Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Clara Wu Tsai

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 15, 2025

Discover the career path of Clara Wu Tsai, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Clara Wu Tsai is an American businesswoman, philanthropist, and social justice activist. She co-owns the Brooklyn Nets (NBA), New York Liberty (WNBA), San Diego Seals (NLL) and Barclays Center. Tsai is the founder of the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation, which encompasses the Social Justice Fund for economic mobility and racial justice, and the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance for health and scientific research. She is also a founding partner of REFORM Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to prison and parole reform.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2017: Co-owner of the San Diego Seals

In 2017, Joseph Tsai was awarded an expansion license for a lacrosse team in San Diego, which they named the San Diego Seals. Clara Wu Tsai is a co-owner of the team.

2018: Executive Producer of "Into the Okavango"

In 2018, Clara Wu Tsai was the executive producer of the film "Into the Okavango", a National Geographic documentary about conservation.

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2018: Gift to Stanford University

In 2018, Stanford University announced a gift from Clara Wu Tsai and her husband, in support of the Stanford Neurosciences Institute, as part of a $250 million campaign.

January 2019: Purchased the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center

In January 2019, Clara Wu Tsai and her husband purchased the Brooklyn Nets and the Nets' arena Barclays Center. Also in 2019, the New York Liberty were sold to the Tsais, who moved the team to Barclays Center.

August 2020: Launched the Social Justice Fund in Brooklyn

In August 2020, Clara Wu Tsai and her husband launched the Social Justice Fund in Brooklyn with a $50 million commitment. The fund invests in programs addressing racial disparities in education, health, and wealth.

March 2021: Donated to the University of California, San Diego’s 21st Century China Center

In March 2021, the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation donated to the University of California, San Diego’s 21st Century China Center to expand its data-based research, policy engagement, and education on issues related to U.S.-China relations.

July 2021: Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation Funded a Jean-Michel Basquiat educational arts program

In July 2021, the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation funded a Jean-Michel Basquiat educational arts program developed in partnership between the Brooklyn Nets, the New York City Department of Education and the Fund for Public Schools, with an exhibit hosted in August 2021.

July 2021: Pledged to create the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance

In July 2021, the Tsais pledged $220 million to create the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, a consortium of experts and academics from several universities and research institutions.

August 2021: Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibit hosted

In August 2021, an exhibit was hosted as part of the Jean-Michel Basquiat educational arts program funded by the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation.

2021: Executive Producer of "Blue Bayou"

In 2021, Clara Wu Tsai was the executive producer of the drama film "Blue Bayou".

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October 2022: Wu Tsai Theater Reopened

In October 2022, Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall reopened, with the theater where the Philharmonic performs renamed as the Wu Tsai Theater, after the Tsais donated $50 million to the renovation.