CNN founder, ex-Braves, Hawks owner Ted Turner dies at 87 years old

Andrew Korpan, ClutchPoints

Wed, May 6, 2026 at 2:40 PM UTC

2 min read

CNN founder, ex-Braves, Hawks owner Ted Turner dies at 87 years old appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

Media trailblazer and the founder of CNN, Ted Turner, has died — the former owner of Atlanta's Hawks and the MLB's Braves was 87 years old at the time of his death.

Turner's death was reported (via CNN) on May 6. According to the report, he died "peacefully" and was "surrounded by his family."

"Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement," the Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, Mark Thompson, said in a statement. "He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognize him and his impact on our lives and the world."

Turner has had health issues over the last decade. As CNN notes, he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018. Then, in early 2025, he was hospitalized with a "mild case of pneumonia." He did make a full recovery at a rehab facility.

Before becoming a famous entrepreneur, Turner graduated from Brown University. He has since been successful in several ventures.

Turner purchased the Braves in 1976, and he helped the franchise become a powerhouse. They won a World Series in 1995 under his ownership.

One year after purchasing the Braves, Turner bought the Hawks, hiring Hubie Brown as the team's head coach. Unfortunately, the Hawks didn't win a title under Turner's ownership.

He was also known for his work in professional wrestling. At one point, Turner acquired Jim Crockett Promotions, which was later rebranded to WCW. He founded WCW in 1988.

His media portfolio was equally impressive. Turner founded cable networks like TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, and, of course, CNN.

Braves issue statement after Ted Turner's death

In the wake of Turner's death, the Braves issued a statement . While Turner is not alive, his spirit will continue to live on in the organization. They also praised him as a "legendary philanthropist" and raved about his "compassion and generosity extended across the globe."

"Our good friend and former owner, Ted Turner, was one of a kind – a brilliant businessman, consummate showman, and passionate fan of his beloved Braves," the statement began. "Ted's visionary leadership and innovative approach to broadcast television transformed the Braves into 'America's Team.' Under his stewardship, the ballclub experienced one of the greatest runs of sustained excellence in Major League Baseball history and brought a World Series championship to Atlanta in 1995."

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Braves issue statement after Ted Turner's death