When you think of billionaires, you might picture fancy cars, huge homes, and private jets. Sure, Antony Ressler has all that—but he’s much more than just another wealthy guy. He’s a private equity expert, an NBA team owner, and a big-hearted donor who believes in giving back.
In 2025, Antony Ressler’s net worth is estimated to be between $10 billion and $12 billion. But how did he get there? And what does he do with all that money? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
From a Regular Kid to a Wall Street Heavyweight
Antony “Tony” Ressler was born on October 16, 1960, in Washington, D.C. His family wasn’t wealthy, but they were hardworking and valued education.
His dad was a World War II veteran and later became a lawyer. His mom stayed home to raise the family. This strong upbringing shaped Tony’s outlook on life: work hard, stay focused, and don’t forget your roots.
He later earned a degree from Georgetown University and followed that up with an MBA from Columbia Business School. That combo gave him a great start in the finance world.
His First Big Step: Drexel Burnham Lambert
Tony’s first major job in finance was at a powerful investment bank called Drexel Burnham Lambert. He worked in the high-yield bond department—also known as junk bonds. It was a wild, high-stakes part of the market.
Drexel eventually shut down, but that setback didn’t stop him. In fact, it led him to start something even bigger.
Co-Founding Apollo Global Management
In 1990, Tony teamed up with a few smart friends—Leon Black, Marc Rowan, and Josh Harris—to create Apollo Global Management. The company became a giant in private equity, managing hundreds of billions of dollars.
This was one of Tony’s most important business moves. He helped build Apollo into a global force before stepping away to start his next venture.
The Rise of Ares Management
In 1997, Tony co-founded Ares Management along with Bennett Rosenthal and John H. Kissick. Based in Los Angeles, Ares focused on things like credit, real estate, and private equity.
Unlike Apollo, which leaned more toward corporate takeovers, Ares took a broader approach to investing.
The company went public in 2014, and its stock has done well ever since. As of 2025, Ares manages over $350 billion in assets and has a market value of around $50 billion.
Tony owns a sizable chunk of Ares, and this is the biggest source of his wealth.
Big Bucks: How Antony Ressler Built His Net Worth
Let’s take a quick look at where Tony’s money comes from:
- Ares Management stake: Estimated at around 15%, worth about $7.5 billion
- Sports teams: He owns most of the Atlanta Hawks, now valued at $4 billion
- Real estate: His homes and properties are worth over $100 million
- Private investments: From his time at Apollo and other business deals
- Annual income: Between $300 million and $500 million, mainly from stocks and dividends
When you add it all up, you get one of the richest people in finance—yet he stays relatively low-key about it.
Team Owner: The Atlanta Hawks
In 2015, Tony led a group that bought the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks for about $850 million. Not a bad deal, considering the team is now worth over $4 billion in 2025.
Since taking over, Tony and his team have improved the franchise, both on and off the court. The team has invested in new facilities, player development, and fan engagement.
He also owns a small stake in the Milwaukee Brewers, a Major League Baseball team, showing his broader interest in pro sports.
Real Estate Goals? Nailed It.
Tony and his wife, actress Jami Gertz, live large when it comes to real estate. They bought a beautiful beach house in Malibu back in the early ’90s for around $3.5 million.
They also have a huge mansion in Beverly Park, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. That place alone is worth about $60 million.
Altogether, their real estate portfolio is worth over $100 million. But they don’t just collect houses—they actually live in them, host charity events, and enjoy family life.
The Power Couple: Ressler and Gertz
Tony married Jami Gertz in 1989. You might know her from ’80s movies like The Lost Boys and Less Than Zero. Today, she’s just as busy as her husband—with acting, business, and charity work.
Together, they’re one of the most generous couples in the U.S. Their Ressler-Gertz Foundation supports schools, hospitals, museums, and programs for kids.
They founded the Gertz-Ressler High Academy in Los Angeles, part of a network of public charter schools helping underprivileged students get ready for college.
They’ve also donated millions to places like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and The Painted Turtle Camp, which supports kids with serious illnesses.
What Makes Antony Ressler Different?
A lot of billionaires build companies and buy things. But Tony Ressler stands out because he also builds communities.
He believes in long-term investments, not just in businesses—but in people, cities, and futures. He doesn’t chase flashy headlines. He just gets things done.
Whether it’s through Ares Management, the Atlanta Hawks, or his charity work, Tony focuses on making a real difference.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Billionaire
Sure, Antony Ressler has billions of dollars, a famous wife, and a professional basketball team. But his real success isn’t just in how much money he has—it’s in how he uses it.
He took smart risks, worked hard, and stayed focused. He didn’t forget his values or where he came from. And now, he’s using his wealth to give others a better shot at life.
Whether you’re into finance, sports, or simply good success stories, Antony Ressler is someone worth paying attention to.
