Ted Turner, media mogul and former owner of both the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, has died at the age of 87.
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— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 6, 2026
“Our good friend and former owner, Ted Turner, was one of a kind — a brilliant businessman, consummate showman and passionate fan of his beloved Braves,” the team said in a statement. “Ted’s visionary leadership and innovative approach to broadcast television transformed the Braves into ‘America’s Team.’
“… We will miss you, Ted. You helped make us who we are today, and the Atlanta Braves are forever grateful for the impact you made on our organization and in our community.”
Turner was a revolutionary media leader who built a reputation both in media and in sports. He took over his family’s media company in 1970 and renamed it Turner Communications group.
In 1976, he launched TBS while also purchasing the Braves after years of broadcasting them on the network. A year later, he decided to purchase the Hawks as well.
The Braves went on to win the 1995 World Series under Turner and the Hawks made the postseason 15 times during his tenure.
Turner would ultimately launch TNT in 1988, still one of the leaders in broadcasting today. He would eventually phase out of ownership of both teams throughout the ’90s and 2000s.
In 2018, he revealed a Lewy body dementia diagnosis, a disease that causes both mental and physical abilities to decline.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
