An outrageous owner and savvy businessman, Ted Turner reshaped the sports world

May 10, 2026 - 00:26

Long before billionaires treated sports franchises as status symbols, Ted Turner was already reshaping the landscape with a mix of audacity, sharp business instincts, and a flair for the unconventional. At one point, Turner owned the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Hawks, and the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers, but his sports empire stretched far beyond those teams. His interests ranged from professional wrestling to competitive sailing, and even to the Olympic Games.

Turner's approach was anything but traditional. He turned the Braves into "America's Team" by broadcasting their games nationally on his superstation, TBS, making them household names across the country. He also brought the Goodwill Games to life, a multi-sport event meant to ease Cold War tensions. In sailing, he skippered the yacht Courageous to an America's Cup victory in 1977, proving he was more than just a man in a suit.

What set Turner apart was his willingness to take risks and his refusal to play it safe. His ownership style was loud, confrontational, and often controversial, but it was also visionary. He saw sports not just as games, but as a global stage for entertainment and influence. Whether he was feuding with league officials or celebrating a championship, Turner left an indelible mark on every sport he touched. His legacy is a reminder that sometimes it takes an outrageous personality to truly shake things up.