Clara Wu Tsai and Joe Tsai, the billionaire owners of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty, are ending their marriage after nearly three decades together.
A spokesperson for the couple confirmed the news in a statement to Page Six, saying the decision was reached mutually and that the two remain on good terms despite going their separate ways.
Couple Says Split Is Mutual and Amicable
According to the statement, the pair’s relationship gradually shifted over the years from a traditional marriage into a close professional partnership focused on raising their family and overseeing their business interests.
“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.
“Over the years, their relationship evolved into more of a partnership, one of running their businesses and raising their children together. While they have grown apart, their divorce is amicable and their relationship remains a strong, professional partnership.”
The former couple shares three adult children.
Sports Franchises Will Continue Operating as Usual
The spokesperson emphasized that the divorce will not impact the couple’s ownership or leadership roles within Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment.
“Their decision will not affect the business operations of Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment, the Brooklyn Nets or the New York Liberty.
© Elsa“Joe will remain Chairman and Clara will remain Vice Chair of Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment. Joe will remain Governor of the Brooklyn Nets and Clara will remain Governor of the New York Liberty. They will continue to own and be stewards of the teams with professional management in place as they always have.
“In the long run, they also plan to involve their children,” the statement added.
The spokesperson also addressed Joe Tsai’s role at Alibaba, saying the divorce will have no effect on the company or his leadership position.
“There are no plans to sell any Alibaba shares and Joe’s role as Alibaba Chairman is not affected by this development.”
The statement concluded by noting that the pair plans to continue working together on their charitable efforts.
“Joe and Clara remain deeply committed to continuing their existing philanthropic and community work. They are both driven by the best interests of their family, businesses, and communities, and are dedicated to continue working together as true partners.”
A Nearly 30-Year Marriage
Joe, 62, and Clara, 60, married in New York City in October 1996. While Joe currently lives in Hong Kong, Clara is based in the United States.
Throughout their marriage, they built one of the most influential business partnerships in professional sports and philanthropy.
Joe co-founded Alibaba Group in 1999 and currently serves as chairman of the global technology company.
Building a Sports Empire
The Tsais expanded their sports portfolio in 2018 by purchasing a 49% stake in the Brooklyn Nets before acquiring full ownership of both the Nets and the New York Liberty in 2019.
Their $2.35 billion purchase of the franchises and Barclays Center set a record at the time as the most expensive acquisition of an American sports franchise.
Clara also played a key role in relocating the New York Liberty to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, helping elevate the WNBA franchise’s profile.
When the ownership deal was finalized, Joe said:
“With full ownership of the Nets and Barclays Center, we will continue to bring our exciting brand of basketball to our fans. We’ve made a strong commitment to Brooklyn and it will be a privilege to present the best of Barclays Center with its great entertainment to our community.”
Commitment to Philanthropy
Beyond sports, the Tsais have invested heavily in charitable initiatives.
In 2014, they established the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation, which supports projects in the arts, science and social justice.
Six years later, they pledged $50 million to launch the Social Justice Fund, aimed at expanding economic opportunity throughout Brooklyn.
Clara later founded the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance in 2021, an organization dedicated to advancing research into elite athletic performance, women’s sports, injury prevention, recovery, equipment innovation and exercise science.
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