Mark Chipman Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Mark Chipman — A Legacy Built on Ice, Vision and Community

When you think of the revival of professional hockey in Winnipeg, one name stands out: Mark Chipman. Born July 5, 1960, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Chipman’s birthday marks the starting point of a journey that would reshape a city’s sports identity and leave an enduring imprint.

From Law to Leadership: A Career Forged in Determination

Raised in Winnipeg, Chipman’s early years set the stage for a multifaceted career. He attended high school in the city before heading to the University of North Dakota (UND), where he earned an honors B.A. in Economics (1983) and a Juris Doctorate (1985). While at UND, he also played varsity football — reflecting early on a love for sport and teamwork that would later influence his career. 

Following law school, Chipman spent some time working as a lawyer in Florida, including a stint as a prosecuting attorney before opening a private practice.

But a return to Manitoba in the late 1980s marked a turning point: he joined his family’s business, the Birchwood Automotive Group, and by 1988 relocated home — a move that set him on the path from law and automotive business to sports and community leadership. 

Rebuilding Winnipeg’s Hockey Identity — Brick by Brick

Winnipeg lost its NHL team in 1996, when the original franchise relocated to Phoenix. But Chipman couldn’t let the city’s hockey spirit fade. That same year, he led a group that purchased the Minnesota Moose (of the IHL) and relocated them to Winnipeg — rebranding them as the Manitoba Moose. This move marked Chipman’s first major foray into professional sports management. 

In 2001, Chipman, along with several local investors, co-founded True North Sports & Entertainment (TNSE). Over the next several years, TNSE laid the groundwork for a broader vision: not just a minor-league club, but a platform that could bring NHL hockey — and downtown revitalization — back to Winnipeg. 

The first major milestone under that vision came in 2004, with the opening of the then-new arena (now known as Canada Life Centre). That facility became the heartbeat of hockey and entertainment in downtown Winnipeg. 

But the crowning achievement came in 2011: Chipman and his partners — including media magnate David Thomson — successfully acquired the Atlanta Thrashers of the NHL, relocated them to Winnipeg, and ceremonially re-named them the Winnipeg Jets at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. For many in Winnipeg, it was the return of a beloved legacy. 

Today, Chipman serves as Executive Chairman of TNSE and Governor of the Winnipeg Jets on the NHL Board of Governors — leadership roles that reflect both his business acumen and his commitment to the city’s sporting culture. 

More Than Business: A Private Life with Quiet Purpose

Outside the spotlight of arenas and boardrooms, Chipman is known for his modesty and discretion. He is married to his wife, Patti, and together they have three daughters. 

Despite his considerable success, Chipman tends to stay away from the glamour often associated with sports moguls. Colleagues and community observers describe him as “buttoned down,” giving credit to teams rather than claiming headlines for himself. 

That humility extends into philanthropy. Since 1996, he and Patti have been deeply involved with the True North Youth Foundation (founded as the Manitoba Moose Yearling Foundation), focused on youth development, education, and community outreach within Winnipeg.

The Value of Vision: Estimating Net Worth

Multiple publicly available estimations place Mark Chipman’s net worth in the ballpark of US$500 million. 

This wealth stems from a diversified portfolio: his family’s business holdings (automotive and real estate), the sports franchises under TNSE, real estate development, and arena revenues tied to the Jets and entertainment events. 

Though many public sources describe this as an estimate, the figure underscores the significant financial value of successfully reinstating NHL hockey in a mid-sized market — and the foresight required to build a sustainable business around it.

Why Chipman’s Story Matters — Beyond Hockey

Mark Chipman’s journey is more than a success story in sports franchise ownership. It’s a blueprint in strategic vision, long-term commitment, and community-minded leadership. Rather than chasing quick wins, he methodically rebuilt hockey’s foundation in Winnipeg — first through minor-league persistence, then by delivering a fully reestablished NHL presence.

For cities or entrepreneurs looking to balance passion with pragmatism, Chipman’s path offers lessons: invest not just in assets, but in culture; think beyond revenue, to legacy; and remember that meaningful success often takes time — but can leave a lasting legacy.