Ted Turner was a true visionary—not just in media, but in the world of sports ownership. While most remember him as the founder of CNN, his influence on the sports landscape was equally monumental. From baseball to basketball, hockey to wrestling, Turner built a sports empire that left an indelible mark. Here's a look at every major sports franchise he owned during his legendary career.
Atlanta Braves (MLB) – In 1976, Turner bought the Braves from the Atlanta-LaSalle Corporation, a move that would reshape the franchise's future. He saw the team as more than just a ballclub; it was premium content for his fledgling cable network, Channel 17. Under his ownership, the Braves rose to dominance in the 1990s, winning the World Series in 1995. The team was sold to Liberty Media in 2007, but Turner's legacy as a champion builder remained.
Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – Just a year after acquiring the Braves, Turner purchased a majority stake in the Hawks in 1977. While the team never captured an NBA championship during his tenure, they became a consistent playoff presence in Atlanta. Turner's commitment to the Hawks helped solidify basketball in the South, even as the franchise faced fierce competition from established powers.
Atlanta Thrashers (NHL) – Turner expanded his sports portfolio into hockey with the expansion Atlanta Thrashers, which began play in 1999. However, after his departure from AOL Time Warner, the team struggled to find its footing. The Thrashers were eventually relocated to Winnipeg in 2011, becoming the Jets—a bittersweet end to Turner's icy venture.
World Championship Wrestling (WCW) – In 1988, Turner bought WCW from Jim Crockett Promotions, turning it into a fierce competitor for WWE. During the "Monday Night Wars" of the 1990s, WCW's flagship show, Nitro, regularly beat WWE's Raw in the ratings, fueled by stars like Hulk Hogan and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's rival promotion. Turner's deep pockets and cable reach gave wrestling a national stage, but WCW was eventually sold to Vince McMahon in 2001.
The Goodwill Games – While not a single franchise, Turner founded the Goodwill Games in 1986 as an Olympic-style competition aimed at fostering peace during the Cold War. The event brought together athletes from the U.S. and Soviet Union, running until 2001. It was a testament to Turner's belief in sports as a unifying force.
From the diamond to the ring, Ted Turner's sports ownership was as bold and unconventional as the man himself. Whether you cheered for the Braves' glory years or watched WCW's rise, his impact on the games we love is undeniable.