Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai, co‑owners of Alibaba, have announced they are divorcing after almost 30 years of marriage. The decision is mutual and they both respect each other. It will not change their business roles.
Joe will remain chairman of Alibaba, and both will keep their 1.4% stake in the company. They will not sell any shares. They also hold an additional 0.5% through their foundation.
The couple owns 85% of BSE Global, the parent of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and the WNBA’s New York Liberty. Joe stays as chairman of BSE Global, while Clara is vice chair.
They will keep their positions as governors of the New York Liberty and plan to involve their children in the businesses. The divorce will not affect operations of BSE Global, the Nets or the Liberty.
Joe Tsai, 62, has a net worth of $9.7 billion, according to Bloomberg. The estimate includes stakes in Alibaba and BSE Global held by Clara.
Tsai co‑founded Alibaba with Jack Ma in 1999. In 2018 they bought a 49% stake in the Brooklyn Nets and the rights to Barclays Center. In 2019 they bought the remaining stake. In 2024 the Koch family bought 15% of BSE Global.
Alibaba did not respond to Bloomberg's request for comment outside office hours.