Philip F. Anschutz is an American investor and entrepreneur whose business interests span energy, transportation, real estate, sports and live entertainment. Born in 1939, Anschutz built on his family's oil-drilling roots to assemble a diversified private portfolio and a public reputation as a major donor to educational, medical and political causes. For an overview of his career and public profile, see business profile.

Early career and core investments

Anschutz began in the oil and gas sector, taking control of his father's drilling enterprise and expanding operations in the western United States. Over subsequent decades he reinvested profits into publicly traded securities, land and railroads, creating a network of companies that feed into one another: energy income helped finance transportation and real estate purchases, while strategic stakes in rail and infrastructure supported long-term value. Further context on his financial standing is available through major financial publications.

Sports, entertainment and major holdings

Beginning in the 1990s, Anschutz moved into sports and live events. He was a key backer in the formation of Major League Soccer and has been associated with several MLS franchises, including LA Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, San Jose Earthquakes and the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. His sports portfolio also includes a principal stake in National Hockey League operations and teams—he is linked to the NHL through ownership of the Los Angeles Kings—and a minority interest in National Basketball Association assets, including involvement with the NBA and the Los Angeles Lakers.

  • Live entertainment: ownership of major venues and promoters; promoter operations include festival and concert businesses such as Coachella.
  • Sports franchises: multiple soccer clubs, an NHL team, and minority NBA stakes.
  • Infrastructure and real estate: railroad holdings, land development and energy-related assets.

Many of these operations are organized under private holding companies and event-promoting subsidiaries that operate venues, manage tours and lease commercial real estate. His control of live-event infrastructure has made him a notable figure in the global entertainment business.

Philanthropy, politics and public controversies

Anschutz has donated substantial sums to universities, hospitals and cultural institutions. A prominent example is the medical campus in Colorado that bears his family name. At the same time, his political giving has generated public debate: commentators and observers have described him as aligned with conservative Christian causes and have reported donations to groups that oppose abortion and that have taken positions against some LGBTQ rights. Descriptions of these activities appear in contemporary reporting and analyses; readers seeking detailed sourcing may consult profiles and reporting in outlets such as financial and news media.

By 2019 major wealth rankings placed him among the richest Americans; those listings highlight both his holdings and his impact on the industries where he invests. Anschutz's mixture of private ownership, high-profile philanthropy and political activity make him a significant and sometimes controversial figure in business and civic life.

For further reading about specific companies, teams and philanthropic projects connected to Anschutz, consult organizational pages and reports: corporate profile, MLS history, LA Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, San Jose Earthquakes, MetroStars, NHL overview, Los Angeles Kings, NBA overview, Los Angeles Lakers, Coachella, and reporting from major financial outlets.