Staff reporter Tsai Hou-tsui／Comprehensive Reporting
Joe Tsai, owner of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets and the WNBA's New York Liberty, and his wife Clara Wu Tsai have officially ended their marriage after nearly 30 years together. A spokesperson confirmed the news exclusively to Page Six and Sportico, emphasizing that the decision was made with mutual respect and that the divorce process has been remarkably amicable.
The statement described the couple's relationship as having evolved over the years into a "partnership focused on running businesses and raising children." While their personal lives have taken different paths, they intend to maintain a strong, professional collaboration moving forward.
As for the big question—what happens to the sports empire? The statement made it clear: the divorce won't shake up the ownership structure or equity. Joe Tsai stays on as chairman of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE) and governor of the Nets, while Clara Wu Tsai continues as vice chair of BSE and governor of the Liberty. Their three adult children are also expected to gradually step into the business.
Beyond the basketball world, Tsai's role as co-founder and chairman of Chinese tech giant Alibaba remains untouched. There's no plan to sell any Alibaba shares, the company said. Meanwhile, the couple's joint philanthropic and community foundation work will carry on as usual—together.
Tsai and Wu got married in October 1996, and in 2019 they bought full ownership of the Nets and the Liberty for a record-breaking $2.35 billion. Under Wu's push, the Liberty moved their home games to Barclays Center in Brooklyn and captured their first WNBA championship in 2024. This peaceful split shows both sides are committed to protecting the team, the business, and the family's best interests.