At 81 years old, Arthur Blank stands as one of the most influential owners in the NFL, a billionaire businessman whose journey from humble beginnings to building a multibillion-dollar empire is nothing short of remarkable. Best known as the owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, Blank’s ventures stretch far beyond the sports world. With a net worth of $8.2 billion as of 2025, the Georgia-based mogul is on a mission—to secure a Super Bowl title for a franchise that has never hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.
And he’s sparing no expense in that pursuit.
From Accountant to Home Depot Co-Founder
Born in Queens, New York, Arthur Blank’s story is one of grit and vision. After earning a degree in accounting, he worked with various corporations before joining Handy Dan Home Improvement Centers, where he rose to Vice President of Finance. It was here that his partnership with Bernard Marcus began—one that would change retail history.
Following a disagreement with board members at Handy Dan, Blank and Marcus left to co-found The Home Depot in 1978. What began as a single store evolved into the largest home improvement retailer in the United States. Blank served as president and eventually CEO of Home Depot, amassing significant wealth before retiring in 2001.
The Falcons Acquisition and Billion-Dollar Valuation
In 2002, Blank purchased the Atlanta Falcons for $545 million. Today, the team’s valuation has skyrocketed, with Forbes reporting his stake is worth $2.2 billion. Blank has remained a hands-on owner, often visible on the sidelines and deeply involved in team operations.
While the Falcons have had moments of promise—including a heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl LI—they’ve yet to claim the franchise’s first NFL championship. That drought is something Blank is determined to end.
Coaching Search: Belichick, Harbaugh & Blank’s Winning Vision
After parting ways with head coach Arthur Smith, Blank has embarked on one of the most aggressive and high-profile coaching searches in recent NFL history. According to reports, he has interviewed seven candidates, including two of the biggest names in football—six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick and college football legend Jim Harbaugh.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that there’s “mutual interest” and “ongoing conversations” between Blank and Belichick, although a deal has yet to be finalized. Meanwhile, Harbaugh, fresh off a national title win with the Michigan Wolverines, was also brought in for a detailed first-round interview.
The message is clear: Arthur Blank is willing to invest whatever it takes to bring a winning culture to Atlanta. For a man who has built billion-dollar ventures, money is not an obstacle—results are.
In addition to Belichick and Harbaugh, the Falcons have interviewed three defensive coordinators, an offensive coordinator, and an assistant head coach, showing that Blank is leaving no stone unturned.
More Than Just Football: Blank’s Business Portfolio
While his sports ventures bring the most public attention, Blank’s empire extends well beyond the gridiron. He is the Chairman, President, and CEO of AMB Group, LLC, which oversees all of his businesses and investments.
In the world of Major League Soccer, Blank’s team Atlanta United debuted in 2017 and won the MLS Cup in 2018, just one year later—a testament to the infrastructure and culture he builds in his organizations.
Blank also owns a significant share of PGA TOUR Superstores, a leading golf retail chain, and two luxury ranches—Mountain Sky Guest Ranch and West Creek Ranch—both located near Yellowstone National Park in Montana. These holdings reflect his blend of strategic investing and passion-driven ownership.
Perhaps one of his most iconic projects is the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a $1.5 billion state-of-the-art arena that opened in 2017 and now hosts both the Falcons and Atlanta United. The stadium has since become a landmark in the city and a regular venue for high-profile sporting events and concerts.
Philanthropy: Giving Back Through the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Arthur Blank’s legacy also includes a deep commitment to philanthropy. In 1995, he established the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which focuses on early childhood education, youth development, community transformation, and more.
In 2012, he joined the ranks of billionaires who signed the Giving Pledge, a promise to donate at least half of their wealth to charitable causes. Over the years, his foundation has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars across Georgia and beyond.
Looking Ahead: A Championship Mindset
With a net worth that has more than doubled since 2018, Arthur Blank continues to scale new heights. But his current focus is fixed on the Falcons. The coaching vacancy represents more than a personnel shift—it’s a defining moment for a franchise hungry for relevance and a shot at history.
By targeting some of the brightest minds in football, including Belichick and Harbaugh, Blank is signaling that the Falcons are ready to move beyond mediocrity. He’s done it in business, in soccer, and now he’s aiming to do it in football.
Final Thoughts
Arthur Blank’s story is the blueprint for how vision, resilience, and strategic investments can lead to generational wealth and impact. With $8.2 billion in net worth, a growing sports empire, and unmatched ambition, Blank remains a pivotal figure not just in Georgia—but across the American sports landscape.
