Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mark Davis (American football)

Discover the career path of Mark Davis (American football), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Mark Davis is an American businessman and the principal owner of the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) and the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA). He inherited the Raiders from his father, Al Davis, in 2011 and became the operating head of the franchise. Under his leadership, the Raiders relocated to Las Vegas. Davis also owns the Aces and is recognized for his business acumen in the sports industry. His estimated net worth is $2.3 billion as of October 2024.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1966: Al Davis Becomes Raiders General Manager

In 1966, Al Davis became general manager of the Raiders after returning from a stint as AFL commissioner.

1972: Al Davis Becomes Principal Owner

In 1972, Al Davis became the principal owner of the Raiders and remained head of football operations.

1980: Contract Negotiation and Expulsion

In 1980, Mark Davis represented Raiders player Cliff Branch in contract negotiations, which led to a deal and his expulsion from his father's house due to being too close to the players.

1986: Muff-Style Hand Warmer Invention

In 1986, Mark Davis developed the muff-style hand warmer for football while working in the Raiders equipment department.

1986: Invention of Muff-Style Hand Warmer

In 1986, Mark Davis invented the muff-style hand warmer that football players use in cold weather.

2011: Inheritance of the Raiders

In 2011, Mark Davis and his mother, Carol, inherited a 47% share of the Raiders after the death of his father, Al Davis. Mark took over as managing general partner and operating head of the franchise, controlling day-to-day operations.

2013: Firing of Public Relations Director

In 2013, Mark Davis fired the Raiders public relations director due to a Sports Illustrated article critical of his father. He wanted someone who understood and would protect his father's legacy.

February 2015: Shared Stadium Pursuit in Carson, California

In late February 2015, Mark Davis announced that the Raiders would pursue a shared stadium in Carson, California, with Dean Spanos and the San Diego Chargers, a proposal that eventually lost to Stan Kroenke's stadium in Inglewood.

2016: Donation to Gridiron PAC

Between 2016 and 2017, Mark Davis donated $10,000 to the Gridiron PAC.

March 27, 2017: NFL Approves Raiders Move to Las Vegas

On March 27, 2017, the National Football League officially approved the Raiders' move from Oakland to Las Vegas in a 31–1 vote, ensuring them a new stadium.

2017: Donation to Gridiron PAC

Between 2016 and 2017, Mark Davis donated $10,000 to the Gridiron PAC.

January 14, 2021: Agreement to Purchase Las Vegas Aces

On January 14, 2021, Mark Davis agreed to purchase the Las Vegas Aces of the Women's National Basketball Association from MGM Resorts International.

February 12, 2021: Purchase of Las Vegas Aces Approved

On February 12, 2021, the WNBA and NBA approved Mark Davis's purchase of the Las Vegas Aces.

May 2021: Nikki Fargas Hired as Aces Team President

In May 2021, Mark Davis hired former LSU Lady Tigers basketball head coach Nikki Fargas as team president of the Las Vegas Aces.

June 2021: Discovery of Gruden's Emails by the NFL

In June 2021, the NFL discovered emails written by then-Raiders head coach Jon Gruden as part of the investigation into the Washington Commanders. Mark Davis criticized the NFL for not disclosing these emails to him and the Raider organization sooner.

October 2021: Leak of Jon Gruden's Emails

In October 2021, information leaked from the Washington Commanders workplace conduct investigation revealed racist, homophobic, and misogynistic emails written by then-Raiders head coach Jon Gruden, leading to his resignation.

December 31, 2021: Becky Hammon Hired as Aces Head Coach

On December 31, 2021, Becky Hammon was hired as the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in a deal that made her the highest-paid coach in the WNBA.

June 2022: Donation to Uvalde School District

In June 2022, Mark Davis donated $1 million to the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District to help fortify the schools following the Robb Elementary School shooting.

2022: Aces Win the WNBA Finals

In 2022, the Las Vegas Aces won the WNBA Finals in four games, bringing the franchise its first championship and Mark Davis his first championship as a professional sports owner.

April 2023: Aces' Training Facility Opens

In April 2023, the Las Vegas Aces' 50,000 square foot training facility, the first of its kind in the WNBA, opened in Henderson next to the Raiders facility.