Robert Kraft, the Jewish owner of the New England Patriots, has been named a contributor finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, the Hall announced on Wednesday.
Kraft, who has owned the Patriots since 1994, led the franchise to six Super Bowl victories and 10 Super Bowl appearances, in both cases more than any other owner in NFL history. He purchased the team for a then-record $172 million to prevent its relocation to St. Louis and privately financed construction of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
The 2026 class also includes former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick as a coaching finalist, setting up a possible joint induction for the duo whose 23-year partnership yielded unprecedented success before ending contentiously in recent years.
Under revised Hall of Fame rules, candidates need 80% approval from the selection committee, with a maximum of three finalists from this group able to be inducted. The vote will take place in February, during Super Bowl LX week in San Francisco.
Kraft has chaired the NFL’s broadcast and media committee for 18 years and serves on 17 ownership committees.
In 2019, Kraft founded the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism to challenge hate and promote tolerance through public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.
