Wes Edens at a Glance
- Categories: Business, Business > Wall Street
- Net Worth: $3.6 Billion
- Birthdate: Oct 30, 1961 (62 years old)
- Birthplace: Montana, U.S.
- Profession: Private equity investor
Wes Edens: From Wall Street to the World of Sports and Energy
Introduction: The Billionaire Behind the Brands
Wes Edens is a name synonymous with success across multiple industries. A billionaire businessman, private equity investor, and sports magnate, Edens has built an impressive portfolio of ventures, from finance to renewable energy and professional sports. This article delves into the life and career of Wes Edens, exploring his early life, his groundbreaking work in finance with Fortress Investment Group, his ventures into the energy sector with New Fortress Energy, his co-founding of Cincoro Tequila, and his significant investments in the world of sports. With a current net worth of $3.6 billion, as of the latest estimations, Edens’ story is one of ambition, strategic investment, and a relentless drive for innovation.
Early Life and Education: A Foundation for Success
Wes Edens’ journey began on October 30, 1961, in Helena, Montana. Growing up, Edens developed a passion for competitive skiing, showcasing his dedication and discipline from a young age. He pursued higher education at Oregon State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1984. This early foundation laid the groundwork for his future success in the demanding world of finance and investment.
Career Beginnings: Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Edens’ professional career commenced in 1987 at Lehman Brothers, where he quickly ascended the ranks to become a partner and managing director. He remained at Lehman Brothers until 1993, gaining invaluable experience in the financial sector. Following his tenure at Lehman Brothers, Edens joined the private equity division of BlackRock, where he stayed until 1997. These formative years provided him with the expertise and network necessary to establish his own ventures and achieve remarkable success.
Fortress Investment Group: Building a Financial Empire
In 1998, Wes Edens, along with Rob Kauffman and Randal Nardone, co-founded Fortress Investment Group in New York City. The firm quickly diversified its portfolio to include hedge funds, debt securities, and real estate investments. Fortress Investment Group achieved a significant milestone in early 2007 when it went public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This made Fortress the first major private equity firm in the United States to be traded publicly. By that year, Fortress had a substantial amount of assets under management, encompassing 14 private equity funds, four hedge funds, and two real estate vehicles. Fortress-managed funds acquired several notable companies, including Intrawest (a ski resort operator), RailAmerica and Florida East Coast Industries (holding companies), and subprime lenders Nationstar Mortgage and Springleaf Financial. In 2014, Fortress successfully bid for the assets of the Montreal, Maine, and Atlantic Railway following its bankruptcy after the tragic Lac-Mégantic rail disaster in Quebec, Canada.

(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
New Fortress Energy: Powering a Sustainable Future
In 2014, Edens founded New Fortress Energy, a global natural gas supply and infrastructure company. The company’s vision is to become a leader in carbon-free energy production, with the ultimate goal of becoming a net-zero emissions company. In 2019, New Fortress Energy constructed a nearly $1 billion floating LNG terminal in Jamaica’s Old Harbour Bay, aiming to reduce energy costs in the country. The company has since been involved in various philanthropic projects in Jamaica. Through its renewable hydrogen division, Zero, New Fortress has partnered with startups to develop green hydrogen technology. In early 2021, New Fortress Energy acquired the natural gas company Hygo Energy Transition and Golar LNG Partners, expanding its reach in the energy sector.
Cincoro Tequila: A Taste of Success
Beyond finance and energy, Edens has also ventured into the spirits industry. In 2016, he co-founded Cincoro Tequila along with Michael Jordan, Jeanie Buss, Wyc Grousbeck, and Emilia Fazzalari. The brand offers four tequilas: a blanco, a reposado, and two añejos. Cincoro Tequila uses hand-selected agave from two regions in Jalisco and ages its tequila in American whiskey barrels for 10 to 14 months, exceeding the regulatory minimum of 14 months. The Cinco Spirits Group owns Cincoro, named in honor of the five founders, with the goal of creating a tequila as smooth and rich as a fine whiskey or cognac.
Sports Ownership: A Passion for the Game
Wes Edens’ passion for sports is evident in his significant investments in various sports teams. In 2014, he and Marc Lasry purchased the NBA franchise the Milwaukee Bucks for $550 million, with a commitment to keep the team in Wisconsin and build a new arena. The Fiserv Forum, the new arena, opened in the summer of 2018. Edens celebrated a significant victory when the Bucks won the 2021 NBA championship. His sports ventures also include co-ownership of the association football holding company V Sports, alongside fellow billionaire Nassef Sawiris. Through V Sports, they own the English Premier League team Aston Villa and hold a substantial stake in the Portuguese Primeira Liga team Vitória S.C.
Edens has also been involved in the world of esports. In 2016, he acquired the professional “League of Legends” team FlyQuest from the esports company Cloud9. The team began competing in the North American League Championship Series the following year. FlyQuest players included Hai Lam, Johnny Ru, and An Le. The FlyQuest brand emphasizes environmental awareness through its jersey designs and ikebana displays at competitions. As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, the team plants 100 trees for every game it wins. In 2022, Edens sold the team to the Viola family, owners of the NHL franchise the Florida Panthers.
Personal Life and Real Estate: A Glimpse into Edens’ World
Wes Edens is married to Lynn, and they have four children. Their youngest daughter, Mallory, represented the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2014 NBA draft lottery, and has been linked romantically with Aaron Rodgers. Edens is the builder and owner of Caldera House, an eight-room boutique hotel and private ski club located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Real Estate
In October 2020, Wes Edens paid $20 million for an apartment in New York City. The 7,000 square-foot condo had previously been listed for $50 million and features a private 2,000 square-foot rooftop terrace. From 1993 to 2017, he owned an apartment overlooking Central Park West, which he sold to Bruce Willis in 2017 for $17 million.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation and Investment
Wes Edens has established himself as a prominent figure in finance, energy, and sports. From his early days at Lehman Brothers to his founding of Fortress Investment Group and New Fortress Energy, Edens has consistently demonstrated an ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities. His ventures in sports ownership, including the Milwaukee Bucks and Aston Villa, showcase his diverse interests and commitment to excellence. Wes Edens’ story is one of ambition, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of success, solidifying his place among the most influential and dynamic business leaders of our time.