Who is the Owner of the New York Mets?

By Oliver Wiener December 05, 2023 01:27

The New York Mets, a professional baseball team based in New York City, have had several owners throughout their history. The current owner of the team is Steve Cohen, a billionaire hedge fund manager. Cohen's acquisition of the Mets in 2020 marked a significant change in the team's ownership, bringing new hope and optimism to Mets fans.

The Early Years of the Mets

The New York Mets were established in 1962 as an expansion team, joining the National League as a replacement for the departed New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers. The team struggled in its early years, consistently finishing near the bottom of the league standings. The original ownership group of the Mets consisted of several individuals, including Joan Whitney Payson, Charles Shipman Payson, and George Herbert Walker Jr.

The Doubleday Era

In 1980, Nelson Doubleday Jr., a publishing executive, and Fred Wilpon, a real estate developer, purchased a controlling interest in the New York Mets. The two men formed a partnership that would last for over two decades. During their ownership, the Mets experienced both highs and lows. The team won the World Series in 1986, led by a talented roster that included players like Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden. However, they also endured periods of mediocrity and financial struggles.

The Wilpon Era

After Nelson Doubleday sold his stake in the team in 2002, Fred Wilpon became the majority owner of the New York Mets. Wilpon, a lifelong Mets fan, had been involved with the team since the 1980s. Under Wilpon's ownership, the Mets experienced mixed success on the field. The team reached the World Series in 2015 but ultimately fell short of winning a championship. Off the field, the Mets faced financial challenges, including involvement in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme. These financial difficulties impacted the team's ability to invest in player acquisitions and retain top talent.

The Sale to Steve Cohen

In 2020, Fred Wilpon and his son, Jeff Wilpon, announced their intention to sell the New York Mets. The potential sale attracted interest from several potential buyers, including Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez. However, it was Steve Cohen who emerged as the frontrunner. Cohen, a billionaire hedge fund manager and art collector, had previously been a minority owner of the Mets. He had a deep passion for the team and a desire to bring success back to Queens.

After a lengthy approval process, Steve Cohen completed his purchase of the New York Mets in November 2020. The sale was valued at approximately $2.4 billion, making it one of the most expensive in the history of professional sports. Cohen's acquisition of the team was met with excitement and anticipation from Mets fans, who hoped that his vast wealth and business acumen would translate into success on the field.

The Cohen Era and Future Prospects

Since taking over as the owner of the New York Mets, Steve Cohen has wasted no time in making his mark on the organization. He has shown a willingness to invest heavily in the team, both in terms of player acquisitions and infrastructure upgrades. Cohen has also made efforts to improve the fan experience, engaging with fans on social media and implementing initiatives to enhance the overall game-day atmosphere at Citi Field.

Under Cohen's ownership, the Mets have made significant moves to improve their roster. They have signed high-profile free agents, such as shortstop Francisco Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco. These additions, coupled with the existing core of talented players like Jacob deGrom and Pete Alonso, have raised expectations for the team's performance in the coming seasons.

In addition to his commitment to on-field success, Cohen has also expressed a desire to strengthen the Mets' ties to the local community. He has pledged to increase the team's involvement in charitable initiatives and to make Citi Field a destination for fans of all ages. Cohen's efforts to connect with fans and create a positive atmosphere have been well-received, generating renewed enthusiasm for the team.

the owner of the New York Mets is currently Steve Cohen. Cohen's acquisition of the team in 2020 marked a new chapter in the Mets' history, bringing renewed hope and excitement to fans. With his financial resources and passion for the team, Cohen has the potential to lead the Mets to future success both on and off the field.