Dee And Jimmy Haslam have captivated many with their strong chemistry. From high school sweethearts to becoming sports team owners, the billionaire couple’s journey has been inspiring. The couple with a $14.4 billion net worth has become one of the wealthiest families in America.

After 16 years of marriage, they purchased the majority ownership of the Cleveland Browns in 2012  The Managing Partners of the Haslam Sports Group, are not only well-known figures in the NFL, but, they equally made their names in NBA and MLS worlds too. Apart from their professional ownership, their personal relationship is pretty much impressive.

Who are Cleveland Browns’ Jimmy and Dee Haslam?

Interestingly, Jimmy and his co-owner wife, Dee, both come from a strong business family. Jimmy, 70, was born to his mom, Cynthia, and dad, Jim Haslam, founder and ex-CEO of the Pilot Corporation. Like his dad, Jimmy is also involved in travel centers and fueling business. He has also been serving as the chairman of Pilot Flying J, a restaurant company, since 2021.

Reportedly, in 1976, a sports executive joined the board at a young age. Interestingly, at that time, his family business Pilot Flying J had annual sales of around $50 million. And, seemingly, under his leadership, Pilot achieved major milestones. It became one of the biggest private companies in the US. Later; the Haslams sold the Knoxville, Tennessee-based company, Pilot to Berkshire Hathaway, for $13.6 billion.

Before joining Pilot, Haslam initially attended Webb School of Knoxville, where he met his then-future wife, Dee. And now both serve as the co-owner for various sports teams. Like Jimmy, Dee, 70 has also been raised in a business family. Seemingly, she is inspired by her dad Ross Bagwell, who was the founder of cable television.

Besides gaining business skills from her dad, she was also focused on her academic career. After attending Farragut High School, she got admission to Jimmy’s School in Knoxville. Reportedly, she had an interest in sports during her high school days. The Knoxville, Tennessee native, served as a high school Girl Scout, gaining a splendid athletic record. Additionally, she also attended Tennessee University- the same university that Jimmy attended. From here, she received her bachelor’s degree in B.S.

Beyond her educational background, she was also involved in her family business. The Bucks’ co-owner worked with her brother Ross Bagwell Jr. Meanwhile, she also fell in love with Jimmy Haslam. Reportedly, the couple began dating in 1976. And a few months later, they officially became husband and wife.

Moreover, they are also loving parents to their three grown-up kids, Cynthia, James, and Whitney. Besides that, they are grandparents to six children. Interestingly, the couple was together for 16 years when they began working as a business partners.

The Haslams as sports teams owners

In 2012, the Haslam couple purchased the majority ownership of the NFL team, Cleveland Browns. Before buying the Browns stakes, Haslam was also the minor owner of the Steelers in 2008. But after gaining Browns’ ownership, Jimmy had to sell his Steelers stock.

With his wife’s co-ownership and support, Jimmy led the Browns to an estimated value of around $5.15 billion as of 2023. When they bought the Browns; the team was valued at $1 billion. However, their combined partnership is not limited to football.

Besides the Browns’ ownership, the couple also acquired the MLS team, Columbus Crew, in 2019. Interestingly, in 2020, the Crew earned the MLS Cup and the second championship title in the League. Apart from investing in the NFL and MLS, the popular duo also captured the NBA world. In 2023, they purchased the NBA team, Milwaukee Bucks, at a huge price of $3.5 billion.

Even though the couple has been enjoying their business ventures, they both are equally involved in philanthropic works. The Haslams laid the foundation of the UH Haslam Sports Innovation Center, that focuses on the health and well-being of athletes and their communities. It’s safe to say the couple has come a long way and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.