When Nick Saban retired from college football in January 2024, he left behind a legacy unmatched in the sport’s modern history. Seven national championships, a .800+ winning percentage, and dozens of players groomed into NFL stars stamped his resume as arguably the greatest coach of all time. But Saban wasn’t just preparing for life after football with a rocking chair and a fishing pole—he was laying the foundation for a stunning second act. According to Forbes, the 72-year-old coach is now on the verge of becoming college football’s first billionaire, not because of TV contracts or coaching bonuses, but due to his business acumen and bold investments, especially in the luxury auto market.
At the center of Saban’s rise in the business world is Dream Motor Group, a high-end auto dealership empire he co-founded with longtime friend and business partner Joe Agresti in 2013. What started as a single Mercedes-Benz dealership has exploded into a formidable retail operation, now moving over 20,000 vehicles per year across nine high-volume locations in multiple states. In 2023, Dream Motor Group made national headlines with its $730 million acquisition of two massive luxury car megastores in the Miami area—an aggressive move that catapulted the company toward nearly $2 billion in annual revenue.
Humble Business Beginnings
Saban’s partnership with Joe Agresti didn’t happen by chance. Agresti, a successful businessman in his own right, first crossed paths with Saban during the coach’s early years in Tuscaloosa. Their relationship was rooted in mutual respect and shared values—discipline, excellence, and an insatiable work ethic. When Agresti began envisioning a luxury auto dealership brand that emphasized elite customer service and premium inventory, he saw Saban as the perfect co-founder and brand ambassador.
The first dealership under the Dream Motor Group banner launched in Birmingham, Alabama, and it quickly flourished thanks to the combination of Saban’s star power and Agresti’s operational savvy. But it wasn’t just Saban lending his name. He actively participated in strategic decisions, branding, and even personnel decisions in some instances. As Saban himself once told Automotive News, “If my name’s on it, then I want it to reflect the same values I preached in football—preparation, excellence, and accountability.”
The Dream Motor Group Empire
From that first Birmingham store, Dream Motor Group grew steadily, strategically targeting affluent metro areas with a penchant for luxury vehicles—markets like Houston, Baton Rouge, and Miami. Its focus on high-end brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, and BMW helped the company differentiate itself from traditional dealership chains. With each new location, Dream Motor Group emphasized a curated showroom experience, top-tier customer service, and the feel of exclusivity—something Saban knew how to deliver after decades running elite football programs.
In 2023, the company made its boldest move yet, acquiring Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay and Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, two of the most profitable luxury dealerships in the Southeast, for a whopping $730 million. This deal didn’t just boost the company’s revenue—it positioned Dream Motor Group as one of the largest privately held luxury auto dealer groups in the country.
Saban’s reported equity stake in the group, combined with dividends and growing valuation, has contributed massively to his net worth. Forbes now estimates that his stake in Dream Motor Group, along with other real estate and endorsement income, places him on the cusp of billionaire status.
Diversified Portfolio and Investments
While Dream Motor Group is Saban’s crown jewel in the business world, it’s far from his only venture. Over the years, he’s invested smartly and quietly in various industries, ranging from real estate developments to restaurants. Saban owns multiple residential and commercial properties across Alabama and Florida, many of which have appreciated significantly over the past decade.
He also co-owns Nick’s Kids Foundation, a charitable organization founded with his wife Terry, which supports children, families, and educational programs in the Southeastern U.S. Though not a for-profit venture, Nick’s Kids has benefitted from Saban’s name recognition and partnerships, allowing him to raise millions annually while strengthening his community ties and brand.
In the NIL era of college athletics, Saban also consulted on several athlete-brand partnerships and served as a strategic advisor for NIL collectives at Alabama before retiring. His expertise and credibility gave him influence in this emerging industry, and it’s rumored that he’s now exploring NIL consultancy and athlete-brand advising as a post-coaching interest.
The Brand That Built a Business Empire
Saban’s brand is one of discipline, consistency, and results—principles that translate seamlessly from football to business. His presence commands respect, and his involvement in any project gives it instant credibility. The reason Dream Motor Group could outmaneuver larger, corporate competitors for high-profile acquisitions wasn’t just cash—it was the confidence investors and partners had in Saban and Agresti’s vision.
Beyond the dealerships, Saban has long been a sought-after speaker and corporate advisor, charging six-figure fees for keynote addresses that emphasize leadership and team-building. Companies like Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz USA, and Regions Bank have leveraged Saban in internal leadership workshops and marketing campaigns.
His personal endorsements also continue to generate substantial income. Over the years, he has been the face of brands like Aflac, Mercedes-Benz, and Dos Equis, and he’s widely considered one of the most trusted figures in sports advertising. While coaching, Saban earned over $11 million per year at Alabama, but according to Forbes, his post-retirement earnings from business ventures could far surpass that figure annually.
Legacy Rewritten
Becoming a billionaire is rare in the coaching world. Most legendary coaches—Bear Bryant, Bobby Bowden, Tom Osborne—retired comfortably but modestly. Even Saban’s contemporaries like Urban Meyer or Dabo Swinney are more tied to institutional roles or television gigs. What separates Saban is that he thought bigger.
Where others might have been content to cash checks from ESPN or sit on university boards, Saban built an economic empire using his fame not as a crutch, but as leverage. He surrounded himself with trusted business minds, avoided frivolous investments, and focused on industries with long-term growth. In doing so, he became not just a coaching legend but a model for how athletes and coaches can transition into high-powered entrepreneurship.
Still Coaching in a Different Way
Though he’s stepped away from the sidelines, those close to Saban say his day-to-day life hasn’t slowed much. He still maintains a demanding schedule, splitting time between Alabama and Florida, overseeing Dream Motor Group strategy sessions, and mentoring young entrepreneurs and former players in business.
He continues to give motivational talks and corporate keynotes. His business acumen, coupled with decades of leadership experience, makes him uniquely qualified to speak on organizational success.
There are even whispers that Saban may launch a leadership institute—something akin to a “coaching tree for CEOs”—where corporate leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs could learn from his blueprint. If it happens, it would further solidify his post-football identity as not just a businessman, but an executive coach to America’s elite.
What Comes Next?
With Dream Motor Group poised to expand again, likely into Texas and Georgia next, Saban’s net worth could climb even higher in the coming years. Analysts speculate the company could pursue a partial public offering or attract a major private equity partner in the future—moves that would allow Saban to monetize his stake even further.
Meanwhile, fans of Alabama football and the sports world at large are adjusting to a new reality: Nick Saban, once known only as a master tactician and recruiter, may be remembered just as much for his business brilliance as for his football dynasty.