Who Owns Denver Nuggets?

The Denver Nuggets participate in the NBA Green program, a league-wide sustainability initiative aligned with the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework. The NBA has committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030. Ball Arena implements energy efficiency measures including LED lighting retrofits and HVAC system optimization.

In November 2024, the Nuggets partnered with Arsenal F.C., the Los Angeles Rams, and the Colorado Avalanche to launch the Green Action League, a fan-driven sustainability competition across KSE's sports properties. The program focuses on in-venue aluminum recycling and fan engagement in sustainable practices. In November 2025, the Nuggets expanded this initiative with the Aluminium Assists program, a season-long fan challenge where participants earn points through recycling, ridesharing to Ball Arena, and participation in Recycle Rally events.

Ball Arena recycled over 3 million aluminum cups, cans, and bottles during the 2024-25 season. The venue uses aluminum cups for beverage service instead of single-use plastic, part of a partnership with Ball Corporation. The arena's waste management program includes composting and sustainable procurement practices.

The Nuggets' community programs include youth basketball initiatives through the Nuggets Academy, educational programs in Denver-area schools, and partnerships with local organizations. The Kroenke Sports Charity Fund supports youth sports, education, and health programs in Colorado.

The Denver Nuggets won their first NBA Championship in 2023, defeating the Miami Heat in five games in the NBA Finals. Nikola Jokic was named NBA Finals MVP after averaging 30.0 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in the series.

Jokic has won the NBA Most Valuable Player award three times: in 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2023-24. He is one of only nine players in NBA history to win three or more MVP awards. In the 2025-26 season, Jokic became the first player in nearly 80 years to lead the NBA in both rebounds and assists in a single season, and he averaged a triple-double for the second consecutive year.

The Nuggets have made 31 playoff appearances in franchise history, with five trips to the Conference Finals. The franchise has retired the jersey numbers of Alex English (#2), David Thompson (#33), Dan Issel (#44), Byron Beck (#40), Doug Moe (#425 for career wins), and Dikembe Mutombo (honored but not retired).

Head coach George Karl won the NBA Coach of the Year award in the 2012-13 season after leading the Nuggets to a franchise-record 57 wins. The Nuggets' 1994 first-round upset of the Seattle SuperSonics remains one of the most memorable playoff series in NBA history, as Denver was the first eighth seed to defeat a first seed in a best-of-five series.

The Denver Nuggets have not faced product recalls, as they are a sports franchise rather than a product manufacturer. However, several controversies and concerns have been documented.

Cross-ownership controversy: Stan Kroenke's ownership of multiple professional sports teams has drawn criticism. When Kroenke relocated the Los Angeles Rams from St. Louis to Los Angeles in 2016, some Denver fans expressed concern that his attention was divided. Kroenke addressed NFL cross-ownership rules by transferring nominal control of the Nuggets to his wife, Ann Walton Kroenke. The NBA approved this arrangement. Critics have questioned whether one owner can effectively manage franchises across four major sports leagues simultaneously.

Relocation fears (pre-2000): Before Kroenke's acquisition, the Nuggets faced persistent relocation rumors. Previous ownership group Ascent Entertainment Group had explored selling the team, and several cities expressed interest in acquiring an NBA franchise. Kroenke's purchase in 2000 was explicitly framed as a commitment to keeping the team in Denver, and no relocation concerns have surfaced since.

Altitude Sports carriage disputes: Altitude Sports, the regional sports network owned by KSE that broadcasts Nuggets and Avalanche games, has been involved in prolonged carriage disputes with major cable and satellite providers. Comcast dropped Altitude from its lineup in September 2019, and the channel remained unavailable on Comcast for over three years. DISH Network also dropped Altitude. These disputes left many Denver-area fans unable to watch Nuggets games on television, drawing criticism from fans and local media. A partial resolution was reached with Comcast in 2022, but the dispute highlighted the tension between KSE's ownership of both the team and its broadcast partner.

Coaching turnover: The Nuggets fired head coach Michael Malone in December 2024 despite Malone having led the team to the 2023 championship. The firing came during a period of inconsistent play and raised questions about the organization's patience and internal dynamics. Interim coach David Adelman took over and guided the team to a strong finish and a playoff berth.