Why are there so few Black team owners in US professional sports?

A look at the fortified glass ceiling that casts a shadow over one of the most exclusive clubs in the world

As billionaire flexes go, owning a major sports franchise is hard to beat. You get to prance around in the owner's suite and host dignitaries and celebrities who gush over your prized position, all the while watching your investment sprout revenue like a magical beanstalk. Team owners cash in on television rights (ka-ching!), ticket sales (ka-ching!), licensing fees (ka-ching!) and sponsorship deals (ka-ching!).

But the most profitable moment for any sports franchise owner is when their team is up for sale. That's when other billionaires swarm in, hoping to join one of the most exclusive clubs in the world (ka-ching-a-ding-ding!).