Ohio has a new richest family.
Denise York and her family have overtaken New Albany retail billionaire Les Wexner as the wealthiest Ohioans, according to Forbes’ newly released ranking of the 400 richest Americans.
Forbes placed York and her family at No. 158 nationally, estimating their fortune at $10 billion. Wexner and his family followed at No. 170 with an estimated net worth of $9.3 billion.
Wexner held Ohio’s top spot in the 2025 ranking, placing No. 137 nationally with the same estimated net worth of $9.3 billion. Forbes’ latest list indicates York’s wealth increased over the past year while Wexner’s remained unchanged.
York has nearly doubled her estimated wealth
since 2023, when Forbes valued her family’s fortune at $5.1 billion. At the time, Wexner remained Ohio’s richest resident with an estimated $6 billion.
By 2026, York’s fortune had grown to $10 billion, allowing her family to take Ohio’s top spot.
Who is Denise York?
York, 75, is co-chair of the San Francisco 49ers and lives in Youngstown, according to Forbes. Her family owns more than 90% of the NFL franchise.
Her father, Edward DeBartolo Sr., purchased the 49ers for $13 million in 1977. Forbes now values the team at more than $8 billion.
York took control of the 49ers from her brother, Edward DeBartolo Jr., in 2000. Her eldest son, Jed York, is the team’s CEO.
York and her husband, John, have four children. John York, a pathologist, founded DeYor Laboratories in Youngstown before selling it to Corning.
The family also completed its takeover of English soccer club Leeds United in 2023.
How did Les Wexner make his fortune?
Forbes estimates Wexner and his family’s net worth at $9.3 billion, primarily from retail.
Wexner founded The Limited in 1963 and developed a retail empire that included Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Abercrombie & Fitch and Express.
He stepped down as chairman and CEO of L Brands in 2020. The company later changed its name to Bath & Body Works.
Who are the richest people in Ohio?
Four Ohio residents and families made the 2026 Forbes 400:
- Denise York and family: No. 158, $10 billion; San Francisco 49ers
- Les Wexner and family: No. 170, $9.3 billion; retail
- Mike Brown and family: No. 224, $7.6 billion; Cincinnati Bengals
- August Troendle: No. 396, $4.4 billion; pharmaceutical services
Troendle, 70, is new to the Forbes 400 this year. He founded Cincinnati-based clinical research company Medpace in 1992 and owns nearly 19% of the company’s stock.
Forbes said its estimates represent a snapshot of each person’s wealth as of Sept. 4.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio has a new richest person as Les Wexner falls on Forbes' ranking
