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 the controlling owner of the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) and the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA). He inherited ownership of the Raiders following the death of his father, Al Davis, who owned the team from 1972 until his passing in 2011. Since then, Mark has been the operating head of the Raiders franchise. As of October 2024, his estimated net worth is $2.3 billion.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1966: Al Davis became General Manager of the Raiders

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

1972: Al Davis remained head of football operations

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

1972: Father becomes Principal Owner

In 1972, Al Davis, Mark Davis' father, became the principal owner of the Raiders.

1980: Represented Cliff Branch

In 1980, Mark Davis represented Raiders player Cliff Branch in contract negotiations, resulting in a deal and his expulsion from his father's house.

1986: Developed Muff-Style Hand Warmer

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

2011: Inherited Raiders Ownership

In 2011, Mark Davis and his mother, Carol, inherited a 47% share of the Raiders through Al's company, A. D. Football, Inc., structured to give them controlling interest. Mark took over as managing general partner and operating head of the franchise.

2011: Inherited Ownership of the Raiders

In 2011, Mark Davis and his mother, Carol, inherited ownership of the Raiders upon the death of his father, Al Davis, with Mark taking over as operating head of the franchise.

2013: Fired Public Relations Director

In 2013, Mark Davis fired the Raiders public relations director because of a Sports Illustrated article that was critical of Davis' father.

February 2015: Pursued Shared Stadium in Carson

In February 2015, Mark Davis announced that the Raiders would pursue a shared stadium in Carson, California, with Dean Spanos and the San Diego Chargers.

2016: Donated to Gridiron PAC

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

March 27, 2017: NFL Approved 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: Donated to Gridiron PAC

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

2019: Cliff Branch's annuity active until death

In 1980, Mark Davis represented Raiders player Cliff Branch in contract negotiations, resulting in a deal that included an annuity active until Cliff Branch's death in 2019

January 14, 2021: Agreed 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 purchase of the Las Vegas Aces by Mark Davis was approved by the WNBA and NBA.

May 2021: Nikki Fargas Hired as 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.

December 31, 2021: Becky Hammon Hired as Head Coach

On December 31, 2021, Becky Hammon was hired as head coach of the 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.