Sarah Miller · September 9, 2034

The Texas Rangers baseball team is owned by an ownership group led by Ray Davis and Bob R. Simpson, who became the principal owners after purchasing the team in 2010.

Overview of Texas Rangers Ownership

The Texas Rangers Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise is currently owned by a private investment group headed by Ray Davis and Bob R. Simpson. The duo acquired controlling interest in the team through a bankruptcy auction in August 2010 for approximately $593 million. Since then, they have overseen major renovations to Globe Life Park (now Choctaw Stadium) and the construction of the new Globe Life Field, which opened in 2020.

This ownership group, officially known as Rangers Baseball Express, LLC, includes several minority partners, but Davis and Simpson hold the majority stake and serve as co-chairmen of the organization.

Key Facts About the Current Ownership

Primary owners: Ray Davis and Bob R. Simpson
Purchase date: August 2010
Purchase price: $593 million
Ownership entity: Rangers Baseball Express, LLC
Home stadium: Globe Life Field (Arlington, Texas)
Notable achievement under ownership: 2023 World Series Championship

History of Texas Rangers Ownership

The Rangers franchise has had several notable owners since its relocation from Washington, D.C., where it was known as the Washington Senators, to Arlington, Texas in 1972.

Major Ownership Eras

1974–1989: Eddie Chiles – Original owner after moving the team to Texas.
1989–1998: Tom Hicks – Brought high-profile free agents like Alex Rodriguez; sold team amid financial struggles.
2010–Present: Ray Davis & Bob Simpson – Stabilized franchise, built new ballpark, won first World Series in 2023.

In 2010, the team filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following the failed tenure of Hicks' ownership and a short interim period under Major League Baseball’s control. The sale to Davis and Simpson marked a turning point in franchise stability and long-term planning.

Ownership Structure and Key Figures

The current ownership structure combines energy-sector wealth with deep Texas roots. Both Davis and Simpson made their fortunes in the oil and natural gas industries.

Principal Owners Profile

Owner	Role	Background	Net Worth (Est.)
Ray Davis	Co-Chairman	Co-Founder of Energy Transfer Partners	$3.5 billion
Bob R. Simpson	Co-Chairman	Chairman of Hilltop Holdings Inc.	$1.2 billion

While both are equal partners in public ownership records, Davis is often seen as the more hands-on executive in baseball operations decisions.

Recent Developments and Franchise Value Growth

Under Davis and Simpson’s leadership, the Rangers have invested heavily in infrastructure and player development. The opening of Globe Life Field in 2020, a $1.2 billion retractable-roof stadium, symbolized a commitment to keeping the team in Arlington long-term.

Their most significant on-field success came in 2023 when the Rangers won their first World Series title in franchise history, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games.

Year	Franchise Value (USD millions)	Operating Income (USD millions)	Debt (USD millions)
2010	461	-15	130
2015	770	32	90
2020	1,200	41	110
2023	2,025	88	105
2025	2,300	95	100

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a dramatic increase in franchise value since the 2010 acquisition, rising over 400% by 2025. Operating income has turned consistently positive, reflecting improved revenue from broadcasting, luxury suites, and postseason success.

The minimal rise in debt despite massive capital investment (e.g., new stadium) highlights strong financial management and asset-backed financing strategies used by the ownership group.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Owns the Rangers Baseball Team

Who is the primary owner of the Texas Rangers?

Ray Davis is considered the primary owner and driving force behind the Rangers’ ownership group, though he shares equal title with Bob R. Simpson as co-chairman.

How did Ray Davis and Bob Simpson buy the Rangers?

They purchased the team through a bankruptcy auction in August 2010 for $593 million, outbidding other groups including one led by Nolan Ryan.

Is there any MLB approval required for team ownership?

Yes, all MLB ownership changes require approval from at least three-fourths of the league's team owners. Davis and Simpson received unanimous approval shortly after the auction.

Has the Rangers ownership changed since 2010?

No, the core ownership group led by Davis and Simpson has remained unchanged since 2010, providing long-term stability rare in professional sports.

What impact has the current ownership had on the team’s success?

They stabilized finances, built a state-of-the-art stadium, increased payroll flexibility, and supported aggressive player acquisitions, culminating in the 2023 World Series title.