George Argyros & family

$3.04 B

Ranked #1368 in World

About George Argyros & family

Renowned real estate mogul and philanthropist George Leon Argyros, with roots in Greece and a noteworthy career encompassing business, politics, and sports, has been a transformative figure in Southern California's landscape. A Chapman University alumnus, he later chaired its trustees and endowed the Argyros School of Business and Economics. Argyros, who once owned the Seattle Mariners, also served as Ambassador to Spain, and through Arnel & Affiliates, he controls a significant private real estate portfolio. His latest philanthropic endeavor includes a substantial donation to Chapman University.

Born

February 04, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

Age

89 years

Source Of Wealth

Real Estate, Investments

Industries

Real Estate

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Newport Beach, California

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Chapman University

Spouse

Julia Argyros

Children

George Leon Argyros was born on February 4, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised in Pasadena, California, and is a second-generation American citizen. His grandparents emigrated from Greece.

George Argyros & family: Family

Argyros is married to Julia, and they have three grown children and seven grandchildren. His son, George Argyros Jr., passed away in 2020 at the age of 55.

George Argyros & family: Career Highlights

Argyros made his fortune in real estate investments. He started his career running a grocery store before moving into buying and selling real estate, eventually focusing on gas stations. He was also involved in buying and selling property in Southern California.

In addition to his real estate ventures, Argyros owned the Seattle Mariners baseball team from 1981 to 1989. He was also the founder and CEO of Arnel & Affiliates (DBA "Arnel Property Management Company"), which does business primarily in Southern California.

George Argyros & family: Companies

Argyros is the founder and CEO of Arnel & Affiliates (DBA "Arnel Property Management Company"). The company is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, and does business primarily in Southern California.

George Argyros & family: Major Achievements

Argyros has achieved significant success in business, politics, and philanthropy. He is estimated to have a net worth of around $2 billion and owns approximately 5,500 apartments in Orange County and nearly 2 million square feet of commercial real estate in Southern California.

In politics, Argyros served as a member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations for the U.S. Trade Ambassador. He was also appointed Ambassador to Spain and Andorra in 2001.

Argyros is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has made significant donations to various organizations, including Chapman University, the Los Angeles Coliseum, and the American School of Madrid.

George Argyros & family: Awards & Achievements

Argyros has received numerous awards and recognitions for his achievements. He was inducted into the Orange County Business Hall of Fame in 1997 and received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2002.

Chapman University named its business school the Argyros School of Business and Economics in his honor.

George Argyros & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Argyros is known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his family and community.

He is also an avid sports fan and enjoys spending time with his grandchildren.

Argyros' legacy is one of success in business, politics, and philanthropy. He is a respected figure in the Orange County community and has made significant contributions to the region.

George Argyros & family: Trivia

Argyros was criticized for his lack of spending on the Seattle Mariners during his ownership of the team. He was also described as a "miserly, mean-spirited owner" by a press reporter.

Argyros reached an agreement to end a two-year standoff with the Seattle community over the Kingdome lease agreement in 1986. He added an escape clause allowing the Mariners to break the lease if attendance didn't meet certain criteria.

Argyros drafted Ken Griffey Jr. with the first pick in the 1987 MLB Draft. Griffey Jr. went on to become one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

Wealth History

Timeline

February 4, 1937

George Leon Argyros is born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Pasadena, California.

1959

Graduates from Chapman University with a major in Business and Economics.

1976-2001

Serves on Chapman University's board of trustees, including chairman.

1981

Buys Seattle Mariners baseball team for $13 million.

1986

Reaches agreement to end two-year standoff with Seattle community over Kingdome lease agreement.

1987

Drafts Ken Griffey Jr. with first pick in 1987 MLB Draft.

August 1989

Sells Seattle Mariners to Jeff Smulyan for $76.1 million.

1990

Resigns from Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations for U.S. Trade Ambassador.

1990

Appointed to board of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FreddieMac).

March 1993

Completes term on FreddieMac Board.

2001

Appointed Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, sworn in on November 21.

October 2013

Announces two $1 million donations benefiting the arts in Julia's hometown of Adrian, Michigan.

January 2018

Pledges $7.5 million for renovation of Los Angeles Coliseum.

September 2023

Argyros Family announces a $10 Million Dollars donation to Chapman University's George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics.

George Argyros & family : FAQs

What is George Argyros's current net worth?

George Argyros's current net worth is $3.04 billion.

What is George Argyros's current global rank among billionaires?

George Argyros holds the 1368th position globally among billionaires.

What is George Argyros's current ranking within the United States?

George Argyros holds the 493rd position in United States.

What was the change in George Argyros's net worth compared to the previous year?

George Argyros's net worth decreased by 240.29 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 3.28 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in George Argyros's net worth?

George Argyros's net worth increased by 0.67 million dollars recently, a 0.02% increase, with his net worth standing at 3.04 billion dollars.

What are George Argyros's main sources of wealth?

George Argyros's main source of income comes from Real Estate, Investments.

In which industry does George Argyros primarily operate?

George Argyros is primarily involved in the Real Estate industry.

What is George Argyros educational background?

George Argyros holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Chapman University.

How old is George Argyros?

George Argyros is 89 years old.

How many children does George Argyros have?

George Argyros has 3 children.

Who is George Leon Argyros and what is his connection to Chapman University?

George Leon Argyros, born on February 4, 1937, is a notable business and economics graduate of Chapman University from whom he also served as chairman of the board of trustees. The Argyros School of Business and Economics at Chapman is named in his honor.

What roles has George Argyros held in U.S. politics?

George Argyros has been involved in U.S. politics serving on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, and on the board of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. He was also appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra in 2001.

What was George Argyros’ tenure like as the owner of the Seattle Mariners?

George Argyros owned the Seattle Mariners from 1981 to 1989, a period where the team did not experience a winning season. His ownership was marked by criticism for not investing in the team, a contentious lease agreement with the Kingdome, and his eventual sale of the team due to business demands.

What philanthropic contributions has George Argyros made?

George Argyros has made significant philanthropic contributions including multi-million dollar donations to arts and education, such as funding for the renovation of the Los Angeles Coliseum, the construction of a performing arts center in Madrid, and a recent $10 million donation to Chapman University’s business school.