Brooklyn Nets and Liberty Owners Clara Wu Tsai and Joe Tsai Divorcing After Nearly 30 Years
· Yahoo Sports
Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty owners Clara Wu Tsai and Joe Tsai are ending their marriage after nearly three decades together.
The couple said they reached the decision mutually and with respect for one another, explaining that their relationship had gradually evolved into a partnership centered on their businesses.
Visit rocore.sbs for more information.
The separation is not expected to change the ownership or daily operation of the Nets, Liberty, Barclays Center or the other ventures they oversee together.
Clara and Joe married in 1996 and share three adult children.
Clara Wu Tsai and Joe Tsai Announce Their Divorce
A representative for the couple confirmed the separation in a statement provided to Page Six. “Clara Wu Tsai and Joe Tsai have decided to end their marriage, a decision they came to mutually and with great respect for one another,” the spokesperson said.
The statement explained that the couple’s relationship had changed as they concentrated on raising their children and managing an expanding portfolio of businesses, sports teams and philanthropic organizations.
“While they have grown apart, their divorce is amicable and their relationship remains a strong, professional partnership,” the representative continued.
The Divorce Will Not Affect the Nets or Liberty
The couple directly addressed what the separation could mean for Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, the organization connected to the Nets, Liberty and Barclays Center. Their representative said the divorce would not affect the operations of the company or require changes to the couple’s leadership positions.
Joe will continue serving as chairman of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment and governor of the Brooklyn Nets. Clara will remain the company’s vice chair and governor of the New York Liberty. Their respective positions remain listed on the official Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment website.
The couple plans to continue managing the businesses together, while their children are expected to become increasingly involved in the family’s ventures. “The long-term ownership of the teams, Barclays Center and their other sports assets will remain within the family,” their representative said, according to the New York Post.
They Built a Major New York Sports Portfolio Together
Joe acquired a 49% interest in the Brooklyn Nets in April 2018 before purchasing the remaining controlling stake and Barclays Center the following year. The Nets announced in September 2019 that he had completed the acquisition of full ownership of the franchise and arena, becoming the team’s NBA governor.
The Nets portion of the transaction valued the franchise at approximately $2.35 billion, which was reported at the time as the highest price paid for a U.S. professional sports team. The family also purchased the New York Liberty in January 2019 after the WNBA and NBA boards of governors approved the sale.
Clara subsequently played a leading role in rebuilding the franchise, strengthening its resources and moving its home games from the smaller Westchester County Center to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Under the Tsais’ ownership, the Liberty won the first WNBA championship in franchise history in October 2024.
Clara Wu Tsai Helped Transform the New York Liberty
Clara has become one of the most prominent owners in women’s professional sports. As Liberty governor, she has overseen investment in the franchise’s player experience, marketing, fan development and connections with the Brooklyn community.
The team assembled a championship roster featuring Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Courtney Vandersloot before defeating the Minnesota Lynx in overtime in the decisive fifth game of the 2024 WNBA Finals.
The title was the first in Liberty history after the original WNBA franchise had previously reached the Finals five times without winning the championship.
Clara and Joe joined the players and coaching staff during New York City’s championship parade and City Hall celebration. Both owners received Keys to the City alongside the team’s players and coaches.
Joe Tsai Will Continue Leading His Business Interests
Joe co-founded Alibaba Group in 1999 and currently serves as chairman of the technology company. Joe joined Alibaba as a member of its founding team and served as chief financial officer until 2013. He later became executive vice chairman before taking over as chairman in September 2023.
His official Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment biography also lists investments in the New York Liberty, professional lacrosse teams, Los Angeles FC and several sports-media and technology companies.
The Couple Will Continue Their Philanthropic Work
Clara and Joe are also expected to continue collaborating through the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation. Their philanthropic work includes projects involving scientific research, education, the arts, criminal justice reform, humanitarian relief and economic mobility.
Clara launched the Brooklyn-based Social Justice Fund in 2020 with a $50 million commitment over 10 years. The organization supports programs intended to address racial disparities in education, health and wealth.
The family foundation has also supported the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford University, the Wu Tsai Institute at Yale University and the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance.